Portuguese football lost one of its legends as former player and manager, Artur Jorge, passed away at the age of 78.
Jorge left behind an impressive legacy which saw him score 105 goals in 130 matches for Benfica during his time as a player.
However, he truly made a name for himself as a manager, earning the prestigious title of European Coach of the Year in 1987 after securing European Cup success. Jorge’s unique accolade came when he was revered by both Benfica and Porto fans, as he won the Primeira Liga title four times with Benfica as a player, and also guided Porto to three domestic championships during his two managerial stints there.
His managerial career also included a stint in Paris Saint-Germain, where he led the team to their second French top-flight triumph in 1994. His impressive track record also extended to leading Porto to European Cup glory in 1987 after defeating Bayern Munich 2-1. Additionally, he managed the national teams of Portugal and Switzerland, as well as holding coaching roles in Cameroon and the Middle East.
A statement from his family confirmed his passing, saying that “Artur Jorge Braga de Melo Teixeira passed away this morning in Lisbon following a long illness.” His death was also mourned by Porto, who expressed that “his death leaves FC Porto without a legend.”
He was remembered by ex-PSG president Michel Denisot as “the greatest coach I have known,” attributing their rapid growth to Jorge’s influence. Despite a short stint with the Cameroon national team where he failed to secure their qualification for the 2006 World Cup, Jorge left a lasting impact on the football world.
After concluding his 35-year managerial career in 2015, Jorge’s legacy will live on in the hearts of football fans around the world.
