Sydney FC have pulled off one of the biggest transfer coups in Isuzu UTE A-League history by completing the signing of former Bayern Munich and Juventus winger Douglas Costa for the next two seasons.
The 33-year-old, who boasts three Serie A titles, three Bundesliga titles and five Ukrainian Premier League titles, becomes the Sky Blues biggest arrival since Alessandro Del Piero joined the club in 2012.
BECOME A SYDNEY FC MEMBER TODAY
Capped 31 times by Brazil and featuring in a star-studded attack alongside Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Costa boasts 6.1 million followers on Instagram, with Cristiano Ronaldo among them.
Sydney FC will be the seventh club of the winger’s career. He joins after 22 appearances in all competitions with Brazilian outfit Fluminense and a season in the MLS with LA Galaxy, following a glittering career in Europe with the likes of Bayern, Juve and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Costa boasts 76 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, scoring 11 goals and providing 17 assists, and he has played alongside an amazing roll call of all-time greats including Ronaldo, Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer.
The signing is a game-changer for both Sydney FC and the Isuzu UTE A-League.
READ MORE
SAINSBURY: Mariners bring club great back to Gosford after a decade abroad
TRANSFER CENTRE: Your Isuzu UTE A-League club’s ins/outs
UNITE ROUND: Get your tickets today
“We are thrilled to bring Brazilian World Cup star Douglas Costa to Sydney FC and the Isuzu-UTE A-League,” said Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow.
“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.
“Douglas is a proven winner, and his record of titles in the world’s top leagues is testament to that.
GET YOUR TICKETS TO UNITE ROUND
“This is yet another landmark signing in our club’s history and we welcome Douglas to Australia.”
Costa added: “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.
“I’m excited to get to know the people, the country and seeing all the fans of every club.”
With over 13 million followers worldwide, the 33-year-old has a larger social media presence than Sam Kerr, Pat Cummins, Nick Kyrgios, Ben Simmons, Reece Walsh, Dustin Martin and Alexander Volkanovski, with only Australian sports stars such as cricketer David Warner and Formula One driver Daniel Riccardo having a comparable online status.
Costa’s worldwide transfer fees over his 16-year career total close to $AU140 million.
“It’s exciting to be able to attract a player of the calibre of Douglas Costa to Sydney FC,” said Sydney FC boss Ufuk Talay.
“He is a world class talent with 24 career trophies”
“His experience and knowledge will be a positive influence on the playing group.”
Costa could make his debut as soon as September 19 when the Sky Blues face Hong Kong’s Eastern in the AFC Champions League 2.
Douglas Costa CV
Grêmio – 2008–2009 – 37 apps (2 goals)
Shakhtar Donetsk – 2009-15 – 202 apps (38 goals)
Bayern Munich – 2015–17 – 77 apps (14 goals)
Juventus – 2017-2021 – 103 apps (10 goals)
Bayern Munich – 2020–21 – 20 apps (1 goal)
Grêmio – 2021-22 – 28 apps (3 goals)
LA Galaxy – 2022–24 – 51 apps (8 goals)
Fluminese – 2024 – 22 (0 goals)
Career total – 517 apps (76 goals)
Transfer Fees – Total AU$ 139.2 million
Gremio to Shakhtar Donetsk – AU$13.2 million.
Shakhtar Donetsk to Bayern Munich – AU$50 million.
Bayern Munich to Juventus – AU$76 million.
Club Honours – 24 trophies
5x Ukrainian Premier League
3x Ukrainian Cup
3x Ukrainian Super Cup
3x Bundesliga
3x Serie A
1x Copa Italia
1x Supercoppa Italiana
1x DFB-Pokal
1x FIFA Club World Cup
1x Recopa Sudamericana
