Diogo Costa’s heroic performance in Portugal’s victory over Slovenia touched millions of Portuguese. In addition to his family, to whom the goalkeeper, born in Rothrist, Switzerland, dedicated his achievement, there was a Portuguese woman who was especially proud of the Euro 2024 national team player.
“What a joy to know that you are still the same humble and combative boy. Someone who, from an early age and with the support of a fantastic family, showed an impeccable sense of ethics and commitment on the field or in the classroom,” wrote Joana de Miranda in a note published on the website of the Nun’Alvres Institute in Santo Tirso.
Diogo Costa studied at the educational institution located in the Centro Educativo do Colégio das Caldinhas Companhia de Jesus, after arriving in Vila das Aves from Switzerland at the age of six.
“Pride is my word of the day! I and all Portuguese were delighted with how you carried the colours of Portugal further yesterday. But as you know, my pride is not only today,” the teacher added.
The goalkeeper, who did not want to score goals when he took his first steps in football, began his sporting career at Pinheirinhos de Ring. Diogo Costa arrived at Porto in 2011 to play for the under-13 team.
His rise began early. In 2016, he became a national junior champion and European champion with Portugal’s U17 team, a title he would renew two years later with the U19s. He was promoted to the main squad in 2018/19 and helped the young Dragons win the UEFA Youth League that season.
His acceptance at Porto was natural and, even before charming the Portuguese, he had distinguished himself in the Champions League, making three penalty saves in the group stage – a tournament record.
“Big congratulations, Diogo! As always, I will continue to stand here and applaud all your achievements,” the teacher concluded.
This Friday, against France, Diogo Costa will have another chance to cement his place as a goalkeeping legend.