Diogo Costa
Who is Diogo Costa?
Diogo Costa, also known as Diogo Meireles da Costa, is a talented Portuguese professional footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for both FC Porto in the Primeira Liga and the Portugal national team. Known for his quick reflexes, intelligent positioning, and calmness under pressure, Costa has earned a spot among Europe’s top emerging goalkeepers.
He gained international recognition after being selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad and is considered the long-term successor to Portugal’s goalkeeping legacy.
Early Life and Background
Diogo Costa was born on July 24, 1999, in Rothrist, Switzerland, to Portuguese parents. Though born abroad, he grew up identifying strongly with his Portuguese roots. His family later returned to Portugal, where he spent most of his formative years in Porto.
He is the son of Francisco da Costa and Armanda Meireles, although further details about their professions or background remain private. Information about his siblings, if any, has not been disclosed publicly.
Education
Costa is believed to have completed his high school education, though the name of his institution remains undisclosed. Much of his early life was dedicated to football, which he began pursuing seriously at a young age.
Football Career
Early Development
Diogo began his football journey at the local club AMCH Ringe, showcasing exceptional goalkeeping skills. His talent was quickly noticed by scouts, and he eventually joined the prestigious youth academy at FC Porto.
FC Porto and Club Career
Costa made his senior debut on August 6, 2017, in a LigaPro match against Gil Vicente. Despite the team’s loss (1-2), Costa impressed fans and club officials with his maturity and performance.
From there, his career took off. He helped Porto’s youth team win the 2018–19 UEFA Youth League, defeating Chelsea in the final with a 3-1 victory.
During the 2021–22 season, Costa became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and was named Goalkeeper of the Month multiple times. That same year, he signed a contract extension with FC Porto until 2026, with a buyout clause increased to €60 million.
Costa has played a vital role in Porto’s major victories, including titles in the Primeira Liga and the Taça de Portugal. His ability to save critical penalties, such as the one against Kerem Demirbay in October 2022, solidified his reputation as a top-tier shot-stopper.
International Career
In August 2021, Costa received his first call-up to the Portugal senior national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He participated in key matches against Ireland, Qatar, and Azerbaijan.
Portugal’s head coach, Fernando Santos, named Costa as the starting goalkeeper for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Throughout the tournament, he played in matches against Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea, contributing to Portugal’s qualification to the Round of 16.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Diogo Costa is happily married to his long-time partner, Catarina Machado. The couple reportedly met at a football match, where Catarina saw Diogo playing from the stands. Their relationship blossomed over the years and eventually led to marriage.
On November 11, 2022, they welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Tomás Costa. Diogo often shares glimpses of his personal life through heartfelt social media posts, highlighting his deep bond with his wife and son.
Notable Achievements
- UEFA Youth League Champion (2019)
- Primeira Liga Champion with FC Porto
- Taça de Portugal Winner
- Multiple-time Goalkeeper of the Month
- Portugal’s starting goalkeeper in the FIFA World Cup 2022
FAQs About Diogo Costa
Q1: Who is Diogo Costa’s wife?
Diogo Costa is married to Catarina Machado. The couple has been together for several years and got married after dating long-term.
Q2: Does Diogo Costa have children?
Yes. Diogo and Catarina welcomed their first child, Tomás Costa, on November 11, 2022.
Q3: What position does Diogo Costa play?
He plays as a goalkeeper for FC Porto and the Portugal national team.
Q4: When was Diogo Costa born?
He was born on July 24, 1999, in Switzerland but represents Portugal in international football.
Q5: Which club does Diogo Costa play for?
He currently plays for FC Porto, a top-tier Portuguese football club in the Primeira Liga.
