**Rui Costa: The Maestro of Portuguese Football – Career, Team, and Iconic Moments**
## **Introduction** Rui Costa, born **Rui Manuel César Costa** on March 29, 1972, in Lisbon, Portugal, is one of the most graceful and technically skilled midfielders in football history. Known for his vision, dribbling, and playmaking abilities, he enchanted spectators at **Benfica, Fiorentina, AC Milan**, and the **Portuguese national team**.
In this blog article, we’ll explore: - Rui Costa’s football path - The teams he played for and their squad sizes - **5 most iconic moments** of his career - His legacy in football
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Rui Costa: The Mastermind Behind Cycling Triumphs and Unforgettable Moments
## **Rui Costa’s Football Career**
### **Early Years & Benfica (1990–1994)**
Rui Costa began his career with **SL Benfica**, one of Portugal’s top clubs. He rapidly became a significant player, helping them win the **Primeira Liga (1993–94)**. Benfica’s squad at the time featured roughly **25–30 players**, including stars like **Paulo Sousa** and **João Pinto**.
### **Fiorentina – The Rise of a Magician (1994–2001)**
In 1994, he transferred to **ACF Fiorentina**, where he created a renowned combination with **Gabriel Batistuta**. Fiorentina’s team comprised **around 25 players**, but Rui Costa was the creative pulse. Despite financial issues, he guided them to **Coppa Italia (1996, 2001)** and became a fan favorite.
### **AC Milan – Champions League Glory (2001–2006)**
In 2001, he joined **AC Milan**, a club with a star-studded lineup of **28–30 players**, including **Andriy Shevchenko, Paolo Maldini, and Kaká**. At Milan, he won the **Serie A (2003–04)** and the **Champions League (2002–03)**.
### **Return to Benfica & Retirement (2006–2008)**
He returned to Benfica in 2006, playing two more seasons before retiring. The squad had **around 25 players**, including **Simão Sabrosa and Nuno Gomes**.
### **Portugal National Team (1993–2004)** Rui Costa got **94 caps** for Portugal, participating in **Euro 1996, Euro 2000, and Euro 2004**, where Portugal reached the final.
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## **5 Most Iconic Moments of Rui Costa’s Career**
### **1. The Assist to Batistuta - Fiorentina versus Barcelona (1999) ** In the **Champions League group stage**, Fiorentina met Barcelona. Rui Costa sent a **jaw-dropping no-look through pass** to Batistuta, who scored. The assist was pure genius, demonstrating his vision and inventiveness.
### **2. The Stunning Goal versus England – Euro 2000** In the **Euro 2000 group stage**, Portugal faced England. Rui Costa got the ball **30 yards out**, dribbled past two defenders, and blasted a **powerful left-footed strike** past David Seaman. Portugal triumphed **3-2**, and this goal remains one of the finest in Euros history.
### **3. Champions League Triumph with AC Milan (2003)** Rui Costa had a significant part in Milan’s **2003 Champions League win**, notably in the **semifinal against Inter Milan**, when his passing controlled the game. Milan overcame Juventus in the final on penalties, winning his first **UCL trophy**.
### **4. The 40-Yard Lob against Lazio (2001)**
Playing for Fiorentina, Rui Costa noticed the goalie off his line and delivered a **perfect 40-yard lob** that soared into the net. This bold blow highlighted his **technical brilliance and confidence**.
### **5. Emotional Return to Benfica & Final Game (2008)**
In his last professional encounter, Rui Costa captained Benfica in a **5-0 win** over Vitória Setúbal. The supporters gave him a **standing ovation**, commemorating his reputation as one of Portugal’s best midfielders.
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## **Conclusion - Rui Costa’s Legacy**
Rui Costa was a **true artist on the pitch**, blending grace, intellect, and flair. His effect at **Benfica, Fiorentina, AC Milan, and Portugal** cements his place among football’s greatest playmakers.
Today, he acts as **Benfica’s director of football**, molding the next generation of talent. His career reminds us why football is considered **"the beautiful game."**
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