Breaking News: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Fenerbahce, expressed profound grief over the unexpected passing of former Porto Captain Jorge Costa, aged 53, just prior to their UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Feyenoord.
Jorge Costa, a stalwart defender for Porto, died on August 5, 2025, following a heart attack. The news sent shockwaves through the football community in Portugal and beyond. Costa’s death occurred while mourinho was preparing for the crucial third qualifying round match against Feyenoord at Stadion Feyenoord in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Porto Football Club released a statement announcing Costa’s death and confirmed plans for a public farewell ceremony at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal, on August 7, 2025. The club described Costa as a “symbol” of Porto, a “leader,” and a “role model.”
The Portuguese national team also issued a message of condolence, highlighting Costa’s impact as a player and a person. He represented Portugal in 19 international matches between 1993 and 2001.
Costa enjoyed a highly successful playing career, most notably under the guidance of Jose Mourinho at Porto. Together, they celebrated victories in the 2003 UEFA Cup and the prestigious 2004 UEFA Champions League. He retired as a player in 2006 after a stint with Charleroi in Belgium.
Following his playing days, Costa transitioned into coaching, beginning as an assistant coach at Braga in Portugal. He later returned to Porto, serving as the club’s General Director from 2018 to 2020. He most recently managed Penafiel in the Portuguese Liga Portugal 2.
Mourinho’s Emotional Response
During a press conference held before the Feyenoord match,Jose Mourinho visibly struggled to contain his emotions while speaking about Costa.He described costa as more than just a captain, emphasizing his leadership qualities and unwavering dedication. Mourinho recounted how Costa woudl “collect the garbage,” a metaphor for his willingness to do whatever was necessary for the team.
“A situation about my history and past,” Mourinho stated, his voice filled with emotion. “It becomes your captain, your leader. The vital thing is not the tape, but Jorge was such a person.” He acknowledged the difficulty of focusing on the match amidst such personal loss but vowed to honor Costa’s memory by remaining professional.
Mourinho shared a poignant imagined conversation with Costa,stating,”I know,if you could talk now,you would say: ‘Gentleman,quit crying. You have a match tomorrow and your children need to see you ready and strong.’ I promise you, Bicho, I will stay with us.” “Bicho” is a nickname Mourinho often used for Costa, translating to “bug” or “creature” in Portuguese, a term of endearment.
Fenerbahce ultimately played Feyenoord on August 6, 2025, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw. The result leaves Fenerbahce needing a strong performance in the return leg at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, to advance to the group stages of the Champions League.
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