Player name: Diego Costa

Full name: Diego da Silva Costa

Nationality: Spain (born in Brazil; later represented Spain internationally)

Date of birth: October 7, 1988

Place of birth: Lagarto, Sergipe, Brazil

• Position: Striker / Centre forward
• Preferred foot: Right

Senior club career (selected clubs):

• Villarreal B (Spain)
• Villarreal (Spain)
• Atlético Madrid (Spain) — two spells
• Rayo Vallecano (Spain) — loan
• Real Valladolid (Spain) — loan
• Braga (Portugal) — loan
• Penafiel (Portugal) — loan
• Chelsea (England)
• Atleti return and later moves including Brazilian clubs in later career

International career (Spain):

• Switch from Brazil to Spain approved in 2013
• Spain debut: March 2014
• Caps (Spain): 24
• Goals (Spain): 10
• Tournaments: Represented Spain at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Playing style and strengths:

• Powerful, physical centre forward with strong hold-up play
• Excellent at pressing defenders, creating space and disrupting build-up
• Good finishing inside the box and aerial presence
• Known for aggressive mentality and competitive edge

Notable achievements:

• Premier League titles with Chelsea (2014–15, 2016–17)
• La Liga title with Atlético Madrid (2013–14)
• Top scorer and important goals in numerous club campaigns

Disciplinary/controversial aspects:

• Highly competitive style led to frequent on-field confrontations and disciplinary incidents
• Controversy over national team switch from Brazil to Spain generated debate

Career status: Retired from top-level European football; later played in Brazil before retiring from professional play (status may vary if new transfers occurred after 2024).