Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to former FC Porto captain Jorge Costa, who passed away on August 5, 2025, at the age of 53 due to a cardiac arrest at the club’s training center. Ronaldo shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram story, featuring a picture of Costa with a dove emoji and the caption “Ate sempre Jorge Costa,” which translates to “Until Forever” or “Always love”.
Jorge Costa was a legendary defender who captained Porto to Champions League glory under Jose Mourinho in 2004 and earned 50 caps for the Portugal national team during his playing career. He spent most of his career with Porto, winning eight league titles and the Champions League. After retiring in 2006, Costa transitioned into football management, coaching various clubs across Portugal, Cyprus, and India, and even managed the Gabon national team for two years.
Costa’s legacy extends beyond his playing career. He was a key figure in Porto’s history, and his dedication and leadership will always be remembered by the club’s fans. Tributes have poured in from across the football community, including from Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who hailed Costa as “an example of dedication and commitment”.
Ronaldo and Costa never played together at club level, as Costa retired in 2006, while Ronaldo was already playing in England. They also didn’t share the pitch for the Portuguese national team, as Costa’s final international appearance was in 2002, and Ronaldo made his debut in 2003. Despite this, Ronaldo’s tribute highlights the respect and admiration he had for Costa, both as a player and a person.
