FC Porto has announced the death of Jorge Costa, the club’s former captain and current director of professional football, who passed away at the age of 53 following a cardiac arrest at the team’s training ground.
“The legendary FC Porto captain and current director of professional football passed away this Tuesday following a cardiopulmonary arrest,” the club said in an official statement.
Costa collapsed on Tuesday morning during training and was immediately taken to hospital, where he died shortly after arrival, according to local reports.
A former Portuguese international defender, Costa spent the majority of his playing career with FC Porto. He won eight league titles and was part of the team that lifted the Champions League trophy in 2004 under coach Jose Mourinho. He also earned 50 caps for Portugal and was a member of the golden generation that won the 1991 Under-20 World Cup alongside Luis Figo.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro expressed his shock on social media, describing Costa as “an example of dedication and commitment.”
Rivals Benfica and Sporting Lisbon also paid their respects. Benfica’s statement said, “Portuguese football is poorer today. Jorge Costa was a key figure in football and national sport—as a player, coach, and most recently, a manager.”