Diego Costa

Legendary Brazilian striker Diego Costa is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest footballers. Best known for playing up-front for Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, he helped to lift the Premier League trophy, La Liga trophy, the Europa League trophy, the Copa del Ray, the European Super Cup, and the League Cup. After initially representing his native Brazil, he has represented Spain at international level since 2014 and played for them in the 2018 World Cup.

Costa was born in Lagarto, Brazil in 1988. As a schoolboy footballer, his natural talent was obvious, as was the fiery temper — driven by a desire to win — that would often see him clash with opposition players and referees. He turned professional in 2006 with Portuguese side Braga. After several loan spells, he was bought by top Spanish side Atletico Madrid, initially as a third-choice striker. Within four years, he had become their star striker, scoring 27 goals and helping them to their first league title in nearly 20 years and their first Champions League final in 40 years. Shortly afterwards, Chelsea brought him to the English Premier League, paying £32 million for the privilege. He scored on his debut and was later chosen for the PFA Team of the Year. Costa’s numerous skirmishes led to him being labelled “The Most Hated Player in Europe” in 2015, but he was also Chelsea’s top scorer as they lifted the Premier League trophy in 2016-17.

Shortly afterwards, Costa turned down potential moves to the likes of AS Monaco and AC Milan to return to Atletico Madrid. In his first season back in Spain, he helped them to win the Europa League and European Super Cup.