David Pereira da Costa Bio
David Pereira da Costa, sometimes known as David Da Costa, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers. Standing 168 centimeters tall, he is comfortable operating in tight spaces across the final third and has built a reputation as a creative, attack-minded player.
Born in Almada, Portugal, Costa developed through the academy system in France before breaking into senior football with RC Lens in Ligue 1. After several seasons of progression in France, he made the move to North America in early 2025, joining Portland Timbers on a multi-year contract.
Early Life and Background
David Pereira da Costa was born on 5 January 2001 in Almada, Portugal, a city situated across the Tagus River from Lisbon. He grew up as one of six children in a household of Cape Verdean descent, a heritage he carries alongside his Portuguese nationality.
At the age of nine, Costa relocated to France, a move that shaped the early phase of his football development. Immersed in the French youth system from a young age, he gradually adapted to a different footballing culture and language, which helped broaden his tactical understanding of the game.
Path to Soccer
Costa’s progression through the French academy ranks prepared him for a professional environment, and on 10 January 2019 he signed his first professional contract with RC Lens. The agreement marked the transition from youth prospect to senior squad member at one of the historic clubs of French football.
He spent time developing with Lens II, the club’s reserve side, while continuing to train with the first team. His performances at that level built the foundation for his eventual breakthrough into Ligue 1 and his subsequent rise as one of the club’s promising attacking talents.
David Pereira da Costa Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Costa’s early professional years were spent bridging reserve-team football with first-team exposure. Playing regularly for Lens II allowed him to refine his game as an attacking midfielder and winger, sharpening the decision-making and movement required at the senior level.
His progress was recognized when he was integrated into the first-team setup, setting the stage for his competitive debut in France’s top flight.
Ligue 1 Breakthrough (2020–2021)
David Pereira da Costa made his professional debut on 3 October 2020, appearing in a 2–0 Ligue 1 victory over Saint-Étienne. The performance signaled his arrival at the highest level of French domestic football and gave him a platform to build confidence against experienced opposition.
On 3 March 2021, Costa scored his first professional goal, again against Saint-Étienne, underlining his comfort in high-pressure matches. Later that month, on 23 June 2021, he extended his contract with Lens through 2024, a sign of the club’s belief in his long-term potential.
Portland Timbers Era (2025–Present)
On 17 February 2025, Costa completed a transfer to Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers, signing a four-year contract in a deal reported at $6 million. The move represented a new chapter in his career and brought his attacking profile to a North American audience.
Joining Portland offered him the chance to operate as a creative hub in midfield, linking play between the lines and supplying width when deployed out wide. His early months at the club were framed as an opportunity to establish himself as a key contributor within the Timbers’ attacking structure.
Playing Style and Strengths
Costa is recognized for his technical quality in tight areas, his ability to drift between the lines, and his preference for combining quickly with forwards. Comfortable on either flank or through the middle, he offers a balance of dribbling, passing range, and attacking instinct that suits teams that prioritize possession and creative build-up play.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of his career are his Ligue 1 debut against Saint-Étienne in October 2020 and his first senior goal against the same opponent in March 2021. His 2025 move to Portland Timbers stands as another major milestone, representing his first senior spell outside of French football.
David Pereira da Costa Career Wins
Costa’s professional career is still in its early chapters, with his honors and headline victories primarily tied to team results during his time at Lens and his ongoing tenure with Portland Timbers. He contributed to matches that helped establish Lens as a competitive force in Ligue 1, while individual awards and major trophies have not yet been documented in verifiable detail.
Domestic League Highlights
During his time with Lens in Ligue 1, Costa featured in notable victories including the 2–0 win over Saint-Étienne on his debut in October 2020. His first goal, scored against the same opponent on 3 March 2021, marked a personal milestone in one of the league’s recognizable fixtures.
Other Performances
Costa has represented Portugal at youth international level, playing up to the Portugal U21s. His progression through the national youth setup reflects recognition of his development and his standing among his generation of Portuguese players.
David Pereira da Costa Family
Family Background and Heritage
David Pereira da Costa was raised in Almada as one of six children, in a family of Cape Verdean descent. He holds Portuguese nationality and has spoken to the importance of his dual cultural background in shaping his upbringing.
Personal Life
Costa moved from Portugal to France at a young age to pursue his football development. Public information about his personal relationships and family life beyond his parents and siblings has not been widely documented.
2025 Season Performance
David Pereira da Costa’s 2025 season began with his high-profile transfer to Portland Timbers in February, marking his first campaign in Major League Soccer. The four-year contract underscored the club’s long-term commitment to integrating him as a central creative figure.
Throughout the season, he is expected to feature prominently as an attacking midfielder and winger, providing goals and assists while helping shape Portland’s offensive identity. His adaptation to the pace and physicality of MLS will be a key storyline as the season unfolds.
With the Timbers aiming to compete in the Western Conference, Costa’s contributions in the final third and his connection with the club’s forwards will be closely tracked. His progress will likely influence both his standing within the team and his future opportunities at club and international level.