Sydney FC and Brazil superstar Douglas Costa have parted ways by mutual consent, with the winger unable to travel to Australia.
Costa departs the Isuzu UTE A-League after one season as ongoing legal and personal matters in his native Brazil have prevented the former Bayern Munich and Juventus attacker from leaving the country.
The 35-year-old was granted more than two months’ grace to resolve the issues, however, he informed Sydney FC there is no imminent resolution..
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Costa’s departure opens up a fifth visa spot for the Sky Blues to fill in January, if required.
“I want to thank Sydney FC for giving me the opportunity to play in Australia – it was an incredible year in Sky Blue,” Costa said.
“I am very sorry that I cannot return at this time due to the matters I must resolve at home, but I will always remember my time in Sydney fondly.
“To the members and fans, I truly appreciate the support you gave me and the team. Playing in front of you was very special, and I will never forget it.”
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Sydney FC head coach Ufuk Talay paid tribute to Costa’s contribution in Sky Blue.
Costa impressed in his first season in the Harbour City, where he scored four goals and set up another five in the Isuzu UTE A-League. He added another two goals and three assists in the club’s historic run to the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals.
Sydney, meanwhile, have recruited Al Hassan Toure, Rhys Youlley, Akol Akon, Paul Okon-Engstler, Marcel Tisserand, Peru international Piero Quispe (loan), former LaLiga striker Victor Campuzano and Abel Walatee for 2025-26.
They have also promoted Mathias Macallister and re-signed Gus Hoefsloot, Alex Grant, Wataru Kamijo, Rhyan Grant and Aaron Gurd.
“Douglas gave us some entertaining performances during his season here, and I want to thank him for the effort and quality he brought to the squad,” Talay said.
“We have supported him over the last couple months to try and resolve his issues, however we’ve agreed this is the best path forward for the squad as we prepare for the season ahead.”
