Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa rose to fame in the European Championship Round of 16 against Slovenia, saving three penalties and becoming the hero of the team’s advancement.
According to Marca, Costa was born in the Swiss town of Rotrist, moving to Portugal at the age of 7. At just 24 years old, he defended Portugal’s honor on the European Championship stage, not only making a crucial save in extra time to deny Sesko a certain goal, but also incredibly saving all three penalties in the subsequent shootout, setting a new record in European Championship history. This feat not only earned him the Man of the Match award but also etched his name forever in the annals of Portuguese football’s glory.
Costa’s extraordinary performance was no coincidence. A product of the Porto youth academy, he had already shown his exceptional penalty-saving skills before. In 2022, he set a record for the most penalties saved in a single Champions League campaign with three saves. He is also Porto’s most prolific penalty-saving goalkeeper in history. Although his contract with the club runs until 2027, Costa harbors a deep desire to join a European top club, and his national team excellence has undoubtedly paved the way for him to reach a higher stage.
Former Spanish national team goalkeeper and legendary goalie Iker Casillas predicted that Costa would become a star in the goalkeeping position, saying, “He is a rising star and will become a great goalkeeper.”
Costa’s potential was recognized early by the then-Porto coach Julen Lopetegui and his staff. Goalkeeper coach Juan Carlos Arevalo recalls Costa’s young days, stating that his talent shone even amidst veterans like Casillas, and the club had high hopes for his future.
Costa’s post-match statements were humble and resolute: “I will continue to work hard, and every save is a confirmation of my efforts. My family’s support is my biggest motivation, and this victory belongs to them. I believe that persistence and hard work will ultimately bear fruit. In this game, I fulfilled my mission with instinct and preparation, and I am deeply satisfied. I remained calm and confident, that’s my profession, and that’s what I demand of myself.”
Diogo Costa, who has made 154 appearances for Porto and 26 appearances for the Portuguese national team, is just getting started.
This article is from a user submission and does not represent the views of Soccer News Pick. If you repost it, please indicate the source: https://www.soccernewspick.com/uefa-european-championship/5086.html
