Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Diogo Costa

How Diogo Costa built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Diogo Meireles da Costa is a Portuguese professional footballer renowned for his skills as a goalkeeper. He currently captains Primeira Liga club Porto, demonstrating his leadership qualities and consistent performance. He is also a key player for the Portugal national team, representing his country on the international stage. Costa's talent and dedication have solidified his position as a prominent figure in Portuguese football.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2011: Joined FC Porto's academy

In 2011, Diogo Costa joined FC Porto's academy after gaining his parents' consent, following time at AMCH Ringe and Benfica feeder club Póvoa de Lanhoso, where he stood out alongside future teammate Vitinha.

August 2017: Senior debut with Porto's reserve team

On August 6, 2017, Diogo Costa made his senior debut with Porto's reserve team in a 1-2 home loss against Gil Vicente for the LigaPro.

2017: Participated in the 2017 European Championship and the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup

In 2017, Diogo Costa participated in the European Championship, playing four out of five matches as they lost in the final to England. He also represented Portugal at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, starting in all the matches in a quarter-final exit.

2018: Called up to the bench for the first team

In 2018, after Iker Casillas suffered a heart attack, Vaná replaced him as starting goalkeeper and Costa was called up to the bench for the final three games of the season, starting with a 4–0 win at Desportivo das Aves on 4 May.

September 2019: First-team debut in Taça da Liga

On September 25, 2019, Diogo Costa made his first-team debut in the opening group match of the Taça da Liga, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 home victory over Santa Clara.

2019: UEFA Youth League win and promotion to first team

In 2019, Diogo Costa won the UEFA Youth League with Porto. He was also promoted from the reserve side to the first-team and secured a domestic double of the Primeira Liga and Taça de Portugal in his first season.

December 2020: Champions League debut

On December 9, 2020, Diogo Costa made his Champions League debut, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 group stage win at Olympiakos.

August 2021: First call up to the senior team

On August 26, 2021, Diogo Costa received his first call-up to the Portugal senior team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and a friendly match against Qatar.

2021: Breakthrough into Porto's Starting Line-up

In 2021, at the age of 22, Diogo Costa broke into the starting lineup for Porto.

June 2022: Contract renewal with Porto

On May 15, Diogo Costa renewed his contract with Porto until June 2022.

2022: Represented Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

In 2022, Diogo Costa represented Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

2022: Participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

In 2022, Diogo Costa was called up for the final 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the youngest Portuguese goalkeeper to play in a major international tournament at age 23.

2022: Played in the FIFA World Cup qualification play-offs

In March 2022, Diogo Costa played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification play-offs, helping Portugal secure a place in the tournament.

January 2023: Won Taça da Liga with Porto

On January 28, 2023, Diogo Costa kept a clean sheet in the 2–0 final win over Sporting CP, helping Porto win their first Taça da Liga in Leiria.

September 2023: Helped Portugal achieve their biggest win in international history

On September 11, 2023, Diogo Costa helped Portugal keep a clean sheet in a 9-0 home defeat of Luxembourg during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, which was their biggest win in international history.

2023: Transfer speculations

During the summer transfer window of 2023, there was speculation that Diogo Costa would leave Porto, with interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. However, Porto's high release clause led both clubs to withdraw, and a move to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also failed to materialize.

2023: Linked with a move to Saudi Arabia

Following the 2023-24 season, Diogo Costa was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and Manchester City. However, Porto's President confirmed that the club was not willing to sell him.

May 2024: Selected in the squad for the UEFA Euro 2024

On May 21, 2024, Diogo Costa was selected in the 26-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2024.

2024: UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers

Diogo Costa Participated in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, helping Portugal achieve 10 consecutive wins.

2024: Representing Portugal at the UEFA Euro 2024

In 2024, Diogo Costa represented Portugal at the UEFA Euro 2024.

2024: Named Club Captain and won Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira

In 2024, Diogo Costa was announced as the new club captain for Porto. On August 3, he captained his side to victory in the 2024 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, defeating Sporting CP 4–3.