Sydney FC has pulled off one of the biggest transfer coups in Isuzu UTE A-League history by completing the signing of former Bayern Munich and Juventus winger Douglas Costa for the next two seasons. The 33-year-old, who boasts three Serie A titles, three Bundesliga titles and five Ukrainian Premier League titles, becomes the Sky Blues biggest arrival since Alessandro Del Piero joined the club in 2012.
Capped 31 times by Brazil and featuring in a star-studded attack alongside Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Costa boasts 6.1 million followers on Instagram, with Cristiano Ronaldo among them.
Sydney FC will be the seventh club of the winger’s career. He joins after 22 appearances in all competitions with Brazilian outfit Fluminense and a season in the MLS with LA Galaxy, following a glittering career in Europe with the likes of Bayern, Juve and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Costa boasts 76 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, scoring 11 goals and providing 17 assists, and he has played alongside an amazing roll call of all-time greats including Ronaldo, Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer.
The signing is a game-changer for both Sydney FC and the Isuzu UTE A-League.
“We are thrilled to bring Brazilian World Cup star Douglas Costa to Sydney FC and the Isuzu-UTE A-League,” said Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow.
“He is one of the most high-profile footballers to ever play on these shores and the eyes of the football world will be on Sydney FC and the A-League this season.
“Douglas is a proven winner, and his record of titles in the world’s top leagues is testament to that.
“This is yet another landmark signing in our club’s history and we welcome Douglas to Australia.”
Costa added: “I have been part of some incredible teams throughout my career, winning many titles and I have come to Sydney FC to win more,” he said.
“Football is in my blood and I arrive in Australia to raise the game in this country, entertain the passionate sporting public and bring silverware to Sydney FC.
“I’m excited to get to know the people, the country and seeing all the fans of every club.”
With over 13 million followers worldwide, the 33-year-old has a larger social media presence than Sam Kerr, Pat Cummins, Nick Kyrgios, Ben Simmons, Reece Walsh, Dustin Martin and Alexander Volkanovski, with only Australian sports stars such as cricketer David Warner and Formula One driver Daniel Riccardo having a comparable online status.
Costa’s worldwide transfer fees over his 16-year career total close to $AU140 million.
“It’s exciting to be able to attract a player of the calibre of Douglas Costa to Sydney FC,” said Sydney FC boss Ufuk Talay.
“He is a world class talent with 24 career trophies”
“His experience and knowledge will be a positive influence on the playing group.”
Costa's Career Trajectory
Costa's career has been a whirlwind of success, with stints at some of the biggest clubs in the world. Here's a look at his journey:
- Grêmio – 2008–2009 – 37 apps (2 goals)
- Shakhtar Donetsk – 2009-15 – 202 apps (38 goals)
- Bayern Munich – 2015–17 – 77 apps (14 goals)
- Juventus – 2017-2021 – 103 apps (10 goals)
- Bayern Munich – 2020–21 – 20 apps (1 goal)
- Grêmio – 2021-22 – 28 apps (3 goals)
- LA Galaxy – 2022–24 – 51 apps (8 goals)
- Fluminese – 2024 – 22 (0 goals)
A-League Impact
The arrival of Douglas Costa is a significant moment for the A-League. It's a sign that the league is attracting some big names and hoping to elevate its profile on the world stage. Costa's vast experience and the potential for him to attract more fans to the league could prove crucial for its continued growth.
While he might be past his prime, Costa still has the potential to be a difference-maker. His talent and experience will undoubtedly benefit Sydney FC, and his presence in the league will draw the attention of fans worldwide.
It's too early to say what kind of impact Costa will have on the A-League, but his arrival has certainly sparked excitement and raised expectations. Will he be a game-changer for Sydney FC and the league as a whole? Only time will tell.
A New Chapter in Costa's Story
This move marks a new chapter in Costa's career. After experiencing the highs and lows of playing in some of the world's most competitive leagues, he is now ready to embark on a new adventure in the A-League. For Sydney FC, it's a chance to add a world-class player to their ranks and raise their profile even further. For the A-League, it's an opportunity to attract a new wave of fans and establish itself as a destination for top talent. The signing of Douglas Costa will undoubtedly be a defining moment for the league and could be the catalyst for a new era of growth and success.
