Portuguese · Fafe, Portugal · Born 29 March 1972Fiorentina and AC Milan's visionary Portuguese playmaker — one of the most technically gifted attacking midfielders of the 1990s.
Rui Costa won the Champions League with Milan in 2007 and two Serie A titles across spells at Fiorentina and Milan, establishing himself as one of the most elegant playmakers of his generation. He earned 94 caps for Portugal, playing a starring role at Euro 2004 as the host nation reached the final, and later became president of Benfica after retiring from playing. Renowned as one of the finest passers of his generation, he was affectionately nicknamed "Il Maestro" in Italy for the elegance and precision of his playmaking.
Exceptional playmaking ability and vision at Fiorentina and AC Milan
He is now President of Benfica — the club where he began his career.
Did You Know?How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional passing range, vision and technical ability
Lasting Impact
One of Portugal's greatest ever players and finest playmakers of his generation
Career Honours
- Champions League 2003 (Milan)
- Serie A 2x
- 94 Portugal caps
- Champions League 2007
- Serie A 2004
- Coppa Italia 2003
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benfica | 1993–1994 | 13 | 37 | #10 |
| Fiorentina | 1994–2001 | 230 | 37 | — |
| AC Milan | 2001–2006 | 117 | 10 | — |
 Portugal | — | 94 | 26 | — |
Portuguese Athletes