Diego Costa is one of the most feared strikers of his generation, known for his power and passion on the field. Fans are curious about his financial standing and career moves after leaving Grêmio.
In this article, you will know Diego Costa’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more.
We will look at how a boy from Brazil became a global football star and built a massive fortune along the way.
Diego Costa’s Biography
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diego da Silva Costa |
| Date of Birth | October 7, 1988 |
| Age | 37 years old |
| Nationality | Spanish / Brazilian |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Weight | 85 kg (187 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2006 |
| Net Worth | $50 Million (Estimated) |
| Last Salary | ~$600,000 per year (Grêmio) |
| Marital Status | Single (Private) |
| Children | Isadora Costa |
| @diego.costa | |
| @diegocosta |
Early Career
Diego Costa’s road to professional football was not typical. He grew up in Lagarto, a small town in Brazil, where he played street football rather than joining a big academy early on. His style was raw and tough, shaped by playing against older boys on dusty fields.
He did not sign a professional contract until he was about 16 years old, which is quite late for a top player. His talent was eventually spotted by an agent who brought him to Portugal to play for Braga.
He caught the attention of Atlético Madrid, a major Spanish club. However, he did not play for them right away. Instead, he was sent out on loan to several teams, including Celta Vigo and Albacete, to gain experience.
These early years were hard, as he had to fight for his place and adapt to European football. He faced discipline issues but showed flashes of brilliance that proved he had a future at the highest level.
Professional Career
Diego Costa’s career truly took off when he returned to Atlético Madrid. He formed a deadly partnership with his teammates and helped the club win the La Liga title in 2014, breaking the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
His aggressive style and ability to score crucial goals made him a fan favorite.
That same year, he helped Atlético reach the UEFA Champions League final. His success in Spain led to a big move to Chelsea in the English Premier League.
At Chelsea, Costa was an instant hit. He won two Premier League titles and was known for bullying defenders with his strength. After a successful spell in England, he returned to Atlético Madrid in 2018.
In his later years, he played for clubs like Atlético Mineiro in Brazil, Wolverhampton Wanderers in England, and Grêmio.
As of January 2026, he is a free agent after his contract with Grêmio ended in late 2024. He left a legacy as a warrior on the pitch who gave everything for his team.
Diego Costa’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Diego Costa has an estimated net worth of around $50 million. This wealth comes from his massive contracts with top European clubs like Chelsea and Atlético Madrid, where he was one of the highest-paid strikers in the world for several years.
Contract
Costa’s most recent contract was with the Brazilian club Grêmio, which he joined in early 2024. This deal was a short-term agreement that expired on December 31, 2024. Before that, he had short stints with Botafogo and Wolves.
His biggest contracts were during his prime at Chelsea and Atlético Madrid, where he signed multi-year deals worth millions annually. Currently, he is without a club and does not have an active playing contract.
Salary
In his final season at Grêmio, Costa earned a reported salary of roughly $600,000 to $1 million per year, which is much lower than his peak. During his time at Chelsea (2014–2017), he was earning approximately £150,000 to £185,000 per week.
At Atlético Madrid, his salary was also very high, reaching over £10 million per year at one point. His income has decreased as he moved to smaller clubs in the later stages of his career.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Grêmio | $0.6 Million |
| 2023 | Botafogo / Wolves | $3.2 Million |
| 2022 | Wolves | $3.0 Million |
| 2021 | Atlético Mineiro | $3.5 Million |
| 2020 | Atlético Madrid | $14.0 Million |
| 2019 | Atlético Madrid | $14.0 Million |
| 2018 | Atlético Madrid | $11.5 Million |
| 2017 | Chelsea | $10.0 Million |
| 2016 | Chelsea | $10.0 Million |
| 2015 | Chelsea | $10.0 Million |
| 2014 | Chelsea | $8.0 Million |
Career Stats
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grêmio | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| Botafogo | 15 | 3 | 0 |
| Wolves | 25 | 1 | 0 |
| Atlético Mineiro | 19 | 5 | 1 |
| Atlético Madrid | 216 | 83 | 36 |
| Chelsea | 120 | 59 | 24 |
| Rayo Vallecano | 16 | 10 | 4 |
| Real Valladolid | 34 | 8 | 1 |
| Total (Approx) | 458 | 170 | 66 |
FAQs
1. What team does Diego Costa play?
Diego Costa remains a free agent after his contract with the Brazilian club Gremio ended. Although rumors linked the veteran striker to teams in Spain like Real Valladolid.
2. Why did Diego Costa choose to play for Spain instead of Brazil?
Costa felt more connected to Spain because he built his entire professional career there and felt true appreciation from the country. He officially chose the Spanish national team after playing only two friendly games for Brazil.
3. How many goals has Costa scored in his career?
The powerful forward has scored over 175 career goals across nearly 500 competitive matches for top clubs. He consistently showed his scoring ability in major leagues like the Premier League and La Liga during his prime years.
4. Why is Diego Costa called “The Beast”?
Fans nickname him “The Beast” because he plays with intense aggression and raw physical power during matches. He often uses his strength to dominate defenders and create scoring chances for his team.
5. What trophies has Costa won?
Costa won two Premier League titles with Chelsea and lifted the La Liga trophy twice with Atlético Madrid. He also captured the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup with his Spanish team.
