A Heartfelt Tribute from Jose Mourinho to Jorge Costa
Jose Mourinho, the renowned football manager, expressed deep emotion as he paid tribute to his former Porto captain, Jorge Costa, who passed away at the age of 53. The heartfelt remarks came during a press conference ahead of Fenerbahce’s Champions League qualifier on Wednesday, just hours after the news of Costa’s passing spread.
Costa was not only a key player in Mourinho’s successful Porto team but also a symbol of leadership and dedication. His role as the captain of the 2004 Champions League-winning squad remains one of the most iconic chapters in Portuguese football history. During his time at Porto, Costa earned 50 caps for Portugal and secured an impressive 24 trophies, including eight Primeira Liga titles, the UEFA Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup.
A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication
Mourinho reflected on the impact Costa had on his career, highlighting the importance of leadership beyond just wearing the captain’s armband. “You have captains and you have leaders. It’s not always about the armband but what you represent,” Mourinho said, emphasizing how Costa would often take on the “dirty work” in the dressing room, allowing the coach to focus on his responsibilities.
The manager shared a memorable story from a match where Costa, frustrated with the team’s performance, addressed the entire squad at halftime. This moment led to a dramatic turnaround, with Costa scoring two crucial goals to secure a 3-2 victory. “That’s perfection for a coach when his captain does this work,” Mourinho added.
A Life Beyond Football
Costa returned to Porto last year as a director of football, continuing his involvement in the sport. Tragically, he passed away at the club’s training center following a cardiac arrest. Reports indicate that he had previously suffered a heart attack in 2022 and had been experiencing symptoms of intense heat after a television interview.
Porto’s medical team provided immediate assistance, using a defibrillator before transporting him to Sao Joao Hospital. Despite their efforts, Costa succumbed to his condition in the early afternoon.
A Lasting Impact on Football
Throughout his playing career, Costa made 324 appearances for Porto, becoming a household name in Portuguese football. He is best remembered for leading the team to the 2004 Champions League title, where they defeated Manchester United, Lyon, and Deportivo La Coruna before securing a 3-0 win over Monaco in the final.
In addition to his success with Porto, Costa also played for Charlton Athletic in the Premier League and later joined Standard Liege in Belgium. He went on to manage 17 different teams across various countries, including stints in Portugal, Cyprus, Romania, France, Tunisia, and as the head coach of Gabon’s national team.
Tributes from Across the Football World
The football community mourned the loss of Costa, with heartfelt messages pouring in from clubs and players alike. FC Porto released a statement expressing their profound sadness, calling him an “inescapable figure in the Club’s history.” They highlighted his embodiment of values such as dedication, leadership, and passion.
SC Braga, where Costa once served as a head coach, also expressed deep sorrow, describing him as a “historic figure in national football.” Charlton Athletic extended their condolences, while Cristiano Ronaldo shared a simple yet poignant message on Instagram: “Goodbye, Jorge Costa.”
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised Costa as a “leader and a true warrior who inspired generations.” His legacy continues to live on through the memories of fans and the impact he had on the sport.
Moving Forward with Grief and Gratitude
Despite his personal grief, Mourinho emphasized the importance of moving forward. “If he could speak with me now, he would tell me, come on, do your press conference. And he would say tomorrow play the game, Mister, win the game and forget about me. That would be Jorge.”
Mourinho’s words reflect the deep respect and admiration he had for Costa, not just as a player but as a leader and a man of great character. As the football world mourns the loss of a legend, the legacy of Jorge Costa will continue to inspire future generations.