Jose Mourinho leads host of football stars paying tribute to Porto legend Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa after former club president, 87, passes away
- Former Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa passed away on Saturday
- Porto won 69 titles during his 42-year tenure, including 2004 Champions League
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Former Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa has died at the age of 87.
Da Costa led the Portuguese giants during the most successful period in their history, which included the 2004 Champions League triumph.
During his 42 years in charge of Porto, the club won 69 trophies and were crowned European champions twice.
His reign as club president came to an end in 2024 and he was succeeded by former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas.
Jose Mourinho, who was hired by Da Costa as Porto manager in 2002, paid an emotion tribute to his old employer.
He posted on Instagram: ‘Mourinho, you were the coach who brought me the greatest joys’. Those were your words, Mr. President.
Former Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa has tragically passed away at the age of 87
Da Costa led the Portuguese giants during their most successful period in their history
Jose Mourinho, who was hired by Da Costa as Porto manager in 2002, paid tribute to Da Costa
‘My words are: I feel a tremendous honor to be part of your history and I will always be grateful for your trust and the influence you had on my career.
‘This is how we said our goodbyes last summer in your beloved city. The smile from the first day and the joy of the last time we were together.’
Former Porto manager Sergio Conceicao took the tragic news of Da Costa’s death hard following AC Milan’s 1-0 over Verona on Saturday.
Conceicao was set to face the media after the match but was unable to do so as he was ‘shaken’, Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealed.
Speaking to the media, the Swede said: ‘I am here because the coach is in the locker room.
‘He is very shaken at the death of the Porto president, who was like a father to him. So I am here.’
Ex-Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma also took to social media to pay tribute to Da Costa.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘The man who made FC Porto a giant has passed away. Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa was not just a president, he was a living legend, a leader who changed the history of Portuguese football and elevated the name of FC Porto to the top of the world. With him, the club became synonymous with ambition, achievement and glory,” Quaresma wrote on social media.
During Da Costa’s tenure, Porto won 69 titles and were crowned European champions twice
Former Porto manager Sergio Conceicao was unable to face the media after AC Milan’s win on Saturday as he was ‘shaken’
Porto fans paid tribute to Da Costa as they gathered outside the Estadio do Dragao Stadium
‘I had the honour of wearing this jersey and feeling the weight of your history, marked by your legacy. Your passion, determination and vision made possible what many thought was impossible.
‘All Porto fans and football lovers feel your loss, but your memory will be eternal. Thank you for everything, President. Rest in peace.’
Former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba, who played for Porto from 2018 to 2022, posted on X: ‘Rest in peace President Pinto Da Costa, I am grateful for the chance you gave me to join the great club of FC Porto.
‘My sincere condolences to the relatives and to the whole great family of the Portistas.’
Meanwhile, Porto fans paid tribute to the club legend as they gathered outside the Estadio do Dragao Stadium as they chanted songs, with a huge banner of Da Costa hung from a nearby bridge.
