Douglas Costa
A Brazilian winger whose blistering pace and mesmerizing dribbling made him a thrilling, if inconsistent, force for Europe's top clubs.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: September 14·Millennials
Biography
Douglas Costa announced himself with a signature move: the explosive sprint down the flank, a blur of green and yellow for Shakhtar Donetsk that European giants couldn't ignore. His time at Bayern Munich showcased him at his peak, a super-sub capable of shredding defenses with his acceleration and whip-like crosses, contributing to a Bundesliga title. A big-money move to Juventus followed, where moments of brilliance—like a stunning last-minute winner against Sassuolo—were punctuated by struggles with form and fitness. His career path became a global tour, with loans to Bayern and São Paulo, and a stint with the LA Galaxy, highlighting a talent that promised a touch more than it ultimately delivered at the very highest level. Yet, for a period, Costa embodied the classic Brazilian wing wizard, a direct and daring player who could change a game in an instant.
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.
Douglas was born in 1990, 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 Douglas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Douglas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three consecutive Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich between 2016 and 2018.
- Helped Juventus secure four Serie A championships and two Coppa Italia trophies during his tenure.
- Earned 31 caps for the Brazilian national team, scoring 3 goals, and was part of the 2018 World Cup squad.
- Was named the Ukrainian Footballer of the Year in 2014 while playing for Shakhtar Donetsk.
Did You Know?
He is known for his exceptionally high sprint speed, once clocked at 21.6 mph (34.8 km/h) in a Bundesliga match.
Costa has a large tattoo of Jesus Christ covering much of his back.
He began his professional career at Grêmio in Brazil, making his debut at just 18 years old.
During his loan at Bayern Munich, he chose to wear the number 11 jersey, previously worn by Arjen Robben.
“I just want to play football and enjoy myself on the pitch.”
