Rui Costa

The Maestro who orchestrated magic across Lisbon, Florence, and Milan.

via Wikipedia: Rui Costa · see source

Rui Manuel César Costa, known simply as Rui Costa, is a Portuguese football legend whose career spanned Benfica, Fiorentina, and AC Milan. Born on March 29, 1972, he is celebrated for his exceptional technique, playmaking vision, and eye for goal from midfield. A key figure in Italy's Serie A during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Costa won major trophies with Fiorentina and Milan, including three Coppa Italia titles and a UEFA Champions League. He earned 94 caps for Portugal, scoring 26 goals, and was named one of the 125 greatest living players by Pelé in 2004.

Quick Facts

Office: President of Benfica
Took office: 10 October 2021
Predecessor: Luís Filipe Vieira
Birth name: Rui Manuel César Costa
Born: 29 March 1972
Birthplace: Amadora, Portugal
Height: 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in
Occupation: Footballer

Lore & Background

Rui Costa's journey to AC Milan began not with a dream of joining them first, but through a chain of events rooted in his time at Fiorentina. In the 2000–01 season, coach Fatih Terim moved from Fiorentina to Milan and brought Costa along for €43.89 million (85 billion lire), making him the club's most expensive signing ever. His debut on September 27, 2001, was dramatic: he scored in a 4–0 UEFA Cup victory over BATE Borisov. Though injuries hampered his first season, Costa shone in the 2002–03 campaign. The Rossoneri won on penalties, with Costa crossing for Shevchenko's winning goal in the UEFA Super Cup days later.

Reader's Guide

For fans of Rui Costa, understanding his career requires appreciating his versatility and resilience. Primarily an attacking midfielder (the classic number 10), he could also operate as a deep-lying playmaker, second striker, or winger. His technical gifts—dribbling, vision, precise passing—made him an elite assist provider. Despite being dropped by manager Luiz Felipe Scolari during Euro 2004 after criticism over Deco's selection, Costa returned as a substitute to help secure victories. His career stats reflect consistency: 94 caps, 26 goals, and multiple domestic and European titles across three countries.

Did You Know?

Rui Costa scored the winning penalty for Portugal in the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship final against Brazil.
He was sent off only once in his entire career: on September 6, 1997, for leaving the pitch too slowly during a World Cup qualifier against Germany.
Costa became AC Milan's most expensive transfer ever at the time, costing 85 billion lire (€43.9 million) when signed from Fiorentina by Fatih Terim.