As FC Porto prepare for their campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, all eyes are on their stalwart between the posts: Diogo Costa. The Portuguese international is not only the club’s No.1, but also one of Europe’s most talked-about goalkeepers — and for good reason.
🐉 Born to Guard the Dragon’s Den
Born in Rothrist, Switzerland in 1999, Costa’s football journey truly began when he moved to Santo Tirso, near Porto, at the age of seven. He joined FC Porto’s youth academy in 2011 and has remained fiercely loyal to the club since, rising through the ranks to become its star goalkeeper — and potentially, its captain — on the world stage this summer.
He made his first-team debut in September 2019, keeping a clean sheet in the Portuguese League Cup. Since then, he’s racked up 150+ senior appearances, winning multiple domestic titles and earning praise for his penalty-saving prowess.
🧤 Career Highlights & Silverware
- 🏆 UEFA U-17 & U-19 Champion with Portugal
- 🏆 2× Primeira Liga Champion (2019/20, 2021/22)
- 🏆 4× Portuguese Cup Winner (including 2024 edition)
- 💥 Most penalties saved in FC Porto history
- ⚽ Only goalkeeper to save a penalty & assist in one UCL game
- 🇵🇹 Hero at UEFA EURO 2024: saved all 3 penalties in R16 shootout vs Slovenia
🎯 Key Attributes
Age: 25
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Portuguese
Standout Traits: Reflexes, composure under pressure, leadership, agility, penalty expertise
🔢 The Number 99 Legacy
When Costa chose to wear the number 99 shirt, he was honoring Porto legend Vitor Baia, who sported the same number during his legendary career. Costa has taken the mantle seriously, continuing a tradition of greatness in goal at the Estádio do Dragão.
“Diogo was a little apprehensive about wearing the 99 on his back, but I told him that I wanted him to have it. I’m really proud.”
– Vitor Baia
💬 Quotes from the Top
“I’ve worked with a lot of goalkeepers, and Diogo is at the highest level.”
– Roberto Martinez, Portugal Head Coach
“Vitor Baia was my idol, but I also looked up to Helton, Iker Casillas and Edwin van der Sar a lot.”
– Diogo Costa
🚀 Looking Ahead to Club World Cup 2025
With FC Porto confirmed for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the U.S., Costa will be among the top goalkeepers on show. As a natural leader with big-game temperament and a proven ability to deliver under pressure, he could be the difference-maker as the Dragões take on the world’s best.
Can Diogo Costa help FC Porto recapture international glory? The world will be watching this summer.
Category: FIFA Club World Cup, Portuguese Football, Player Spotlight
Tags: Diogo Costa, FC Porto, Portugal national team, FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Vitor Baia, Portuguese goalkeepers
