Benni McCarthy, the head coach of Kenya’s national soccer team, the Harambee Stars, recently broke down in tears during a press conference. He was remembering his former teammate and close friend, Jorge Costa, who passed away on Tuesday, August 5th, at the age of 53. Jorge Costa died from a cardiac arrest (a sudden heart problem) at FC Porto’s training center in Portugal.
The emotional moment happened while McCarthy was speaking to reporters ahead of Kenya’s second game in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). One journalist asked him how he felt after hearing about Costa’s passing, and that’s when McCarthy could no longer hold back his emotions.
At first, he bowed his head and began to cry. The room went quiet as he took a moment to collect himself. Then, with tears still in his eyes, he shared his feelings.
A Brother on and off the Pitch
“Yesterday was one of the hardest days,” McCarthy said. “It’s still difficult to believe. Jorge was still so young. He had so much more to do in life.”
Benni McCarthy and Jorge Costa played together at FC Porto, one of the most successful soccer clubs in Portugal. They were part of a legendary team that won the UEFA Champions League in 2004, which is one of the biggest tournaments in club soccer around the world. Only top teams from European countries play in it, and winning it is a huge deal.
McCarthy explained how much Jorge meant to him: “When I joined Porto, I was just a young player from Africa, full of dreams. Jorge was already a star and team captain. But instead of ignoring me, he helped me. He looked out for me like an older brother.”
Costa’s support helped McCarthy grow into a world-class striker. Benni would later go on to become South Africa’s all-time top goal scorer, with 31 goals in 80 international appearances. But he never forgot the people who helped him early on, especially Jorge.
Jorge Costa: A Soccer Legend
Jorge Costa was known for being one of the toughest defenders in soccer. His teammates called him “Bicho” (which means “animal”) and “Tanque” (which means “tank”) because of his aggressive and powerful style of play. He spent most of his career at FC Porto, where he was team captain for many years.
Costa helped Porto win 24 major trophies, including:
8 Primeira Liga titles (the top league in Portugal),
5 Portuguese Cups, and
1 UEFA Champions League trophy in 2004.
He also played briefly in England with Charlton Athletic and in Belgium with Standard Liege.
Internationally, Jorge Costa was just as successful. He played 50 matches for the Portugal national team, appearing in major tournaments like the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. He also helped Portugal’s under-20 team win the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship, which is a global tournament for players under the age of 20.
After retiring from playing, Costa became a soccer coach. He managed several clubs and even coached the Gabon national team. Most recently, in June 2024, he became the director of football at FC Porto, a leadership role where he helped plan the team’s future.
A Final Goodbye Without Saying Goodbye
During the press conference, McCarthy shared that one of the hardest things was not being able to say goodbye to Jorge.
“I wish I had called him just last week,” McCarthy said. “Sometimes we get so busy in life that we forget to reach out to the people who matter. Now I’ll never get the chance to tell him everything I wanted to say.”
Still, McCarthy chose to focus on the good memories: “He is gone, but the memories will live forever. He was a hero at Porto. He was our captain, our leader. He always stood up for us, protected us.”
Remembering the Good Times
Benni McCarthy spoke about some of the amazing moments he and Jorge Costa shared on the soccer field. One of the most special memories was winning the 2004 UEFA Champions League under coach José Mourinho, who later became one of the most famous managers in the world.
“Those were unforgettable moments,” said McCarthy. “We were like family on that team. Jorge led us with courage and heart.”
He added, “I have so much respect for him. He helped me become the player I was. And now, as a coach myself, I try to be for others what he was for me.”
A Legacy That Lives On
McCarthy ended his tribute by saying that Jorge Costa’s legacy will always live on — not just at Porto, but in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
“He’s not gone. He’s not forgotten. He lives within each of us,” McCarthy said. “We’ll carry the best of him in our hearts and try to reflect it in our own lives.”
Costa’s story shows that soccer isn’t just about scoring goals or winning matches. It’s also about teamwork, leadership, and friendship. Jorge was more than just a great player; he was someone who made others better, both on and off the field.
Soccer Fact Time! 🟢
The UEFA Champions League is like the “World Cup” for club teams in Europe. Only the best teams from each country get to play in it.
FC Porto is one of the “Big Three” clubs in Portugal, along with Benfica and Sporting CP.
Benni McCarthy is the only South African to have ever won the UEFA Champions League.
A team captain in soccer wears a special armband and is usually the leader on the field, responsible for motivating the team and communicating with the referee.
Though Jorge Costa may be gone, his story will continue to inspire young players around the world. And thanks to people like Benni McCarthy, who speak with love and honesty, we’re reminded of the deep friendships that sports can create.
