Diego Costa
A snarling, physically dominant striker who terrorized defenses in Spain and England, famously leading Atlético Madrid to a La Liga title.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Footballer·Birthday: October 7·Millennials
Biography
Diego Costa's football story is one of reinvention and raw, confrontational brilliance. Born in Brazil, he carved his path not with silky skills but with an almost archaic brand of center-forward play: a blend of brute strength, clever movement, and psychological warfare. His career ignited at Atlético Madrid, where under Diego Simeone he became the perfect embodiment of the team's fierce identity. The 2013-14 season was his masterpiece; his 27 goals propelled Atlético to a stunning La Liga title, breaking the Barcelona-Real Madrid duopoly. A controversial but successful switch to play for the Spanish national team followed. A big-money move to Chelsea yielded two Premier League titles, where his combative style perfectly suited English football. Costa's game was a spectacle of constant friction with defenders, making him one of the most feared and effective strikers of his generation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Diego was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Diego Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Diego's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led Atlético Madrid to the 2013-14 La Liga title as their top scorer with 27 goals.
- Won two Premier League titles (2015, 2017) with Chelsea.
- Won the UEFA Super Cup in 2013 with Atlético Madrid and in 2018 with Atlético.
- Represented the Spain national team after switching allegiance from Brazil, playing in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.
Did You Know?
He initially played for Brazil in two friendly matches before officially switching to represent Spain.
Before his professional breakthrough, he worked on his family's farm and in construction.
He is known for his love of horses and owns a ranch in Brazil.
“I'm not a saint, but I'm not a bad person either. I'm just a footballer who gives everything on the pitch.”
