Jorge Costa, the esteemed former captain of FC Porto, has passed away at the age of 53. The club confirmed that Costa suffered a cardiac arrest at their training center. Known for his leadership and defensive prowess, Costa led Porto to Champions League victory in 2004 under the guidance of Jose Mourinho. His career spanned various leagues, including a loan spell at Charlton Athletic in the Premier League during the 2001-02 season.

A Storied Career

Costa's journey began at Porto's academy, and he went on to make 324 appearances for the club. His tenure was marked by 24 trophies, including the UEFA Cup and eight Primeira Liga titles. In 2000, he was honored with the Portuguese Golden Ball, recognizing him as the league's best player.

Transition to Management

After retiring in 2006, Costa transitioned into management, taking roles at 16 clubs across Portugal, Romania, Cyprus, Tunisia, India, and Gabon. Last season, he returned to Porto as the director of professional football, continuing to influence the club's future.

Legacy and Impact

"Throughout his life, both on and off the pitch, Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion, and an unshakeable spirit of conquest," the club stated. His legacy lives on through the generations of fans he inspired and the indelible mark he left on the sport.

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