The Rise and Legacy of Diego Costa: A Football Phenom

Diego Costa is a Brazilian-born Spanish professional footballer who is known for his physical playing style and aggressive demeanor on the pitch. He has played for several top football clubs in Europe, including Chelsea FC and Atletico Madrid, and has won numerous titles and awards throughout his career. In this article, we will take a closer look at his early life, career, playing style, achievements, and personal life.

FAST FACT ABOUT DIEGO COSTA

CATEGORY	INFORMATION
Full Name	Diego da Silva Costa
Nickname	El Cholo (The Beast)
Profession	Professional Footballer
PERSONAL DETAILS
Date of Birth	October 7, 1988
Age (as of 2023)	35 Years
Birthplace	Lagarto, Brazil
Zodiac sign/Sun sign	Libra
Nationality	Spanis
Hometown	Lagarto, Brazil
School	Not available in the public domain
Educational Qualification	Not available in the public domain
Signature
Religion	Christianity
Ethnicity	Latin
Ancestry	Brazilian Spanish
Food Habit	Non-Vegetarian
Hobby	Collecting Stamps
Marital Status	Unmarried
Affairs/Girlfriends	Michele Zuanne (2010) Model
Family	Father: José de Jesus Silva (Retired Farmer) Mother: Josileide da Silva Costa Brother: Jair Costa Sister: Talita (Lawyer) Daughter – Isadora Costa
CAREER DETAILS
Debut	Club Debut: 27 August 2006 for FC Penafiel against CD Trofense International Debut: 21 March 2013 for Brazil against Italy
Jersey Number	Atlético Madrid: #18 & 19 on different occasions Chelsea: #19 Spain National Team: #19 Wolverhampton – 29
Coach/Mentor	Fernando Hierro Diego Simeone
Position	Attack: Center-Forward
Player Agent	A10 Pro
Recent Club	Wolverhampton Wanderers
Joined	Sep 12, 2022
Contract expires	Jun 30, 2023
Outfits	Addidas
SALARY, NETWORTH & OTHERS
Salary (approx.)	$11 Million
Net Worth (approx.)	$60 Million
Style Preference	Cars Collection:  Range Rover,  Ferrari,  Aston Martin, Mercedes Assets/Properties:  A House in Oxshott
Other skills	Spending time with his family and friends. Swimming and playing video games. Attending Fashion Event.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Height	Centimeters: 188 cm Meters: 1.88 m
Weight	Kilograms: 85 kg Pounds: 187 lbs
Body Measurements	Chest: 42 inches Waist: 34 inches Biceps: 15 inches
Eye Color	Brown
Hair Color	Black

Early Life, Background, and Education

Diego Costa was born on October 7, 1988, in Lagarto, a small town in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. He grew up in poverty and had a difficult childhood, with his parents divorcing when he was just a child. Despite the challenges he faced, Costa found solace in football and began playing at a young age. He would often play barefoot on the streets with his friends, using whatever they could find as a ball.

              

Introduction to Football

Diego Costa’s journey into professional football began when his uncle recommended that he join Barcelona Esportivo Capela. Despite having no prior experience in football coaching, Costa joined the team and started his professional career, earning a meager salary of around 100 euros per month. However, his talent did not go unnoticed, and he soon caught the eye of Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes. Mendes offered him the opportunity to play for Braga, which marked the beginning of Costa’s successful career in professional football.

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Emergence as a Professional Footballer

Costa began his professional football career in Portugal, playing for the second-division club SC Braga. He then moved to Spain, where he played for several clubs, including Celta Vigo, Albacete, and Valladolid. However, it was his time at Atletico Madrid that really put him on the map.

Costa didn’t get many chances to play for Atletico Madrid, so he was loaned to other clubs like Celta Vigo and Albacete to get more experience and improve his scoring abilities. In 2009, he was sold to Real Valladolid, where he started well by scoring six goals in his first 12 games, but unfortunately, the team got relegated at the end of the season.

Atletico Madrid used a special clause to bring Diego Costa back to the club for a second time, but he didn’t get many opportunities to play during the 2010-11 season. He had an injury during the first half of the following season but was then loaned to Rayo Vallecano, where he did really well by scoring 10 goals in just 16 appearances.

National Team Debut Controversy

Diego Costa’s national team debut was surrounded by controversy. After making his debut for the Brazilian national team in friendly matches against Italy and Russia in March 2013, Costa expressed his desire to play for the Spanish national team instead. Although he hadn’t played any official matches for Brazil, his decision to switch national teams caused quite a stir. While some Brazilians felt betrayed and criticized him for not representing his home country, others understood his reasons and supported his decision. Similarly, some Spaniards questioned his commitment and loyalty to the Spanish team, as he had initially shown interest in playing for Brazil.

Despite the controversy, Costa was allowed to play for Spain, and he made his debut in a friendly match against Italy on March 5, 2014, which Spain won 1-0. Regardless of the opinions surrounding his decision, Costa continued to represent Spain and played a crucial role in their success internationally.

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Breakthrough Season at Atletico Madrid

Diego Costa had a breakthrough season at Atletico Madrid during 2012-13. Costa rapidly established himself as a crucial player for the team. Costa’s physical playing style and aggressive demeanor on the pitch quickly made him a fan favorite at Atletico Madrid. He formed a lethal partnership with Radamel Falcao, another talented striker, which helped Atletico Madrid secure victory in the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) in 2013. Costa scored an impressive 20 goals throughout the season, proving his prowess in front of the net.

Costa’s impressive performances continued into the following season, 2013-14. He played a pivotal role in Atletico Madrid’s historic season, as they clinched the La Liga title, the top domestic league in Spain. Costa’s remarkable ability to find the back of the net, combined with his unwavering determination, made him a fan favorite. He scored an impressive total of 36 goals in all competitions during the season, establishing himself as one of the top scorers in the league. His outstanding contributions on the field not only helped Atletico Madrid reach the UEFA Champions League final.

International Stardom with Chelsea FC

In 2014, Chelsea FC signed Costa for a fee of £32 million, making him the most expensive signing in the club’s history at the time. Costa made an immediate impact at Chelsea, scoring 20 goals in his first season and helping the club win the Premier League title. Costa won the Premier League Player of the Month award three times that season.

Costa’s success continued in the following seasons, as he continued to be a vital player for Chelsea. He played a significant role in guiding the team to another Premier League triumph in the 2016-17 season, contributing 20 goals and 7 assists.

Diego Costa’s impressive statistics with Chelsea included 52 goals and 16 assists in 89 Premier League appearances. His contributions helped Chelsea dominate English football during his tenure, and he was widely recognized as one of the best strikers in the league. Costa’s international stardom was solidified during his time with Chelsea, as he showcased his exceptional talent and became a fan favorite both at the club and around the world.

Low Points – Disappointing World Cup and Early Exit

The 2014 FIFA World Cup was a highly anticipated event for Diego Costa, as he had made the decision to represent defending champions Spain instead of his home country Brazil. However, it turned out to be one of the lowest points of his career. Spain suffered a disappointing early exit from the tournament in the group stage, and Costa was unable to make a significant impact, failing to score in any of the three group-stage matches. This added to the frustration and disappointment for both him and the Spanish team, who had high expectations for the tournament. The disappointing World Cup performance was a setback for Costa, but he was able to bounce back and continue his successful career with Atletico Madrid and Chelsea FC.

Rediscovering His Roots with Atletico Madrid

Following his departure from Chelsea FC, Diego Costa made a significant move by returning to his former club, Atletico Madrid, where he had previously achieved great success. Costa wasted no time proving his worth on the pitch, contributing immensely to the team’s success. During his second stint with Atletico Madrid, he scored a total of 83 goals in 215 appearances across all competitions, cementing his place as a key player for the club. His impressive performances helped Atletico Madrid win the UEFA Europa League and finish as runners-up in the UEFA Champions League. Costa’s return to Atletico Madrid was a successful one, and he remains a fan favorite at the club.

Injury Struggles

Diego Costa has had a career marked by injury struggles, but he has remained a key player for Atletico Madrid. Despite several setbacks, Costa has consistently shown his resilience and determination to return to the pitch. In 2017, he suffered a foot injury that kept him out of action for several months, but he bounced back in 2018, scoring a goal in his first game back. However, he soon suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for several weeks. In 2019, Costa suffered a herniated disc that required surgery and kept him out of action for several months. He also suffered a thigh injury in 2020 and a muscle injury in 2021, both of which kept him out of action for several weeks. Despite these challenges, Costa has remained a valuable player for Atletico Madrid, scoring important goals and helping the club win several titles, including the La Liga title in 2021.

Journey at Wolverhampton Wanderers

Diego Costa joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2022 and played for one season with the club. He scored his first goal for the team in a 2-0 win over Brentford.

A Look at the Future for Diego Costa:

Looking to the future, Costa’s injury struggles may continue to be a concern, but he remains a talented and experienced striker who can make a significant impact on the pitch. 

Playing Style of Diego Costa

Diego Costa is renowned for his playing style, which is marked by his physicality, strength, and unwavering determination. He possesses the ability to effectively control the ball, emerge victorious in aerial challenges, and generate opportunities for his teammates by creating space. Additionally, Costa exhibits exceptional proficiency in converting scoring chances, consistently demonstrating his clinical finishing skills and amassing a significant number of goals throughout his illustrious career.

Net Worth of Diego Costa

As per various online sources, Diego Costa’s net worth is estimated to be around $60 million which includes his earnings from his professional soccer career, which include salaries, bonuses, and endorsement deals. It may also include other business ventures, investments, and assets he has acquired over time.

Relationship/Girlfriend/Wife:

Diego Costa is not married yet. He was previously in a relationship with Brazilian model Michele Zuanne, but they have since separated. At present, Costa is believed to be single and is likely concentrating on his career.

Diego Costa’s children

Diego Costa is known to have a daughter named Isadora Costa, but he has decided to keep the identity of her mother private. Information about any other children he may have is not widely available in the public domain.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Diego

1. Diego Costa is known to drink alcohol, but there is no concrete information available regarding whether he smokes or not.
2. He was named after the legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, showing his father’s admiration for the sport.
3. Costa inherited his love for football from his father and spent much of his childhood playing on the streets.
4. During his childhood, Costa had a neighbor who was speech and hearing impaired, and they used to go to training together. Costa would act as a translator for him, even though the coach wasn’t initially pleased with the situation.

Hobbies 

Diego Costa has a diverse range of hobbies and interests beyond football. Apart from his on-field exploits, he finds joy in various activities. One of his hobbies is collecting stamps, indulging in the fascinating world of philately. Moreover, Costa has developed a keen fashion sense and has been seen making stylish appearances on different shows and events. When he’s not busy with his professional commitments, he cherishes quality time with his family and friends, relishing the moments spent together. Another pastime he enjoys is swimming, which allows him to unwind and stay active. Costa’s multifaceted interests reveal a well-rounded personality beyond his footballing prowess.

Awards

Diego Costa has received several notable awards and honors throughout his career. Some of his achievements include

1. Premier League Player of the Month: Costa was named the Premier League Player of the Month twice during the 2014-2015 season while playing for Chelsea.
2. PFA Team of the Year: He was included in the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Team of the Year for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons.
3. UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: Costa was selected for the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season for the 2013-2014 season.
4. La Liga Team of the Season: He was included in the La Liga Team of the Season for the 2012-2013 season while playing for Atlético Madrid.
5. FIFA Confederations Cup Silver Boot: Costa received the Silver Boot award for being the second-highest goal scorer in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

These are just a few examples of the awards and recognition that Diego Costa has earned throughout his successful career in professional soccer.

Diego Costa is a talented footballer who has achieved success both in club football and on the international stage. Despite his controversial international career, he remains a popular figure among fans of Atletico Madrid and Spanish football.