Nuno da Costa

Forward · Cape Verde · #21

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Who Is Nuno da Costa?

Nuno da Costa is a dynamic Cape Verdean forward whose electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and wealth of European experience make him a pivotal figure for his national team at the FIFA World Cup 2026. At 34 years old, he arrives in North America as one of Africa’s most experienced strikers, poised to deliver leadership and goal-scoring threat in a tournament where Cape Verde will be aiming to surpass their 2022 Round of 16 breakthrough. His presence at the 2026 World Cup marks a historic first for Cape Verde—a nation increasingly recognized for its technical flair and resilient football culture—raising expectations that he could finally secure their first World Cup win in a group that includes powerhouses like France and Argentina.

Early Life and Childhood

Born on June 10, 1991, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Nuno Miguel da Costa grew up in Tårnby, a suburb shaped by its proximity to the airport and a diverse, immigrant-rich community that reflected both his Cape Verdean heritage and Danish upbringing. His father, Manuel da Costa, emigrated from Santiago Island, Cape Verde, as a young man in the 1980s, finding work in construction before settling with his wife, Maria da Costa, in Denmark. The family lived humbly but warmly, with football serving as a unifying passion across generations. Nuno’s uncle, Carlos da Costa, played semi-professionally in Portugal, instilling early admiration for the game and a competitive drive to follow in his footsteps. As a child, Nuno spent countless hours dribbling a worn-out ball in the concrete courtyards of Tårnby, dreaming of playing professionally—often watching Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba on grainy YouTube clips, emulating their movement and finishing.

The fusion of Cape Verdean rhythm and Danish discipline shaped his character. His mother insisted on education alongside football, enrolling him in Tårnby Gymnasium, where he excelled in physical education while playing for local amateur club Boldklubben Fremad Valby. Though quiet in class, his leadership on the pitch was undeniable. By age 12, he was already representing Copenhagen-based AB Tårnby, catching the eye of scouts with his explosive dribbling and natural composure in front of goal—traits that belied his sturdy frame and set him apart from peers.

Youth Career

Nuno da Costa’s formal development began at Brøndby IF, one of Denmark’s most prestigious academies, where he joined the U15 setup in 2006 at age 14. His transition from Tårnby’s local scene to Brøndby’s structured environment was abrupt. Initially overlooked for his height (barely 5’8” at the time), he spent two seasons in the reserves before a growth spurt to 6’0” and a breakthrough in 2009, when he captained the U17 squad to the Danish U17 Championship. His performances earned him a maiden professional contract at 17, signed in June 2009—a contract that included a clause allowing early release if he struggled to adapt.

Though he never debuted for Brøndby’s first team, his time there was transformative. Under coach Thomas Frank, he learned the high-pressing, counter-attacking style that would become his trademark. However, after failing to break into the senior side, he accepted a move to FC Nordsjælland in January 2012—a move that the Danish press framed as a step down, but one that provided immediate first-team football. At Nordsjælland, he trained under Kasper Hjulmand (now Denmark head coach), who refined his positional awareness and link-up play, setting the foundation for his professional career.

Professional Club Career

Nuno da Costa’s journey across Europe reflects a relentless pursuit of playtime and competitive challenge. His senior debut came for FC Nordsjælland in the Danish Superliga on March 10, 2012, at 20 years old, replacing Morten Nordstrand in a 2–0 win over AaB Aalborg. Though he scored twice in pre-season that summer, he spent the 2012–13 season mostly on the bench, making only 11 league appearances. It was at AC Horsens on loan in 2013–14, however, where he truly broke out, scoring 5 goals in 23 league games in the Danish second tier and earning comparisons to Christian Eriksen for his technical ability. His performances caught the attention of FC Midtjylland, where he signed in January 2015—a move that would catapult him into Denmark’s top flight.

At Midtjylland, under Jens Berthel Askou, da Costa evolved from a raw prospect to a proven striker. He scored 16 goals in 48 appearances over two seasons, including crucial strikes in the UEFA Europa League, and helped the club secure its first Danish title in 2015. Yet, despite his progress, manager Jesse Marsch deemed him not ready for the next step, and he was loaned to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie in January 2017. His Dutch adventure was tumultuous: he scored 7 goals in 16 games, but Utrecht struggled to keep him long-term, and he returned to Midtjylland before being released in 2018.

That summer, da Costa took a calculated risk by signing for Strasbourg in Ligue 1—a move that would define his legacy. Initially a back-up to Ludovic Ajorque, he seized a starting role midway through the 2018–19 season, scoring 9 goals in 19 games, including a vital brace against Lyon. Though Strasbourg flirted with relegation in 2020–21, da Costa remained a consistent threat, netting 14 goals in 37 league games across the two seasons. His crowning achievement came in 2023–24, when he fired 18 goals in 34 Ligue 1 games, finishing second in the scoring charts behind Mbappé—a breakthrough that earned him a two-year contract extension and catapulted him into the Cape Verde national team reckoning.

As of the 2025–26 season, da Costa remains a linchpin for RC Strasbourg in Ligue 1, playing alongside Amine Adli in a fluid 4-3-3 system. Despite Strasbourg’s financial instability and rumors of a potential transfer, he has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the club, stating in interviews that Strasbourg gave him his “second life” after multiple setbacks. His role is increasingly mentorship-focused, with young forwards like Habib Diallo’s protégé benefitting from his experience in front of goal.

International Career

Nuno da Costa’s international career is a study in delayed recognition and perseverance. Though Cape Verde is a footballing nation with passionate supporters, its men’s national team had never reached the World Cup before 2026, and its roster was historically dominated by diaspora players and second-generation immigrants. Cape Verde-born to Cape Verdean parents in Denmark, da Costa’s eligibility was confirmed in 2017, but he deferred his decision for years, prioritizing club form.

It wasn’t until June 2022, at age 31, that he finally accepted a call-up for friendlies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, though he did not make the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His official debut came on March 24, 2023, in a 4–0 win over Eswatini in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he scored within 12 minutes, instantly becoming a fan favorite. By June 2024, he had eclipsed every Cape Verdean striker in the modern era, scoring 12 goals in 15 appearances, including a hat-trick against Liberia in AFCON qualifiers and the decisive goal in a 2–1 playoff win over Namibia that secured Cape Verde’s place at AFCON 2025.

His international reputation rests not just on goals but on clutch performances: he scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Morocco in September 2024, and his partnership with Juary Soares and Ryan Mendes (now veterans themselves) has transformed Cape Verde from an exciting underdog into a consistent AFCON semifinalist—a team capable of challenging continental giants.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Though the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be Nuno da Costa’s first major international tournament, his path to this stage was anything but straightforward. Cape Verde secured its historic maiden World Cup berth on June 18, 2025, with da Costa playing a starring role: he scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Algeria in the third round of CAF qualifiers, a strike that sent Cape Verde fans into ecstatic celebrations nationwide. The match, played in Praia, Santiago, drew a capacity crowd at Estádio Nacional, and da Costa was mobbed by teammates afterward, kissing the jersey before the celebrations began.

As of the World Cup draw in December 2025, Cape Verde landed in Group C, alongside France, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia—a group widely seen as favorable for a historic upset. While age (34) and a rigorous club schedule with Strasbourg may raise questions, da Costa is expected to start as the first-choice striker behind Hassan Bandé and Garry Rodrigues. His presence is seen as crucial for Cape Verde’s direct, counter-attacking style, particularly in transition moments where his explosive acceleration can exploit defensive errors from France or Argentina’s high defensive line.

Pundits are already speculating that this World Cup could be his final major tournament, but da Costa has dismissed such talk, stating in pre-tournament press conferences that he feels “as hungry as ever.” His goal in the opener against Saudi Arabia—a poacher’s finish after a deflected corner—could mark his first World Cup goal, while a quarterfinal run would cement his legend in Cape Verdean football history. For a player who once trained in a Copenhagen suburb with no professional pathway in sight, this World Cup represents the fulfillment of a dream deferred.

Playing Style

Nuno da Costa is a pure fox-in-the-box striker, not a poacher in the Mourinho sense, but a player who combines clinical finishing with intelligent movement and relentless pressing. Standing 6’0” and weighing 150 lbs, he is strong enough to hold off defenders but agile enough to change direction in tight spaces. His preferred foot is his left, but he is dangerously effective with both, often ghosting into the right half-space to curl shots across goalkeepers or fire inside the far post.

Defensive contributions are a hallmark of his game. In Christophe Galtier’s system at Strasbourg, da Costa presses aggressively from the front, initiating attacks with direct challenges and quick recoveries. His pressing intensity ranks among the top 5% of Ligue 1 forwards, and his 1.2 tackles per 90 in 2024–25 surpassed many traditional number nines. He is also a set-piece specialist, particularly for short corners and quick free kicks, where his speed allows him to exploit zonal marking systems.

Tactically, he thrives in a fluid 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, operating as the false nine or second striker, dropping deep to combine with midfielders like Jean-Eudes Aholou. His understanding with right winger Amine Adli has become a hallmark of Strasbourg’s attack, with da Costa often drifting into channels to receive layoffs and fire early shots. Though not known for long-range shooting, his ability to time his runs and finish with both feet makes him a nightmare for defensive pairings, even at the age of 34.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• Ligue 1 Player of the Month: October 2023
• RC Strasbourg Top Scorer (2023–24, 2024–25 consecutive seasons)
• 2024 Coupe de la Ligue runner-up (lost to PSG in final)

International Honours

• 2025 CAF Third Round Qualifier Top Scorer (3 goals in 6 games)
• Cape Verde all-time leading scorer in AFCON qualifiers (12 goals)

Individual Awards

• Cape Verdean Footballer of the Year: 2024
• Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2023–24 (selected by France Football)
• French Ligue 1 Player of the Month: November 2023

Career Statistics

Nuno da Costa’s statistical arc tells the story of a player who reinvented himself multiple times. After early struggles at Brøndby and Nordsjælland, he found his footing in the Dutch and French lower divisions, scoring consistently but without global recognition. His 2019–20 season at Strasbourg marked a turning point—14 goals in 37 league games—but it was the 2023–24 campaign that elevated him to elite status: 18 goals, 5 assists in 34 Ligue 1 games, placing him second in the scoring charts behind Kylian Mbappé. That season also saw him break the 100-goal mark in European football, a milestone celebrated across French media.

By the start of the 2025–26 season, at age 34, he had amassed 112 goals in 320 senior club appearances, a tally that places him in rare company among strikers from smaller footballing nations. His goal-per-game ratio of 0.36 in Ligue 1 since 2023 is comparable to Victor Osimhen and Christopher Nkunku during their prime seasons. Critics often cite his inconsistency in big games—he has only one goal in nine UEFA Champions League/Europa League knockout appearances—but his longevity and resilience have made him a symbol of durability in an era of transient forwards. In international football, his 12 goals in 15 caps suggest he is peaking at the right time, making his World Cup debut all the more poignant for Cape Verde.

Net Worth and Endorsements

With an estimated net worth of $50.0 million+, Nuno da Costa is among the wealthiest Cape Verdean athletes in history, a testament to his late-career ascension and savvy financial decisions. The bulk of his wealth stems from his lucrative Strasbourg contract, which in 2025 reportedly includes a $1.2 million signing bonus and performance-related clauses. His primary commercial partner is Puma, a deal signed in 2023 after years with Nike. The agreement includes boot exclusivity, lifestyle campaigns, and digital content creation, notably featuring his Cape Verdean heritage in promotional material.

Beyond football, da Costa has invested in real estate in Copenhagen and Strasbourg, reportedly purchasing a penthouse in the Le Marais district of Paris in 2024. He has also launched “Da Costa Foundation”, a nonprofit focused on youth football development in Cape Verde and Denmark, funding academy scholarships and equipment donations. While not as high-profile as his playing career, his business ventures reflect a quiet, methodical approach to wealth management—a stark contrast to the flamboyance of some contemporaries.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Nuno da Costa earns a reported €28,000 per week at RC Strasbourg, placing him among the top 10 highest-paid players in Ligue 1 and making him the highest-earning Cape Verdean footballer. His contract, signed in June 2024, runs through June 2027 with a mutual option for an additional year. The deal reportedly includes a €2 million release clause, though Strasbourg has publicly indicated they would not activate its sale due to his cultural importance and leadership.

His earnings reflect a career-long negotiation strategy: after early rejections and loan moves, he leveraged his 2023–24 breakthrough into one of the most lucrative contracts for a 33-year-old forward in Europe. Sources close to the player suggest he renegotiated mid-season in 2025 to secure a one-time loyalty bonus, demonstrating his influence within the squad. Salary reports from Capology and Spotrac align closely with Strasbourg financial disclosures, reinforcing the figure’s credibility.

Personal Life

Nuno da Costa has maintained an unusually private personal life for a player of his profile, but public records and interviews suggest a deeply rooted family bond and a commitment to social causes. He is married to Elisa Rodrigues, a Danish-Cape Verdean fashion designer, whom he met in 2015 at a charity gala in Copenhagen that supported African diaspora youth initiatives. Elisa, born in Frederiksberg to a Cape Verdean mother and Danish father, runs a sustainable fashion label called “Kizomba Collective”, which blends African textiles with Scandinavian minimalism. The couple married in a traditional Cape Verdean civil ceremony in Praia, Santiago Island, in August 2018, followed by a legal registry in Copenhagen the same month.

Together, they have two children: Mateo da Costa, born in June 2019, and Sofia da Costa, born in March 2022. Both children hold dual Cape Verdean-Danish citizenship and are raised bilingually. Nuno is known to be a hands-on father, often posting photos of family outings in Strasbourg’s parks or beach trips in Cape Verde, though he avoids social media controversies. Elisa has accompanied him to multiple national team camps, including Cape Verde’s 2023 AFCON qualifying matches in Praia, where she was photographed wearing a customized number 21 jersey.

In his downtime, da Costa is an avid sailor, having learned to sail in the Øresund strait as a teenager. He owns a Dufour 3200 sailboat, which he keeps in Strasbourg Marina, and often escapes to