PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel de Almeida Costa |
| Date of Birth | 27/11/2000 (Age: 25) |
| Place of Birth | Aveiro, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Height | 1.85 m |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #12 |
| Current Club | RCD Mallorca |
| Previous Clubs | Braga, Almería |
| International Caps | 7 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 |
The Frozen Moment
The Dallas Stadium had fallen silent. June 26, 2026. Portugal and Colombia were locked in a tense World Cup group-stage encounter, the score deadlocked at 0-0. The game was entering its final stages, and Roberto Martínez needed fresh legs in midfield.
Samú Costa was called from the bench. It was his World Cup debut—just 20 minutes of football against Colombia, coming on to help Portugal hold their shape and see out the draw. But those 20 minutes represented the culmination of a journey that had seemed almost impossible just a few years earlier.
Just 12 months before, Costa’s inclusion in the World Cup squad had been one of the most debated decisions in Portuguese football. Critics argued that Mateus Fernandes, shining for West Ham in the Premier League, deserved the spot more. Martínez had ignored the noise, trusting the quiet, left-footed midfielder who had become the heartbeat of Mallorca’s midfield.
The criticism didn’t stop when the squad was announced. But Costa didn’t need to prove anything to his doubters. He had already proven everything to himself—from the youth ranks of Braga to the second division of Spain, from Almería’s promotion to La Liga to a starting role at Mallorca. The 20 minutes against Colombia were a beginning, not an end.
Origins
Samú Costa was born on November 27, 2000, in Aveiro, Portugal. His football journey began in the youth academies of his hometown club Beira-Mar, before moving through Gafanha, Palmeiras Braga, and finally Braga’s youth system.
He made his professional debut for Braga B in the Campeonato de Portugal on November 2, 2019, playing against Bragança. Just a few months later, on July 25, 2020, he appeared for Braga’s first team, coming off the bench against Porto. It was a fleeting glimpse of top-flight football, but for Costa, it was confirmation that he belonged.
In September 2020, Braga loaned him to Almería in Spain’s Segunda División. It was the move that would define his career.
The European Forge
Almería (2020-2023):
Costa’s loan to Almería was a masterstroke. He made his debut for the club in September 2020 and quickly became a fixture in the starting lineup. In his first season, he made 35 league appearances, scored 2 goals, and helped Almería mount a promotion challenge.
His performances were so impressive that Almería exercised their purchase option, signing him permanently. In the 2021-22 season, he made 38 league appearances, playing a key role in Almería’s promotion to La Liga as champions of the Segunda División. He made his La Liga debut on August 14, 2022, starting against Real Madrid in a narrow 2-1 defeat.
In September 2022, Almería rewarded his progress with a contract extension until 2029. He had gone from a loan signing to a foundational piece of the club’s future.
Mallorca (2023-Present):
In August 2023, Costa made the move to RCD Mallorca, signing a five-year contract. It was another step up in his career—joining a more established La Liga side with European ambitions.
His first season at Mallorca saw him make 34 league appearances, scoring 1 goal. The 2024-25 season was quieter in terms of goal output (0 goals in 32 appearances), but his role as the midfield anchor had become irreplaceable.
The 2025-26 season was his breakout campaign. He scored 7 goals in 34 La Liga appearances, a remarkable return for a defensive midfielder, with a further 2 assists. His total goal involvement of 9 (7 goals, 2 assists) gave him a goal contribution every 0.3 per 90 minutes. He was no longer just a destroyer—he had become a genuine attacking threat.
The Anatomy of His Game
Costa is a left-footed defensive midfielder defined by energy, tactical intelligence, and a developing ability to contribute goals. His game is built on control, composure, and a relentless work rate.
In Possession:
Costa is a composed passer who dictates the tempo from deep. His role at Mallorca is to control the flow of the game, providing the platform for more creative players. His 7 goals in the 2025-26 season represented a significant evolution in his game—he had developed a goal threat to complement his defensive duties.
Out of Possession:
This is where Costa truly excels. He is described as a “volante” in Portuguese—a midfielder who disrupts opposition attacks and protects the defense. His energy and physicality in the midfield battle were the reasons Roberto Martínez included him in the World Cup squad, despite public criticism. At Al Nassr, he is being signed as a replacement for Marcelo Brozovic, with the club valuing his ability to control the tempo and his more aggressive, energetic style.
Physical Attributes:
Standing at 1.85 meters and weighing 75 kg, Costa has the physical presence to compete in the midfield battle. His mobility and work rate allow him to cover significant ground.
Psychological Edge:
Costa’s mental resilience is his defining characteristic. His inclusion in the World Cup squad was met with public opposition. He had only 4 Portugal caps when the squad was announced. But he did not let the noise affect him. He had earned his place through consistency, hard work, and the trust of his manager.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (Club Career)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Mallorca | La Liga | 34 | 7 | 2 |
| 2025/26 | Mallorca | Copa del Rey | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | Mallorca | La Liga | 32 | 0 | 2 |
| 2023/24 | Mallorca | La Liga | 34 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022/23 | Almería | La Liga | 32 | 1 | 2 |
| 2021/22 | Almería | Segunda División | 38 | 0 | 2 |
| 2020/21 | Almería | Segunda División | 35 | 2 | 1 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 221+ | 11 | 10 |
TABLE B: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 | Group Stage |
| Portugal Senior Career | 7 | 0 | — |
TABLE C: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Braga B Debut | Campeonato de Portugal debut |
| 2020 | Braga First Team | Primeira Liga debut |
| 2020 | Almería Loan | First season in Spain |
| 2021 | Almería Permanent | Purchase option exercised |
| 2022 | La Liga Debut | Started against Real Madrid |
| 2022 | Almería Contract | Extended until 2029 |
| 2023 | Mallorca Move | Signed five-year contract |
| 2024 | Portugal Debut | First senior cap |
| 2026 | World Cup Selection | Named in Portugal squad |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | 20 minutes against Colombia |
What these figures reveal
is a player who has shown consistent improvement throughout his career. His 7 goals in the 2025-26 season represent a significant step forward, and his involvement in the World Cup, even in a limited role, is a testament to his progress.
The Present Tense
Samú Costa is 25 years old and entering the prime of his career. He is a key player for Mallorca, a member of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad, and on the verge of a move to Saudi Arabia.
The Mallorca Story:
Costa has become an integral part of Mallorca’s midfield, making 36 total appearances in the 2025-26 season and scoring 7 goals. His performances have attracted interest from Al Nassr.
The World Cup Campaign:
Costa was selected for Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad. He featured in one match, coming off the bench for 20 minutes against Colombia. Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16.
The Transfer Story:
According to reports, Samú Costa has agreed personal terms with Al Nassr to join the Saudi club as a replacement for Marcelo Brozovic. He has said his goodbyes to his Mallorca teammates. The deal is waiting for final approval from Mallorca regarding the transfer fee. Al Nassr sees him as a key part of their “Portuguese empire” alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix. He will be Al Nassr’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
International Record:
Costa has 7 caps for Portugal and has not yet scored a senior international goal. He made his debut in October 2024 in a Nations League match against Poland, coming on for Bernardo Silva.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Costa is known for his humility and professionalism. Despite his rapid rise, he has remained grounded, often citing the support of his teammates and coaches as key to his development.
His inclusion in the World Cup squad was a moment of validation for the player from Aveiro. He had proven that consistency and hard work could overcome the critics.
The Verdict from the Camp
Roberto Martínez, Portugal head coach:
Martínez's decision to include Costa in the World Cup squad was controversial. But the coach's faith in the midfielder was rewarded with a performance in the group stage.
Critics:
Many argued that Mateus Fernandes, in excellent form for West Ham, deserved the spot over Costa. Costa’s limited minutes at the World Cup did not silence the debate.
Samú Costa:
“I live in the present… The best way I have to thank for everything is by working hard.”
Where Next?
Samú Costa is 25 years old and on the cusp of a life-changing move. He is reportedly heading to Al Nassr, where he will join Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix.
For Portugal, Costa may have played his last major tournament. The 2026 World Cup was a glimpse of what could be, but his role was limited. Whether he can build on that experience and become a regular fixture in the national team remains to be seen.
From Aveiro to Braga, from Almería to Mallorca, Samú Costa’s journey is a story of persistence and quiet excellence. The boy who came through the ranks of Beira-Mar and Braga is now on the verge of joining a global project. His story is far from over.
