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| Diego Costa | |
|---|---|
| Name | Diego Costa |
| Caption | Costa playing for Chelsea F.C. in 2015 |
| Fullname | Diego da Silva Costa |
| Birth date | 1988-10-07 |
| Birth place | Lagarto, Brazil |
| Height | 1.86 m |
| Position | Striker |
| Youth clubs | Barcelona Esportivo Capela, Vasco da Gama youth, Reservoir United |
| Senior clubs | Celta de Vigo, Córdoba CF, Albacete Balompié, Real Valladolid, Rayo Vallecano, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea F.C., Atletico Mineiro |
| National team | Brazil; Spain |
Diego Costa (born 7 October 1988) is a professional footballer who played as a striker for clubs in Brazil, Spain, and England, and represented both Brazil and Spain at senior international level. Known for a combative physical approach, clinical finishing, and controversial on-field conduct, he won multiple domestic titles with Atlético Madrid and Chelsea F.C. while attracting strong media attention across La Liga and the Premier League.
Born in Lagarto, Brazil, he began in local youth setups including Barcelona Esportivo Capela and later moved to Vasco da Gama's youth system before relocating to Spain as a teenager. Early senior opportunities came via a trial and signing with Celta de Vigo's reserve structure and subsequent loan spells at Córdoba CF and Albacete Balompié, where performances in Segunda División B and Segunda División provided exposure to scouts from clubs such as Real Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano.
After emerging with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, he earned a transfer to Atlético Madrid under manager Diego Simeone, where he formed a striking partnership with forwards like Radamel Falcao and contributed to title campaigns including the UEFA Europa League and La Liga challenge. A high-profile transfer to Chelsea F.C. in the Premier League reunited him with manager José Mourinho; there he won the Premier League title and the Football League Cup before returning to Atlético Madrid amid transfer disputes and registration controversies involving FIFA and The Football Association. His second spell at Atlético Madrid featured notable matches in the UEFA Champions League and domestic derbies against Real Madrid C.F. and FC Barcelona. Later stages of his club career included a return to Brazil with Atlético Mineiro and short stints in other competitions, while sharing dressing rooms with teammates such as Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Diego Godín, and managers including Antonio Conte and Simeone.
Initially capped by Brazil in a friendly under manager Carlos Alberto Parreira, he later acquired Spanish nationality and was selected for Spain by coach Vicente del Bosque for UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying and subsequently the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament squad. His switch generated debate involving figures like Luis Rubiales and journalists from outlets across Spain and Brazil, raising discussions before and after competitive appearances against opponents such as France, Romania, and Slovakia.
As a centre-forward he combined attributes associated with strikers like Roberto Firmino, Sergio Agüero, and Fernando Torres: physical strength, hold-up play, aerial ability, and an eye for goal. Managers including Diego Simeone, José Mourinho, and Antonio Conte praised his work-rate and tactical importance while pundits from BBC Sport, The Guardian, and Marca criticized his disciplinary record and on-field aggression. Incidents involving clashes with players such as John Terry, Diego Godín (teammate turned opponent), and referees prompted suspensions issued by The Football Association and disciplinary committees in La Liga.
Born to parents from Brazil, he retained ties to his hometown Lagarto. Public aspects of his life involved relationships and legal matters reported in Spanish and Brazilian media, and his nationality change to Spain provoked commentary from politicians and sports administrators including officials at the Real Federación Española de Fútbol and the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol. Outside football he has been involved with brand endorsements and had interactions with charity initiatives in Sergipe and Rio de Janeiro.
Across club competitions he amassed notable goal totals in La Liga and the Premier League, finishing seasons as top scorer in specific campaigns for his clubs and contributing in UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League fixtures. Major honours include the La Liga title with Atlético Madrid, the Premier League title and Football League Cup with Chelsea F.C., and the UEFA Europa League with Atlético Madrid. Individual recognitions and seasonal awards were reported by organizations such as UEFA, Premier League archives, and national sports media.
Category:1988 births Category:Living people Category:Brazilian footballers Category:Spanish footballers Category:Association football forwards