Sydney FC secure Douglas Costa signing in massive A-League coup
Former Juventus and Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa has signed for A-League Men heavyweights Sydney FC in a significant coup for Australian football.
The 33-year-old has had a glittering career across Germany, Italy, the United States, and Ukraine, as well as holding 33 caps for Brazil. A part of the 2018 World Cup squad where he played with the likes of Neymar and Roberto Firmino, Costa is arguably the biggest signing to hit the A-Leagues since Nani at Melbourne Victory in 2022, or perhaps Alessandro Del Piero at Sydney in 2012.
Chairman Scott Barlow has hailed the transfer as one of the greatest in Australian football, calling it a landmark signing in the club’s history.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“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.
“This is yet another landmark signing in our club’s history, and we welcome Douglas to Australia.”
Having won 24 trophies in his career, Costa will be a major part of Sydney’s title challenge across both the domestic competition and the AFC Champions League, which kicks off in under a month against Hong Kong side Eastern.
Costa has told the club’s website of his desire to add to his staggering title list, as well as making clear his intent to bring attention back to the round ball game in Australia, which so often struggles for exposure.
“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.”
Costa is Sydney’s fourth visa player, joining fellow Brazilian Leo Sena, Englishman and Alex Tobin Medallist Joe Lolley, as well as German-Moroccan midfielder Anas Ouahim. Known in his prime as a pacy winger with a grab-bag of tricks, Costa has not enjoyed terrific form since departing European football in 2022.
His recent spells include an injury-ravaged year with Major League Soccer side L.A. Galaxy, and another unfortunate stint with native Brazilian side Fluminense, where he made just ten appearances, as he arrives in Australia with a slight feel of damaged goods.
Should he hit even a modicum of form similar to his heady days of the mid-to-late 2010s, he’ll be a contender for the Johnny Warren Medal in the A-League and a crucial piece of the puzzle for Sydney in their Asian campaign.
