Early Life and Family Background: Douglas Costa was born in Sapucaia do Sul, a small town in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. His early life was marked by modest beginnings, as his family was not wealthy, and they had to work hard to make ends meet. His father, Antonio Valmor de Souza, and mother, Marlene Costa, supported his passion for football from a young age. Douglas showed a strong interest in football early on, often playing in the streets and fields of his neighborhood.
Early Years and Hardships: Costa joined the local football club Novo Hamburgo before moving to Grêmio’s youth academy, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising young talent. His time at Grêmio was crucial to his development as a footballer. Despite his talent, the path to professional football was not easy, as he faced competition, financial difficulties, and the pressure of succeeding in a country where football is more than just a sport.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Stardom: His success at Shakhtar led to a transfer to Bayern Munich in 2015, where he further established himself as one of the top wingers in Europe. At Bayern, Costa won multiple Bundesliga titles and added to his reputation with impressive performances in both domestic and European competitions.
Ups and Downs: Despite his success, Costa’s career has not been without its challenges. Injuries have been a recurring issue, often interrupting his momentum and forcing him to miss key matches. His time at Bayern was also marked by competition for places, which sometimes limited his playing time.
In 2017, Costa moved to Juventus on loan, which was later made permanent. At Juventus, he continued to win titles and delivered memorable performances, though injuries remained a concern.
In 2021, Costa returned to Grêmio on loan, in what was seen as a homecoming. However, the club was relegated to the second division, marking a low point in his career. In 2022, he moved to the LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS), seeking a fresh start in the United States.
Successes and Legacy: Throughout his career, Douglas Costa has won numerous titles, including multiple league championships in Ukraine, Germany, and Italy. He has been recognized for his skillful play, particularly his dribbling, pace, and ability to create chances. His versatility has allowed him to play on both wings and as an attacking midfielder.
On the international stage, Costa has represented Brazil, earning caps in several major tournaments, including the Copa América and FIFA World Cup.
Real Name: Douglas Costa de Souza
Date of Birth: September 14, 1990
Birth Place: Sapucaia do Sul, Brazil
Residence: Various, with a history of living in Brazil, Germany, Ukraine, and Italy during his career
Profession: Professional Footballer
Nationality: Brazilian
Religion: Christian
Partner: Nathália Félix (current), formerly married to Luisa Ramos
Father: Antonio Valmor de Souza
Mother: Marlene Costa
Horoscope: Virgo
Age: 33 years (as of 2024)
Weight: Approximately 70 kg (154 lbs)
Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black