Player Profile: Ricardo Costa

One of four central defenders vying for a place in the FC Porto side, Ricardo Costa has time on his side, a cool head, a fine touch and remains unfazed by the big occasion.

A regular in Portugal’s Under-21 team, Ricardo Costa represented his country at the Athens Olympic Games in August 2004, scoring against Morocco although Portugal failed to reach the quarter-finals. He made his international debut in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in February 2005 and also featured against Canada, going on to win a place in the squad for the World Cup campaign.
Having played in the junior ranks for Porto’s local rivals Boavista FC, it was not until he joined his current club’s second team that Ricardo Costa really blossomed. Two seasons of success with the reserves earned him a first run out for the senior team in a derby against Boavista in January 2002. He steadily progressed in 2002/03, often featuring in midfield in a season that ended with a domestic double and a substitute appearance in the 3-2 win against Celtic FC in the UEFA Cup final.

Sidelined by the excellent form of Jorge Costa and Ricardo Carvalho, Ricardo Costa nevertheless managed nine appearances, helping Porto secure another domestic title. He also had a hand in the Champions League triumph, playing twice.

Often used as left-back due to Nuno Valente’s long-term injury, he scored once in 24 league matches. However, his finest moment came in the Champions League when he scored the equaliser against FC Internazionale Milano in the first knockout round first leg - although it did not prove enough to maintain Porto’s grip on the trophy.
A young talent and a versatile player, Ricardo Costa will show all his talent in order to became Portugal’s next sheriff, starting on this World Cup.