Portuguese football mourns the loss of FC Porto icon Jorge Costa, who died Tuesday following a cardiac arrest at the club's training center. The former defender and current Director of Professional Football was 53.
Costa collapsed during routine activities at Porto's training complex and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical teams failed to revive him. His death comes during his second season in a leadership role under club president André Villas-Boas.
Known as "O Dragão" for his commanding presence, Costa made 383 appearances for Porto between 1992-2005, captaining the team to historic European victories including the 2003 UEFA Cup and 2004 Champions League under José Mourinho. The defender also earned 50 caps for Portugal's national team.
Costa's legacy includes being one of only six players to win five consecutive Portuguese League titles with Porto. Current players and staff observed a moment of silence at Wednesday's training session as tributes poured in from global football communities.
