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Diego Costa facts for kids

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Not to be confused with Diogo Costa.
In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is da Silva and the second or paternal family name is Costa.
Quick facts for kids
Diego Costa
Iran and Spain match at the FIFA World Cup 23.jpg
Costa with Spain at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Personal information
Date of birth (1988-10-07) 7 October 1988 (age 36)
Place of birth Lagarto, Sergipe, Brazil
Height 1.86 m
Playing position Striker
Youth career
2004–2006 Barcelona de Capela
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2006 Braga 0 (0)
2006 → Penafiel (loan) 13 (5)
2007–2009 Atlético Madrid 0 (0)
2007 → Braga (loan) 6 (0)
2007–2008 → Celta (loan) 30 (6)
2008–2009 → Albacete (loan) 35 (10)
2009–2010 Valladolid 34 (8)
2010–2014 Atlético Madrid 94 (43)
2012 → Rayo Vallecano (loan) 16 (10)
2014–2017 Chelsea 89 (52)
2017–2020 Atlético Madrid 61 (12)
2021–2022 Atlético Mineiro 15 (4)
2022–2023 Wolverhampton Wanderers 23 (1)
2023 Botafogo 12 (3)
2024 Grêmio 20 (7)
National team
2013 Brazil 2 (0)
2014–2018 Spain 24 (10)
  • Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 22:43, 8 December 2024 (UTC).
† Appearances (Goals).

Diego da Silva Costa (born 7 October 1988) is a famous footballer. He plays as a striker for the Brazilian club Grêmio. He is known for his strong playing style and scoring goals.

Costa started his football journey in Brazil. He moved to Portugal at 17 to join Braga in 2006. He didn't play for Braga's main team. Instead, he went on loan to Penafiel. The next year, he signed with Atlético Madrid. He spent time on loan at Braga, Celta Vigo, and Albacete.

His good performance led him to Real Valladolid in 2009. He was their top scorer that season. Then, he returned to Atlético Madrid. He became a key player and helped the team win many titles. These included a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a UEFA Super Cup. They also reached the 2014 UEFA Champions League final.

In 2014, Costa joined Premier League club Chelsea. He won three trophies there, including two Premier League titles. In 2018, he went back to Atlético Madrid. He won a UEFA Europa League title and another UEFA Super Cup.

Diego Costa has citizenship in both Brazil and Spain. He played two games for Brazil in 2013. Later, he decided to play for Spain. He got Spanish citizenship in September 2013. He played his first game for Spain in March 2014. He has played 24 games and scored 10 goals for Spain. He also played in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.

Early Life and Football Dreams

Diego Costa was born in Lagarto, Sergipe, Brazil. His parents were José de Jesus and Josileide. His father named him after the famous Argentine footballer Diego Maradona. Diego also has an older brother named Jair. Jair was named after the Brazilian player Jairzinho.

Even though he played a lot of street football, Diego didn't think he would become a professional. This was partly because his hometown was far away from big cities. Now, he has started a football academy in Lagarto. He pays for everything there to help young players. Diego is also a fan of the Brazilian club Palmeiras.

When he was 15, Diego left Sergipe for São Paulo. He worked in his uncle Jarminho's shop. Jarminho had connections in football. He suggested Diego try out for Barcelona Esportivo Capela. Diego had never been coached before joining this team. He became a professional player there. He earned about £100 a month. He played in the under-18 Taça de São Paulo tournament. He caught the eye of a famous agent, Jorge Mendes. Mendes offered him a contract with Braga in Portugal. Diego's father was worried about him moving to Europe. But Diego was determined to take the chance.

Club Career Highlights

Starting in Europe

Diego Costa joined his first European club, Braga in Portugal, in February 2006. He felt a bit lonely at first. He also found the weather in northern Portugal colder than Brazil. Since Braga didn't have a youth team, he was loaned to Penafiel in the second division. He scored 5 goals in 13 games for Penafiel.

In December 2006, Atlético Madrid signed Costa. He stayed on loan at Braga until the end of the season. On 23 February 2007, he scored his first goal for Braga. It was a last-minute goal against Parma in the UEFA Cup. His season ended early due to a foot injury.

Loan Spells and Learning

Atlético Madrid introduced Costa on 10 July 2007. He was then loaned to Celta Vigo in the second division. He became a regular player there. In one game, he scored his first goal in Spanish football. He was sent off in that match after celebrating too much. He was known for being a bit fiery on the field. He was involved in other incidents, like hitting a defender and being sent off for diving. Despite this, he scored 6 goals in 30 games for Celta.

In August 2008, Costa went on loan to Albacete. He initially wasn't happy with the team or the city. But he soon started scoring important goals. He helped Albacete avoid being relegated. He was known for his strong personality on the field.

Moving to Valladolid

In 2009, Barcelona wanted Costa for their reserve team. But Atlético Madrid said no. Costa was frustrated by not getting enough chances. On 8 July 2009, he moved to Real Valladolid. This was part of a deal that sent goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo to Atlético. Atlético had an option to buy Costa back later.

Costa started well for Valladolid, scoring 6 goals in his first 12 games. But the team struggled and was relegated from La Liga. He received a red card in a game against Espanyol.

Back to Atlético Madrid

Becoming a Key Player

In June 2010, Costa returned to Atlético Madrid. He was initially a backup player. On 26 September, he scored the only goal in a win against Real Zaragoza. In April 2011, he scored all three goals in a 3–2 win against Osasuna.

In July 2011, Costa had a serious knee injury. This made him miss most of the season. In January 2012, he was loaned to Rayo Vallecano. He scored 10 goals in 16 games for them.

When he returned to Atlético, he became a regular starter. He was involved in some heated moments on the field. But his coach, Diego Simeone, kept trusting him. He scored many important goals. In December 2012, he scored three goals in two home games.

Costa was a hero in the 2013 Copa del Rey Final against Real Madrid. He scored Atlético's equalizing goal. Atlético won 2–1 in extra time, ending a long losing streak against Real Madrid. Costa was the top scorer in the tournament with 8 goals.

Amazing 2013–14 Season

In August 2013, Liverpool wanted to sign Costa. But he chose to stay at Atlético. He signed a new contract until 2018. He started the new season strongly. On 19 August, he scored two goals in a 3–1 win against Sevilla.

On 24 September, Costa scored both goals in a 2–1 win over Osasuna. This kept Atlético tied with Barcelona at the top of the league. Four days later, he scored the only goal in a win against Real Madrid. He was named the first-ever La Liga Player of the Month for September 2013. By his 25th birthday, he had scored ten goals in eight league games. Atlético won all those matches, setting a new record.

On 22 October 2013, Costa scored two goals in his Champions League debut. This was against Austria Wien. On 19 February 2014, he scored the only goal against Milan. He scored two more goals in the second game. This helped Atlético reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 17 years.

On 30 April 2014, Costa scored a penalty against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final. Atlético won 3–1 and reached the final for the first time since 1974. He finished the league season with 27 goals. Atlético won the league title for the first time since 1996. Costa scored eight goals in the Champions League. This equaled a club record.

Joining Chelsea

On 1 July 2014, Chelsea announced they would sign Costa. He signed a five-year contract. Costa said he was very happy to join Chelsea. He knew it was a big club in a tough league. He was excited to start in England. He took the number 19 shirt.

2014–15 Season: Premier League Champion

Costa scored in his first game for Chelsea on 27 July. It was a friendly match. His first official game was on 18 August against Burnley. He scored Chelsea's first goal in a 3–1 win. He scored in his third game in a row on 30 August against Everton. He scored the first goal after only 35 seconds. Costa won the Premier League Player of the Month award for August 2014.

He scored his first Premier League hat-trick in his fourth game. This was against Swansea City. Chelsea won 4–2. Costa set a record for most goals in his first four Premier League games, with seven. He scored his tenth league goal on 8 November against Liverpool. This helped Chelsea stay unbeaten.

In January, Costa was suspended for three matches. This was after an incident during a League Cup game against Liverpool. On 1 March, Costa won his first trophy with Chelsea. They beat Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 in the League Cup final. He scored the second goal.

On 26 April, Costa was named in the PFA Team of the Year. Chelsea won the league title on 3 May. Costa scored his 20th league goal in the last match of the season. He said he loved Chelsea and wanted to stay.

2015–16 Season: Challenges and Comeback

Costa missed the 2015 FA Community Shield due to injury. He scored his first goal of the season on 23 August against West Bromwich Albion. This was Chelsea's first win of the season. He scored his first Champions League goal for Chelsea on 16 September.

On 19 September, Costa was involved in a heated moment against Arsenal. He was later given a three-match suspension. After this, some media called him the "Premier League's dirtiest player." In November, he threw his bib on the ground when he wasn't brought on as a substitute. His manager, José Mourinho, said this was normal for a top player.

Costa's form improved under new coach Guus Hiddink. He scored seven goals in his first eight games under Hiddink. On 12 March 2016, Costa received a red card in an FA Cup game against Everton. This was for confronting an opponent. He was suspended for three matches.

2016–17 Season: Another Premier League Title

On 15 August 2016, Costa scored a late winning goal against West Ham United. This gave Chelsea a 2–1 win in their first game of the season. He scored against Leicester City on 15 October. On 20 November, he became the first player to reach ten league goals for the season. He was voted Premier League Player of the Month for November 2016.

In January 2017, Costa had a disagreement with his coach, Antonio Conte. He was left out of the team for a short time. He returned on 22 January and scored in a 2–0 win over Hull City. This was his 52nd goal in his 100th game for Chelsea. Costa was Chelsea's top scorer with 20 goals. They won the Premier League title again. He scored an equalizer in the 2017 FA Cup Final against Arsenal, but Chelsea lost 2–1.

2017–18 Season: Leaving Chelsea

In June 2017, Conte told Costa he was not part of his plans. Costa wanted to return to Atlético Madrid. He felt Chelsea was treating him unfairly by asking for a high transfer fee. He was not allowed to train with the first team.

Return to Atlético Madrid

Diego Costa 2019
Costa with Atlético in 2019

On 21 September 2017, Chelsea announced Costa would return to Atlético. He signed a contract on 26 September 2017. He could start playing after 1 January 2018.

On 3 January 2018, he scored in his first game back. This was against Lleida Esportiu in the Copa del Rey. He scored just five minutes after coming on as a substitute. Three days later, he scored in his first league game against Getafe. He was sent off for celebrating with the fans. His coach, Diego Simeone, said Costa's strong presence helped other players like Antoine Griezmann.

Costa scored the only goal in Atlético's 1–0 win over Arsenal. This sent them to the 2018 UEFA Europa League Final. He played in the final in Lyon, where Atlético won 3–0 against Olympique de Marseille.

In Atlético's first game of the 2018–19 season, the 2018 UEFA Super Cup, Costa scored twice. He scored in the first 50 seconds. Atlético won 4–2 after extra time against Real Madrid.

On 6 April 2019, he received a red card against FC Barcelona. He was suspended for 8 matches. On 18 June 2020, Costa played his 200th game for Atlético. He scored his fifth goal of the season in a 1–0 win against Real Betis. This helped his team qualify for the Champions League. On 29 December 2020, Costa and Atlético ended his contract. He became a free agent.

Later Career

On 14 August 2021, Costa joined Brazilian club Atlético Mineiro. He signed a deal until December 2022. He scored in his first game on 29 August. He came off the bench and scored in a 1–1 draw. On 16 January 2022, he left Atlético Mineiro.

On 12 September 2022, Costa joined Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers. He signed until the end of the 2022–23 season. He made his debut on 1 October 2022. On 15 April 2023, Costa scored his first goal for Wolves. It was a 2–0 win against Brentford. This was his first goal in English football in almost six years. He left Wolves on 3 June 2023.

On 12 August 2023, Costa signed for Brazilian club Botafogo.

International Career

Playing for Brazil

On 5 March 2013, Diego Costa was called up to the Brazil national team. This was for friendly games against Italy and Russia. He played his first game on 21 March against Italy. He came on as a substitute in the 2–2 draw. Four days later, he played against Russia.

Choosing Spain

In September 2013, the Spanish Football Federation asked FIFA for permission to call up Costa. He had received Spanish citizenship in July. FIFA rules allow players with dual nationality to play for a second country if they only played friendly games for the first.

On 29 October 2013, Costa said he wanted to play for Spain. He sent a letter to the Brazilian Football Confederation. Brazil's coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, was not happy. He said Costa was "turning his back on a dream of millions." The Brazilian Football Confederation even said they would try to stop him from playing for Spain.

Playing for Spain

On 28 February 2014, Spain's manager Vicente del Bosque included Costa in the squad. He made his debut for Spain on 5 March. He played the full game as Spain won 1–0.

ESP-RUS (7)
Costa and Russia's Sergei Ignashevich at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Costa was chosen for Spain's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In their first game against the Netherlands, he won a penalty. Spain lost that game 5–1. He was booed by Brazilian fans during the match. Spain was eliminated early from the tournament.

Costa scored his first goal for Spain on 12 October 2014. It was in a 4–0 win against Luxembourg. On 5 September 2016, Costa scored his first international goals in almost two years. He scored two goals in an 8–0 win against Liechtenstein.

In May 2018, Costa was called up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In their first game on 15 June, he scored two goals against Portugal. The game ended in a 3–3 draw. Five days later, he scored the winning goal against Iran.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Penafiel (loan) 2006–07 Liga de Honra 13 5 1 0 — — — 14 5
Braga (loan) 2006–07 Primeira Liga 6 0 1 0 — 2 1 — 9 1
Celta Vigo (loan) 2007–08 Segunda División 30 6 1 0 — — — 31 6
Albacete (loan) 2008–09 Segunda División 35 10 1 0 — — — 36 10
Valladolid 2009–10 La Liga 34 8 2 1 — — — 36 9
Atlético Madrid 2010–11 La Liga 28 6 5 1 — 6 1 — 39 8
2012–13 La Liga 31 10 8 8 — 5 2 — 44 20
2013–14 La Liga 35 27 6 1 — 9 8 2 0 52 36
Total 94 43 19 10 — 20 11 2 0 135 64
Rayo Vallecano (loan) 2011–12 La Liga 16 10 0 0 — — — 16 10
Chelsea 2014–15 Premier League 26 20 1 0 3 1 7 0 — 37 21
2015–16 Premier League 28 12 4 2 1 0 8 2 — 41 16
2016–17 Premier League 35 20 5 2 2 0 — — 42 22
2017–18 Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 89 52 10 4 6 1 15 2 — 120 59
Atlético Madrid 2017–18 La Liga 15 3 3 2 — 5 2 — 23 7
2018–19 La Liga 16 2 0 0 — 4 1 1 2 21 5
2019–20 La Liga 23 5 0 0 — 7 0 0 0 30 5
2020–21 La Liga 7 2 0 0 — 0 0 — 7 2
Total 61 12 3 2 — 16 3 1 2 81 19
Atlético Madrid total 155 55 22 12 — 36 14 3 2 216 83
Atlético Mineiro 2021 Série A 15 4 3 1 — 1 0 — 19 5
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2022–23 Premier League 23 1 1 0 1 0 — — 25 1
Botafogo 2023 Série A 13 3 0 0 — 2 0 — 15 3
Grêmio 2024 Série A 14 1 2 0 — 4 1 6 6 26 8
Career total 443 155 44 18 7 1 60 18 9 8 561 200

International Appearances and Goals

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Brazil 2013 2 0
Total 2 0
Spain 2014 7 1
2015 3 0
2016 4 3
2017 2 2
2018 8 4
Total 24 10
Career total 26 10
As of match played 20 June 2018. Spain score listed first, score column indicates score after each Costa goal.
International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 12 October 2014 Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg 7  Luxembourg 3–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification
2 5 September 2016 Estadio Reino de León, León, Spain 12  Liechtenstein 1–0 8–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
3 5–0
4 9 October 2016 Loro Boriçi Stadium, Shkodër, Albania 14  Albania 1–0 2–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
5 24 March 2017 El Molinón, Gijón, Spain 15  Israel 3–0 4–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 11 June 2017 Philip II Arena, Skopje, Macedonia 16  Macedonia 2–0 2–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
7 27 March 2018 Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain 18  Argentina 1–0 6–1 Friendly
8 15 June 2018 Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi, Russia 21  Portugal 1–1 3–3 2018 FIFA World Cup
9 2–2
10 20 June 2018 Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia 22  Iran 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup

Honours and Achievements

Chelsea 2 West Brom 0 The Blues go marching on. (15239125053)
Chelsea supporters' banner in honour of Costa, November 2014

Atlético Madrid

Chelsea

Atlético Mineiro

Grêmio

  • Campeonato Gaúcho: 2024

Individual Awards

  • La Liga Player of the Month: September 2013
  • La Liga Team of the Season: 2013–14
  • Trofeo EFE: 2013–14
  • UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: 2013–14
  • Zarra Trophy: 2013–14
  • Premier League Player of the Month: August 2014, November 2016
  • PFA Team of the Year: 2014–15 Premier League

Records

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Diego Costa para niños

  • List of Spain international footballers born outside Spain
  • List of association footballers who have been capped for two senior national teams
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