Douglas Costa began his professional football journey at Grêmio, where he debuted at age 18 during a 2–1 victory against Botafogo in October 2008. Since that early emergence in Brazil, he has played for major European clubs including Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayern Munich, and Juventus, as well as the Brazilian national team, consistently operating as an attacking winger.
Early Career in Brazil
Born in Sapucaia do Sul in 1990, Costa joined the Grêmio youth system at age 11. He secured his first professional goal during his 2008 debut match. By November 2009, he scored in a 4–2 win against Grêmio Recreativo Barueri. Over his tenure at Grêmio, he recorded 37 total appearances and two goals before moving to Europe in January 2010.
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Signing with Shakhtar Donetsk for €6 million, Costa quickly integrated into the squad. His debut occurred in a UEFA Europa League match against Fulham in February 2010. During the 2010–11 season, he contributed to a domestic treble including the Premier League, Ukrainian Cup, and Super Cup. He remained with Shakhtar until 2015, winning three league titles and numerous domestic trophies while participating in Champions League campaigns, notably scoring against BATE Borisov in 2014.
European Expansion with Bayern and Juventus
In 2015, Costa joined Bayern Munich for a €30 million fee, securing two consecutive league titles. His career continued in 2017 with a loan to Juventus, which became a permanent transfer in 2018. During his time in Italy, he won two more consecutive league titles and a Supercoppa Italiana. He returned to Bayern Munich on loan for the 2020 season before eventually joining Al-Ittifaq in the UAE First Division League.
International Representation
Costa became a full international for Brazil in 2014. His representative duties included playing for the national team at the 2015 Copa América and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His career has spanned multiple competitive environments, requiring tactical adaptation across the Ukrainian, German, and Italian leagues.
Fast facts
- Born: 1990, Sapucaia do Sul, Brazil
- Professional debut: 4 October 2008, Grêmio
- Shakhtar Donetsk transfer fee: €6 million
- Bayern Munich transfer fee: €30 million
- International debut: 2014
- Tournaments played: 2015 Copa América, 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Current club: Al-Ittifaq
Questions readers ask
Which clubs has Douglas Costa played for in Europe?
He has played for Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and currently represents Al-Ittifaq.
Has Douglas Costa won any domestic trebles?
Yes, he won a domestic treble with Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2010–11 season, which included the Premier League, the Ukrainian Cup, and the Super Cup.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
