Douglas Costa

Grêmio

Born in Sapucaia do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Douglas began his career with Grêmio, joining the club at the age of 11. He made his debut for the club at the age of 18 in a 2–1 victory over Botafogo on 4 October 2008, scoring his first goal for the club in the same match. He completed the 2008 season with one goal in six matches. On 14 June 2009 he was given a red card in a 0–0 draw with Fluminense. On 29 November 2009, he netted the first goal in a 4–2 victory over Grêmio Recreativo Barueri. He joined Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on 10 January 2010. He made 37 appearances for Grêmio, including 28 league appearances, scoring twice.

Shakhtar Donetsk

2009–10 season

On 10 January 2010, Costa signed a five-year contract with Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth €6 million. His debut came in a UEFA Europa League tie against English side Fulham on 18 February which Shakhtar lost 2–1. He came on as a substitute in the 75th minute, replacing Jádson. His home debut came in the return leg on 25 February; he came on as 53rd-minute replacement for Willian, assisting Jádson for Shakhtar's equaliser in a 1–1 draw. Shakhtar lost the tie 3–2 on aggregate. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 win against Metalist Kharkiv on 14 March 2010. On 28 March, he scored a goal in injury time in a 3–1 victory against Arsenal Kyiv, then scored a goal in a 3–0 victory over Chornomorets Odesa on 25 April. On 1 May, Costa scored a late goal in Shakhtar's 2–0 win…

Costa was part of the under-20 team in the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted by Egypt. In the tournament, Brazil reached the final match against Ghana, losing in the penalty shoot-out. Costa was one of the three Brazilians to score their penalty kicks. In November 2014, Costa was called up to the Brazil national team for the first time by coach Dunga, making his international debut against Turkey in Istanbul. In May 2015, Costa was included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the 2015 Copa América. In the team's opening match, he came on as a substitute for Diego Tardelli and scored a stoppage-time winning goal against Peru, his first for the Seleção. In the quarter-final against Paraguay in Concepción, he replaced former Shakhtar teammate Willian for the final 30 minutes of a 1–1 draw, and then missed in the penalty shoot-out which eliminated Brazil. On 17 November, Costa scored his second goal for Brazil in 3–0 victory against Peru for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification. Costa was initially included in Brazil's squad for the Copa América Centenario, but was forced to withdraw from the squad in late May 2016 after sustaining an injury to his left thigh; he was replaced by Kaká. On 14 June 2016, then-technical director Gilmar Rinaldi for the Brazilian Football Confederation, "shortly after he was sacked", stated that Bayern would let Costa play at the 2016 Summer Olympics. In May 2018, he was named in Tite's final 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Regarded as a promising prospect in his youth, in 2010, Costa was included in Don Balón's list of the 100 best young players born after 1989. A diminutive player, with a slender build and an eye for goal, he initially played as a forward or attacking midfielder in his early career, but later established himself as a versatile winger, capable of playing on either flank, and of adapting himself to several different formations, due to his energy and work-rate, as well as his powerful and accurate striking ability from distance with either foot; however, he usually favours the right wing, as it enables to cut into the centre onto his stronger left foot. Nicknamed the Flash, he is mainly known for his speed, agility, and explosive acceleration, both with and without the ball, as well as his dribbling skills, technical ability, creativity, and trickery in possession, which enable him to beat opponents in one on one situations. A creative player, he is also highly regarded for his crossing ability from the left flank, which makes him an excellent assist provider, despite not being particularly prolific in front of goal. His former Bayern Munich manager Guardiola once labelled him "one of the best wingers in the world." Despite his talent, however, his discipline, mentality, and consistency have been brought into question at times by managers and pundits.

Club

As of match played 17 May 2026

1.^Includes Copa do Brasil, Ukrainian Cup, DFB-Pokal, Coppa Italia and U.S. Open Cup 2.^Includes Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup/Europa League and AFC Champions League Two 3.^Includes Ukrainian Super Cup, DFL-Supercup, Supercoppa Italiana, FIFA Club World Cup, MLS Cup Playoffs, Leagues Cup and Recopa Sudamericana 4.^Includes Campeonato Gaúcho, Campeonato Carioca and Serie D Playoffs

International

As of match played 20 November 2018

Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first.