Alex Rodrigo Dias da Costa

Santos

Alex began his career with Santos of Brazil, making his first team debut in 2002 before later becoming part of the club's central pillars. Alex made his professional league debut in the 1–1 draw against Fluminense. Less than a month after his debut, Alex scored his first goal for the club in a match against Vasco da Gama on 18 September 2002. After multiple impressive performances, Alex secured his place in the team's regular starting lineup. In his first season playing, in 2002, Santos won the Série A title, their first since 1968. In the 2003 season, Alex participated in 34 matches and, despite playing defense, managed to score nine goals. Also in 2003, Alex helped Santos reach the final of the Copa Libertadores, where Santos lost 5–1 on aggregate against Argentine side Boca Juniors. In the second leg of Copa Libertadores Finals, Alex scored the only goal for Santos in a 3–1 loss.

Chelsea

Alex was signed by English Premier League club Chelsea in 2004 on the recommendation of famed PSV and Chelsea scout Piet de Visser, but because of potential problems in attaining a work permit, he was loaned out to Dutch Eredivisie club PSV.

PSV (loan)

The joint contract of Chelsea and PSV loaned Alex to the latter, with Chelsea having a €1 million buy-out clause. Alex eventually played three years at PSV, donning the number 4 jersey for the Eindhoven club. While playing for PSV, he earned himself the nickname "The Tank" due to his cannonball-like…

Alex made his debut for Brazil on 17 July 2003 against Mexico in 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Although he played under Brazil U-23 team at the tournament, the tournament was a full international tournament, hence the international cap gained was fully recognized by FIFA. He was overlooked for the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad. However, after the World Cup, he earned regular call-ups with the new head coach, Dunga. He was a member of the Brazil squad that won the 2007 Copa América with a 3–0 victory over arch-rivals Argentina in the final. He was dropped from the Brazilian squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup due to injuries. On 11 May, he was called up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad as one of the seven back-up players.

Club

International

Santos

Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2002 PSV

Eredivisie: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07 KNVB Cup: 2004–05 Chelsea

Premier League: 2009–10 FA Cup: 2008–09, 2009–10 FA Community Shield: 2009 Football League Cup runner-up: 2007–08 UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2007–08 Paris Saint-Germain

Ligue 1: 2012–13, 2013–14 Coupe de la Ligue: 2013–14 Trophée des Champions: 2013 AC Milan

Coppa Italia runner-up: 2015–16 Brazil

Copa América: 2007 Individual

Bola de Prata: 2002, 2003