PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nuno Miguel da Costa Jóia |
| Date of Birth | 10 February 1991 (Age: 35) |
| Place of Birth | Praia, Cape Verde |
| Nationality | Cape Verdean |
| Height | 1.82–1.84 m / 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 69–70 kg / 152–154 lbs |
| Position | Striker / Forward / Left Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #10 (Başakşehir), #10 (Cape Verde) |
| Current Club | İstanbul Başakşehir |
| Previous Clubs | Aubagne, Valenciennes, Strasbourg, Nottingham Forest, Mouscron, Caen, Auxerre, Kasımpaşa |
| International Caps | 13+ |
| International Goals | 2+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2027 |
| Market Value | €519K (peak €2M) |
The Frozen Moment
NRG Stadium, Houston. July 3, 2026. Cape Verde and Argentina, locked in a World Cup Round of 32 clash that would mark the Blue Sharks’ deepest-ever run on the global stage. For Nuno da Costa, the 35-year-old striker who had journeyed from France’s fifth tier to Ligue 1, from the Championship to the Süper Lig, this was the moment that made every sacrifice worthwhile.
He started the match, playing 67 minutes before being substituted. Cape Verde had already stunned the world—drawing 0-0 with Spain, 2-2 with Uruguay, and holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless stalemate to advance to the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance. Now they faced the defending champions. Argentina scored a late winner.
As the final whistle blew, Da Costa could not hold back his tears. He headed straight to the stands where his wife and young son, Lewis, were waiting. In the comforting embrace of his family, he buried his head, sobbing uncontrollably. The image of little Lewis da Costa standing in the stands with tears in his eyes, his tiny hands forming a heart shape towards the Cape Verde players, went viral across social media.
The tournament had been a dream for the boy from Praia who had moved to Portugal as a toddler, who had risen through the French lower divisions, who had played in Ligue 1 and the English Championship, who was now representing his father’s homeland on the grandest stage of all. Even Lionel Messi praised the Blue Sharks after the match. “We knew this would be a very difficult match; it’s no coincidence that this team didn’t lose to Spain or Uruguay,” the Argentine superstar said.
Origins
Nuno Miguel da Costa Jóia was born on February 10, 1991, in Praia, Cape Verde. His family moved to Portugal in 1993 when he was just two years old. He began playing football with U.R. Mercês in Lisbon before moving to Aubagne in southern France.
His senior career began with Aubagne FC in France’s fifth tier. On 4 January 2014, he scored the opening goal of a 3-3 draw at home to Ligue 2 club Dijon FCO in the Coupe de France, losing on penalties. It was a glimpse of the player he would become.
His international career began when he made his debut for Cape Verde on June 4, 2016, in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match away to São Tomé and Príncipe. He came on in the 73rd minute for Garry Rodrigues and scored six minutes later in a 2-1 win. He did not play again until the return of manager Rui Águas in 2018.
The Forge
Valenciennes (2015–2017):
Da Costa joined Valenciennes FC of Ligue 2 on August 3, 2015, following a season of 14 goals and eight assists. In his first professional season, he scored ten goals, including two on May 6, 2016, in a 4-1 win away to Paris FC. He followed this with nine more in his second year, including a brace in a 3-3 home draw with FC Bourg-Péronnas.
Strasbourg (2017–2020):
On July 3, 2017, Da Costa signed a four-year deal with Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg. In his first top-flight season he found the net five times, including both goals of a 2-1 win at OGC Nice on October 22. On November 4, he was sent off after half an hour of a 2-0 loss at Troyes AC.
Da Costa was an 81st-minute substitute for Lebo Mothiba as they won the 2019 Coupe de la Ligue Final on penalties against EA Guingamp. Four days later, he scored twice in a 4-0 win over Stade Reims, bringing his season tally to eight goals. After that game, former France international Daniel Bravo made a controversial comment during his beIN Sports punditry; he apologised in person for offence caused to the player, who accepted the apology.
Nottingham Forest & Loans (2020–2022):
On January 29, 2020, Da Costa joined EFL Championship club Nottingham Forest. He debuted on February 11, but was injured days later in an under-23 game.
He was loaned to Belgian First Division A side Royal Excel Mouscron for the 2020–21 season, scoring six goals during his stint. On August 31, 2021, he was loaned out again to French Ligue 2 side Caen.
Auxerre (2022–2023):
On August 5, 2022, Da Costa joined Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre. He made 33 league appearances, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists.
Kasımpaşa (2023–2025):
On September 12, 2023, Da Costa signed for Turkish Süper Lig side Kasımpaşa. Over two seasons at the club, he made 58 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing 6 assists. In the 2023–24 season, he scored 14 goals in 29 appearances, and in 2024–25, he scored 13 goals in 29 appearances.
Başakşehir (2025–Present):
In July 2025, Da Costa signed with İstanbul Başakşehir, where he currently wears the number 10 shirt. In the 2025–26 Süper Lig season, he made 26 appearances (8 starts, 18 as substitute), accumulating 896 minutes of playing time and scoring 3 goals with 1 assist. He also scored 2 goals in the Turkish Cup. His contract runs until 2027.
International Career:
Da Costa has earned over 13 caps for Cape Verde since his debut in 2016. He has scored 2 international goals. On May 18, 2026, he was called up by head coach Bubista for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the World Cup, he made 4 appearances (1 start, 3 as substitute) across the group stage and Round of 32, playing 159 minutes. He contributed to Cape Verde’s historic unbeaten group stage run.
The Anatomy of His Game
Nuno da Costa is a 35-year-old striker defined by his movement, finishing, and versatility. Standing at approximately 1.84 meters, he is a mobile forward capable of operating as a central striker or on the left wing.
In Possession:
Da Costa is a composed finisher with strong heading ability. In the 2025–26 Süper Lig season, he recorded 3 goals from an expected goals (xG) of 3.76, with 0.37 xG per 90 minutes. His minutes per goal ratio was 299. He has accumulated over 90 career goals across more than 330 appearances. His heading accuracy is notable at 77, demonstrating his aerial threat. However, his passing and dribbling metrics are more modest—vision 67 and ball control 76 in EA FC ratings.
Out of Possession:
Da Costa is a willing runner who contributes to defensive shape. In the 2025–26 season, he received 3 yellow cards. His physicality is solid—jumping 85 and strength 68 in EA FC ratings. At 35, his stamina is a consideration; he has been used primarily as an impact substitute in the Süper Lig, with 18 of his 26 appearances coming off the bench. In his World Cup appearances, he averaged about 30 minutes per game in the group stage.
Psychological Edge:
Da Costa’s mental resilience is his defining quality. His journey from France’s fifth tier to Ligue 1, from the Championship to the Süper Lig, reflects a player who has consistently proven himself at multiple levels. His emotional reaction to Cape Verde’s World Cup elimination—sobbing in his family’s arms—reveals a player who carries the weight of his nation’s hopes on his shoulders. At 35, he has shown remarkable longevity, playing at a high level across five different countries. His nickname “Nuno da Costa” and his decision to represent Cape Verde, despite being raised in Portugal, reflects his deep connection to his heritage.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Süper Lig (Başakşehir) | 26 | 896 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Turkish Cup (Başakşehir) | — | — | 2 | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Cape Verde) | 4 | 159 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | ~30 | 1,055 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
TABLE B: Career (League)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | Valenciennes | Ligue 2 | — | 10 |
| 2016–17 | Valenciennes | Ligue 2 | — | 9 |
| 2017–18 | Strasbourg | Ligue 1 | — | 5 |
| 2018–19 | Strasbourg | Ligue 1 | — | 8 |
| 2020–21 | Mouscron (loan) | Belgian First Division A | 25 | 6 |
| 2021–22 | Caen (loan) | Ligue 2 | 24 | 9 |
| 2022–23 | Auxerre | Ligue 1 | 33 | 5 |
| 2023–24 | Kasımpaşa | Süper Lig | 29 | 14 |
| 2024–25 | Kasımpaşa | Süper Lig | 29 | 13 |
| 2025–26 | Başakşehir | Süper Lig | 26 | 3 |
| TOTAL | — | — | ~336 | ~91 |
TABLE C: International Record (2016–2026)
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers | 3 | 1 |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 1 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 5 | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 4 | 0 |
| TOTAL | ~13 | 2 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Born | Praia, Cape Verde |
| 1993 | Moved to Portugal | Raised in Lisbon |
| 2012–13 | Senior Debut | Aubagne FC, France’s fifth tier |
| 2014 | First Professional Goal | vs Dijon FCO, Coupe de France |
| 2015 | Valenciennes Move | Joined Ligue 2 club |
| 2016 | Cape Verde Debut | vs São Tomé and Príncipe, scored |
| 2017 | Strasbourg Move | Joined Ligue 1 club |
| 2019 | Coupe de la Ligue Winner | With Strasbourg |
| 2020 | Nottingham Forest Move | Joined English Championship club |
| 2023 | Kasımpaşa Move | Signed for Turkish Süper Lig club |
| 2025 | Başakşehir Move | Joined Turkish club |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Cape Verde’s historic squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | Started vs Argentina in Round of 32 |
| 2026 | Emotional Farewell | Tearful moment with family after elimination |
What these figures reveal is a player of remarkable longevity and consistent scoring output. Da Costa has accumulated over 330 professional appearances by age 35, scoring approximately 91 goals across five different countries—France, England, Belgium, and Turkey. He has played in Ligue 1, Ligue 2, the Championship, the Belgian First Division A, and the Süper Lig, proving his quality at multiple levels. His 13 international caps and World Cup experience reflect his importance to Cape Verde.
The Present Tense
Nuno da Costa is 35 years old, in the twilight of his career. He is Başakşehir’s striker, a Cape Verdean international, and a 2026 World Cup participant.
The Başakşehir Story:
Da Costa signed with Başakşehir in July 2025 on a contract running until 2027. In the 2025–26 season, he made 26 Süper Lig appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist in 896 minutes. He also scored 2 goals in the Turkish Cup. His market value has declined to €519K, with a peak of €2M in December 2022.
The World Cup Campaign:
Da Costa was named in Cape Verde’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—the country’s first-ever appearance. Cape Verde were drawn in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. He came on as a substitute in all three group matches, averaging about 30 minutes per game. Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Spain, 2-2 with Uruguay, and 0-0 with Saudi Arabia, securing second place in the group. In the Round of 32, Da Costa started against Argentina, playing 67 minutes before being substituted.
International Record:
Da Costa has earned over 13 caps for Cape Verde since his debut in 2016. He has scored 2 international goals—one on his debut against São Tomé and Príncipe and another in a friendly.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Nuno da Costa is defined by his journey from Praia to the World Cup and his deep family connections. Born in Cape Verde’s capital, he was moved to Portugal at just two years old and raised in Lisbon before his football journey took him to France. His decision to represent Cape Verde, despite being raised in Portugal, reflects his deep connection to his heritage.
The image that defined his World Cup experience was not a goal but a moment of profound emotion. After Cape Verde’s Round of 32 defeat to Argentina, Da Costa broke down in tears in his family’s embrace. His young son Lewis, with tears in his eyes, formed a heart with his tiny hands towards the Cape Verde players. The image went viral on social media.
Da Costa’s career has taken him across Europe—from France’s fifth tier to Ligue 1, from the English Championship to the Turkish Süper Lig. He has adapted to new cultures, new teammates, and new styles of play at every step. At 35, he has shown remarkable longevity, still contributing at the top level.
The Verdict from the Camp
Vietnam.vn
, on Da Costa’s emotional reaction:
Nuno da Costa broke down in tears on the pitch after Cape Verde lost 2-3 to Argentina in extra time. As soon as the final whistle blew, the 35-year-old striker headed towards the stands where his family was waiting. In the comforting embrace of his wife and son, Nuno da Costa buried his head, covering his face and sobbing uncontrollably.
CNN Portugal
, on the viral moment:
After Cape Verde’s defeat to Argentina in the World Cup Round of 32, the Cape Verdean forward broke down next to his family in the stands. The emotional moment quickly went viral on social media.
Lionel Messi
, on Cape Verde’s performance:
We knew this would be a very difficult match; it’s no coincidence that this team didn’t lose to Spain or Uruguay. This is a knockout round and nobody gives you anything for free.
Opta Analyst
, on Da Costa’s 2025–26 season:
Da Costa made 26 Süper Lig appearances for Başakşehir in 2025–26, recording 896 minutes, 3 goals, 1 assist, and 3 yellow cards.
Wikipedia
, on Da Costa’s international call-up:
On 18 May 2026, he was called up by Cape Verde’s head coach Bubista for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Where Next?
Nuno da Costa is 35 years old and in the twilight of his career. He is established at Başakşehir, a Cape Verdean international, and a World Cup participant.
For Cape Verde
, Da Costa’s international future is uncertain. At 35, he may not feature in future tournaments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. His World Cup experience and leadership will be invaluable for a team that has established itself on the global stage. His emotional connection to the team and his family made his tournament unforgettable.
For Başakşehir
, Da Costa remains a squad player. His contract runs until 2027. At 35, he provides depth in attack and experience in the dressing room. His market value of €519K reflects his age, but his experience across five different leagues makes him a valuable asset.
His career trajectory is one of persistent progression—from France’s fifth tier to Ligue 1, from the Championship to the Süper Lig, from a debut against São Tomé to a World Cup appearance against Argentina. He has played in five different countries, scored 90 career goals, and represented his father’s homeland on the global stage.
The boy from Praia who moved to Portugal at two, who rose through the French lower divisions, who played in Ligue 1 and the English Championship, who represented Cape Verde at a World Cup, who broke down in tears in his family’s embrace—Nuno da Costa’s journey is a story of perseverance, heritage, and the pursuit of a dream on football’s greatest stage.
