Football world pays tribute to former Mumbai City FC head coach Jorge Costa
Tributes poured in from around the world following the passing of FC Porto legend Jorge Costa, who also spent time in the ISL.
06 Aug, 2025
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Jorge Costa, former Mumbai City FC head coach and FC Porto legend, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 53 following a sudden cardiac arrest. He was serving as FC Porto’s Director of Professional Football at the time of his passing.
A commanding figure both on the touchline and during his playing days, Costa took charge of Mumbai City FC in 2018. In his two seasons at the helm, he led the club to the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-finals in 2018–19.
Widely respected for his leadership on and off the pitch, Costa enjoyed a remarkable playing career with FC Porto. He captained the side to UEFA Champions League glory under José Mourinho in 2004, a victory remembered as one of European football’s greatest underdog triumphs.
Mourinho, now the head coach of Turkish club Fenerbahçe SK, was visibly emotional and broke down in tears during a pre-match press conference upon learning of Costa’s passing.
"It's part of my history that goes," a tearful Mourinho said.
"You have captains and you have leaders. It's not always about the armband but what you represent. And Jorge was one of these guys who cleaned the garbage and let the coach do his job as a coach,” he added.
A few years ago, Mourinho shared how Jorge Costa’s leadership on the pitch made him one of the most reliable captains he had ever worked with.
"I had captains who were not leaders. I had one at Porto, Jorge Costa. One day, we were losing a match against a team called Belenenses, we were down 2-0 at halftime. I was walking to the locker room, and everyone saw I was furious.
When I was about to enter, Jorge Costa told me, ‘Wait outside for two minutes, please.’ He went in, closed the door, and did the dirty work for me. Then he opened the door and said, ‘Coach us.’ Because in the locker room, he did everything I would have done.
We won 3-2. He was a centre-back, had never scored goals in his life; that day, he scored two. A captain and a leader are very different things. You can’t buy leaders. You can’t manufacture leaders. And when you have them, your team is one step ahead."
Later on Tuesday, José Mourinho took to social media to pay his final tribute to his “top warrior.”
In addition to Mourinho, several football clubs, former teammates, and official football pages also shared heartfelt messages, honouring Jorge Costa’s legacy and impact on the game.
'Can't believe... RIP, Sir," Chakrabarti shared via his Instagram stories.
He was more than just a coach; he was a mentor who pushed me to better every single day. So many of the skills and habits I carry with me today were shaped under his guidance. I'll always be grateful for the belief he showed in me and the lessons he taught me on and off the pitch," wrote Amrinder Singh.
Former ATK FC and Portugal striker Hélder Postiga also shared a tribute on his Instagram stories, which included a message that translates to English, “My friend, my captain and often an inspiration! Example of commitment in sacrifice and message. You left too soon, my "Bicho", but you will stay forever.”
Current Mumbai City FC captain Lallianzuala Chhangte pays his tribute, saying, “ RIP Coach. Sending my deepest condolences to his family. May his family find strength and solace in the days ahead.
Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo shared a picture of himself alongside Costa on his Instagram story, captioning: “Ate sempre Jorge Costa”, which translates to “Until Forever”.
Other Portuguese stars like Bruno Fernandes, Pepe, Luís Nani, and Diogo Dalot also took to their Instagram stories to pay tribute to Jorge Costa.
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