Rui Costa

Rui Manuel César Costa, best known as Rui Costa, is a former professional midfielder born on 29 March 1972 in Amadora, Portugal.

A product of Benfica youth system, Rui turned professional with the giant Portuguese side in 1990. After the 1990/91 season on loan at Fafe, he became a regular in Benfica’s starting lineup. Costa claimed the 1993 Portuguese Cup and the 1993/94 Primeira Liga during a three-year stint at the club. In 1994, he moved to Italy to join Fiorentina in Serie A. Costa became an instrumental player there as his team recorded the Italian Super Cup and two Italian Cups during his spell. Overall, the Portugues midfielder made 276 appearances in all competitions for Viola for seven years.

In 2001, Costa was snapped up by AC Milan where he collected another Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. The 2003/04 season was a glorious one for Costa as he recorded his first Serie A title as well as the UEFA Champions League trophy and UEFA Super Cup.

In 2006, Rui Costa returned to Portugal where he spent the last two seasons of his career with Benfica. He was named Benfica Player of the Year in 2007. In between 1993 and 2004, Rui Costa scored 26 goals in 94 international appearances for the Portugal national team. He was a crucial player during the UEFA Euro 2004 as his country reached the final but let Greece to win the tournament.