{"id":250440,"first_name":"Diego","last_name":"da Silva Costa","short_name":"Diego Costa","common_name":"Diego Costa","place_of_birth":"Lagarto, SE","gender":"male","height":185,"weight":86,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T11:09:56.428Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:05:33.200Z","locale":"en","age":36,"stb_id":"diego-costa","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Diego Costa","top_position":null,"introduction":"Diego Costa, a renowned striker in the world of football, is known for his fiery temperament and prolific goal-scoring ability. Currently playing for Grêmio in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Costa has made a mark in European football with prolific stints at Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, winning major titles including the Premier League and La Liga.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nDiego da Silva Costa was born on 7 October 1988, in the city of Lagarto, Sergipe, Brazil. Diego was named in honor of the legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, a decision made by his father José de Jesus, even amidst the traditional rivalry between Brazil and Argentina. Growing up, Costa played street football regularly despite the remote location of his hometown, which made any dreams of professional football seem distant. However, his passion for the game was evident from a young age. Later on, he established a football academy in his hometown as a way to give back, covering all expenses himself. Apart from football, Costa's interests included cheering for his favorite Brazilian club, Palmeiras. Initially, he tried out for Atlético Clube Lagartense but eventually moved to São Paulo at 15 years of age to live with his uncle, who linked him to his first professional football experience.\n\n## Youth Career\nCosta's youth career took a significant step when he joined Barcelona Esportivo Capela in São Paulo. This team was known for providing opportunities for young talents from favelas as an alternative to street life challenges. Despite having no formal coaching before joining, Costa showed raw talent, turning professional at the age of 16. His aggressive playing style was apparent early on, earning him a suspension during his time in the youth tournaments for an altercation with an opponent. Notably, his skill caught the attention of Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes, leading to his first European contract with Braga.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\nDiego Costa’s professional journey began when he signed for Braga in 2006. Though he didn’t play for Braga’s first team, a loan to Penafiel showcased his abilities, eventually facilitating his transfer to Atlético Madrid in 2007. His early years at Atlético involved several loans to clubs including Braga, Celta Vigo, and Albacete, where he impressed enough to earn a permanent move to Real Valladolid in 2009. His performance with Valladolid caught the eye, especially as he ended as the club’s top scorer for the season. In 2010, Costa's destiny intertwined with Atlético Madrid once more, serving as a backup initially before cementing his role as a key player. Under guidance from manager Diego Simeone, Costa transformed into one of La Liga's leading goal-scorers, winning pivotal titles like the 2013–14 La Liga and reaching the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final.\n\nIn 2014, Costa made a major move to Chelsea for £32 million, making a significant impact in the Premier League. He helped Chelsea secure two Premier League titles in the 2014–15 and 2016–17 seasons. Costa's form was undeniable, despite controversies regarding his aggressive style on the pitch. During a contentious phase in 2017, Costa was excluded from Chelsea's primary squad after disagreeing with manager Antonio Conte, eventually leading to his return to Atlético Madrid later that year in a high-profile transfer.\n\nReturning to Atlético during their transfer ban in January 2018, Costa continued to perform at a high level, leading the club to a UEFA Europa League title in 2018. His prowess in front of goal continued to serve Atlético until their mutual contract termination in December 2020. Remaining a formidable striker, Costa's next ventures took him to Atlético Mineiro and Wolverhampton Wanderers, before signing with Botafogo back in Brazil.\n\n## National Team Career\n\n### Senior National Team\nInitially representing Brazil, Costa played friendly matches for the national team in 2013. However, he switched allegiance to Spain later that year after receiving Spanish citizenship. Costa made his Spanish national team debut in 2014 and was a part of the World Cup squads for Spain in both 2014 and 2018. Over his international career with Spain, Costa notched up 24 caps and scored 10 goals, bringing his combative style and goal-scoring instincts to the international stage.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nDiego Costa is recognized primarily for his role as a striker, known for his physicality and tenacity on the pitch. He is proficient in maintaining possession, utilizing his robust build to hold off defenders and create space for teammates. Costa is technically skilled with the ability to score a variety of goals from different positions and situations on the field. His work-rate and aggressive nature are central to his playing style, often described as a 'battering ram' which was perfectly suited to the physicality of the Premier League. His tactical awareness allows him to exploit defenses effectively and has cemented his reputation as a crucial player in pivotal matches.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his career, Costa has been recognized for accumulating impressive stats, including particularly prolific seasons at Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, which significantly contributed to his team's successes in domestic and international competitions.\n\n## Records\nCosta holds several accolades, including being the fastest scorer in the 2018 UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid, setting a record at only 49 seconds into the match. His career is marked with numerous other team achievements in Spain's top-flight league and Europe's premier competitions.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n\n### Team Achievements\n- La Liga: 2013–14 (Atlético Madrid)\n- UEFA Europa League: 2017–18 (Atlético Madrid)\n- Premier League: 2014–15, 2016–17 (Chelsea)\n- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2021 (Atlético Mineiro)\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- PFA Team of the Year: 2014–15 Premier League \n- Premier League Player of the Month: August 2014, November 2016\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nCosta’s significant contributions have been acknowledged with numerous awards recognizing his tenacity and skill in attack, contributing to both his club and country’s successes.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nCosta's career presents a fascinating narrative of determination, adaptation, and triumph against the odds. His journey from humble beginnings in Brazil to the peaks of European football exemplifies his resolve and capability as a top-tier forward. His ability to influence crucial matches through goals and presence has left a lasting impact on the clubs he has represented.\n\n## Off the Field\nCosta's influence extends beyond the football field, where he has been involved in various community initiatives, especially his academy in his hometown aimed at nurturing young talents as alternatives to street life. Despite controversies, his footballing talent and strong work ethic have bolstered his reputation in the sports community.\n\n## Personal Life\nOff the pitch, Diego Costa remains private about his personal life. His family, particularly his father, played a significant role in his early football journey. Though initially challenged by his humble beginnings, his tenacity and love for football defined his journey in professional sports.","stb_internal_id":"0193012a-b390-76dd-8374-07d319b69579","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":null,"roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Diego Costa, a renowned striker in the world of football, is known for his fiery temperament and prolific goal-scoring ability. Currently playing for Grêmio in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Costa has made a mark in European football with prolific stints at Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, winning major titles including the Premier League and La Liga.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Diego da Silva Costa was born on 7 October 1988, in the city of Lagarto, Sergipe, Brazil. Diego was named in honor of the legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, a decision made by his father José de Jesus, even amidst the traditional rivalry between Brazil and Argentina. Growing up, Costa played street football regularly despite the remote location of his hometown, which made any dreams of professional football seem distant. However, his passion for the game was evident from a young age. Later on, he established a football academy in his hometown as a way to give back, covering all expenses himself. Apart from football, Costa's interests included cheering for his favorite Brazilian club, Palmeiras. Initially, he tried out for Atlético Clube Lagartense but eventually moved to São Paulo at 15 years of age to live with his uncle, who linked him to his first professional football experience.

Youth Career

Costa's youth career took a significant step when he joined Barcelona Esportivo Capela in São Paulo. This team was known for providing opportunities for young talents from favelas as an alternative to street life challenges. Despite having no formal coaching before joining, Costa showed raw talent, turning professional at the age of 16. His aggressive playing style was apparent early on, earning him a suspension during his time in the youth tournaments for an altercation with an opponent. Notably, his skill caught the attention of Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes, leading to his first European contract with Braga.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Diego Costa’s professional journey began when he signed for Braga in 2006. Though he didn’t play for Braga’s first team, a loan to Penafiel showcased his abilities, eventually facilitating his transfer to Atlético Madrid in 2007. His early years at Atlético involved several loans to clubs including Braga, Celta Vigo, and Albacete, where he impressed enough to earn a permanent move to Real Valladolid in 2009. His performance with Valladolid caught the eye, especially as he ended as the club’s top scorer for the season. In 2010, Costa's destiny intertwined with Atlético Madrid once more, serving as a backup initially before cementing his role as a key player. Under guidance from manager Diego Simeone, Costa transformed into one of La Liga's leading goal-scorers, winning pivotal titles like the 2013–14 La Liga and reaching the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final.

In 2014, Costa made a major move to Chelsea for £32 million, making a significant impact in the Premier League. He helped Chelsea secure two Premier League titles in the 2014–15 and 2016–17 seasons. Costa's form was undeniable, despite controversies regarding his aggressive style on the pitch. During a contentious phase in 2017, Costa was excluded from Chelsea's primary squad after disagreeing with manager Antonio Conte, eventually leading to his return to Atlético Madrid later that year in a high-profile transfer.

Returning to Atlético during their transfer ban in January 2018, Costa continued to perform at a high level, leading the club to a UEFA Europa League title in 2018. His prowess in front of goal continued to serve Atlético until their mutual contract termination in December 2020. Remaining a formidable striker, Costa's next ventures took him to Atlético Mineiro and Wolverhampton Wanderers, before signing with Botafogo back in Brazil.

National Team Career

Senior National Team

Initially representing Brazil, Costa played friendly matches for the national team in 2013. However, he switched allegiance to Spain later that year after receiving Spanish citizenship. Costa made his Spanish national team debut in 2014 and was a part of the World Cup squads for Spain in both 2014 and 2018. Over his international career with Spain, Costa notched up 24 caps and scored 10 goals, bringing his combative style and goal-scoring instincts to the international stage.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Diego Costa is recognized primarily for his role as a striker, known for his physicality and tenacity on the pitch. He is proficient in maintaining possession, utilizing his robust build to hold off defenders and create space for teammates. Costa is technically skilled with the ability to score a variety of goals from different positions and situations on the field. His work-rate and aggressive nature are central to his playing style, often described as a 'battering ram' which was perfectly suited to the physicality of the Premier League. His tactical awareness allows him to exploit defenses effectively and has cemented his reputation as a crucial player in pivotal matches.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his career, Costa has been recognized for accumulating impressive stats, including particularly prolific seasons at Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, which significantly contributed to his team's successes in domestic and international competitions.

Records

Costa holds several accolades, including being the fastest scorer in the 2018 UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid, setting a record at only 49 seconds into the match. His career is marked with numerous other team achievements in Spain's top-flight league and Europe's premier competitions.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

La Liga: 2013–14 (Atlético Madrid)
UEFA Europa League: 2017–18 (Atlético Madrid)
Premier League: 2014–15, 2016–17 (Chelsea)
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2021 (Atlético Mineiro)

Individual Achievements

PFA Team of the Year: 2014–15 Premier League
Premier League Player of the Month: August 2014, November 2016

Awards and Recognition

Costa’s significant contributions have been acknowledged with numerous awards recognizing his tenacity and skill in attack, contributing to both his club and country’s successes.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Costa's career presents a fascinating narrative of determination, adaptation, and triumph against the odds. His journey from humble beginnings in Brazil to the peaks of European football exemplifies his resolve and capability as a top-tier forward. His ability to influence crucial matches through goals and presence has left a lasting impact on the clubs he has represented.

Off the Field

Costa's influence extends beyond the football field, where he has been involved in various community initiatives, especially his academy in his hometown aimed at nurturing young talents as alternatives to street life. Despite controversies, his footballing talent and strong work ethic have bolstered his reputation in the sports community.

Personal Life

Off the pitch, Diego Costa remains private about his personal life. His family, particularly his father, played a significant role in his early football journey. Though initially challenged by his humble beginnings, his tenacity and love for football defined his journey in professional sports.

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Diego Costa: Statistics