Jorge Costa, FC Porto Legend, Dies at 53

Jorge Costa, legendary former FC Porto captain and director of football, died at age 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club’s training center. Known as 'Bicho' and 'The Beast' for his fearless defending, Costa played over 380 matches for Porto, leading the team to the UEFA Cup in 2003 and Champions League victory in 2004 under Jose Mourinho, and winning eight league titles. He earned 50 caps for Portugal and was a key figure in the national team's 'Golden Generation.' After retiring, Costa managed teams in Portugal, Cyprus, India—including Mumbai City FC—and Gabon before returning to Porto as director of football in 2024. Tributes have poured in from across the football world, including messages from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho, highlighting his leadership and legacy. Porto and the Portuguese Football Federation declared moments of silence in his honor.