Biography
Who is Rui Costa?
Early life and football beginnings
Rui Manuel César Costa was born in Amadora, Portugal. He started playing football at age five for the Damaia Ginásio Clube infant indoor team. His talent was noticed early on when he joined the youth squads at Benfica. During training, the famous Eusébio was impressed by his skills within just ten minutes.
Before his senior debut, he spent time in the Benfica youth system. He was loaned to AD Fafe for a season to gain experience. In 1991, he helped the Portugal under-20 team win the FIFA World Youth Championship by scoring the winning penalty in the final match.
Club career in Portugal and Italy
Rui Costa became a regular starter for Benfica after returning from his loan. During his first spell with the club, he won the Taça de Portugal in 1993 and the Portuguese First Division title in the 1993–94 season. He later moved to Italy to play for ACF Fiorentina for a fee of approximately 6 million euros.
While playing in Italy, he won two Coppa Italia trophies and a Supercoppa Italiana. In 2001, he transferred to AC Milan. He became the most expensive signing in the history of Milan at that time. During his time with the Rossoneri, he won the 2003 UEFA Champions League and the 2003 UEFA Super Cup.
Return to Benfica and retirement
After leaving Milan, Rui Costa fulfilled a dream by returning to Benfica in 2006. He played for the club until he ended his professional career in 2008. In his final season, he earned the Benfica Player of the Year award for 2007 and the SJPF Player of the Month award for September 2007.
He played his final professional match at the Estádio da Luz against Vitória de Setúbal on May 11, 2008. He received a standing ovation from the fans when he was substituted in the 86th minute. Today, he serves as the 34th president of the Benfica sports club.
International career highlights
Rui Costa represented the Portugal national team 94 times and scored 26 goals. He participated in three UEFA European Championships and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. One well-known moment occurred during Euro 2004, where he scored a long-range goal in extra time against England during the quarter-finals.
He also played in the UEFA Euro 2000 tournament, where he assisted two goals in a comeback victory against England. Throughout his international tenure, he was recognized as one of the best midfielders in the world. In 2004, Pelé included him in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players.
Birthday and age
Rui Costa was born on March 29, 1972, which makes Rui 54 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Rui shares the date with 59 other famous people.
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