Vítor Costa Bio
Vítor Costa de Brito, born on 1 July 1994, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer. Standing 1.82 meters tall, he has built a journeyman career across Brazil, Portugal, and France since turning professional in 2015. He joined the San Jose Earthquakes in February 2024 on a two-year deal and is recognized for his defensive work rate, positional discipline, and tactical awareness along the back line.
Costa began his senior career in his native Brazil before a series of loan moves took him through Portuguese and French football. His experience in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, in particular, helped shape him into a reliable full-back capable of operating in multiple defensive schemes. He currently wears the number 87 shirt for the San Jose Earthquakes.
Early Life and Background
Vítor Costa de Brito was born on 1 July 1994 in Valente, a small municipality in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Growing up in a region with a strong footballing culture, he was introduced to the sport at a young age, often playing informal matches with friends and local youth sides. Valente, located in the interior of Bahia, has produced several professional players, and the local football scene provided an early grounding in the game.
As a young defender, Costa developed his game through community and academy-level programs in the Bahia region. His height, mobility, and reading of the game marked him out as a promising left-back prospect. These formative years in Brazilian football laid the foundation for his later transition into professional ranks.
Path to Soccer
Costa’s first notable step into professional football came in 2015 when he was associated with Esporte Clube Bahia, one of the traditional clubs of Bahia state. The move into a top-tier Brazilian club’s system gave him exposure to high-level training and competitive matches. That same year, he was sent on loan to Avaí, a club based in Florianópolis, allowing him to accumulate senior minutes in a competitive environment.
After his initial spell with Bahia, Costa was loaned to several European clubs, including Portuguese sides Arouca and Aves, as well as French club Lens. These successive loan moves across different leagues exposed him to varied tactical approaches and playing styles. The cumulative experience from these stints prepared him for a more stable role at CS Marítimo in Portugal’s top flight, where he would eventually cement his reputation as a dependable left-back.
Vítor Costa Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Costa’s senior career began in 2015 with Bahia in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. To gain further experience, he was immediately loaned to Avaí for the 2015–2016 season, where he featured in the Brazilian top flight. The loan to Avaí gave him consistent first-team football, an important step in his development.
Following his time at Avaí, Costa was loaned to Portuguese Primeira Liga side Arouca for the 2016–2018 period. Playing in one of Europe’s established top leagues, he faced higher-level competition and refined his defensive game. The Arouca spell served as a crucial bridge between Brazilian football and his later success in Portugal.
Portuguese Primeira Liga Breakthrough (2018–2020)
From Arouca, Costa moved on loan to Aves for the 2018–2019 campaign, continuing his exposure to the Portuguese top flight. He adapted to the league’s tactical demands, contributing defensively while supporting attacking play down the left flank. His time at Aves further cemented his understanding of European football’s physical and technical requirements.
After Aves, Costa was loaned to French Ligue 1 side Lens for the 2019–2020 season, a notable step up in competition. Playing in France exposed him to a faster, more physical brand of football. These consecutive moves between Portugal and France shaped him into a well-rounded defender ready for a more permanent role.
Marítimo Era (2021–2024)
On 9 July 2021, Costa joined Portuguese Primeira Liga club CS Marítimo on a permanent deal. Over the next three seasons, he became a regular presence in the squad, providing stability and consistency at left-back. His performances in the Portuguese top flight demonstrated his growth as a senior professional.
During his time at Marítimo, Costa featured in league matches and cup competitions, contributing both defensively and with occasional forward surges down the left wing. His consistent performances over multiple seasons in Portugal’s top tier established him as a reliable, experienced full-back ready for a new challenge abroad.
San Jose Earthquakes Era (2024–Present)
On 7 February 2024, Costa signed a two-year contract, with an option for a further year, with Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes. The move marked his first permanent transfer outside of Brazil and Portugal. Wearing the number 87 shirt, he was brought in to add defensive depth and European experience to the San Jose back line.
Since joining the Earthquakes, Costa has integrated into the squad and adapted to the pace and style of MLS. His prior experience in top European leagues has positioned him as a dependable option at left-back. The 2024 campaign represented a fresh start, and his role within the team continues to evolve as he settles into American soccer.
Driving Style and Strengths
Costa is known for his strong defensive positioning, tactical discipline, and ability to read the game from the left-back role. Standing 1.82 meters tall, he combines physical presence with mobility, allowing him to compete in aerial duels and cover ground quickly. His experience across Brazilian, Portuguese, and French football has given him a well-rounded skill set suited to varied tactical systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Costa’s career came in February 2024 when he signed with the San Jose Earthquakes, marking his transition to Major League Soccer. His previous loan moves to top European leagues, including Lens in Ligue 1, also stand as key milestones in his professional journey, reflecting his steady progression through elite football environments.
Vítor Costa Career Wins
Across his career, Vítor Costa has accumulated significant senior experience in top-flight football in Brazil, Portugal, and France. While he has not been prominently associated with major individual awards, his consistent presence in competitive leagues reflects a steady professional trajectory. His contributions have been more about reliability and defensive solidity than headline-grabbing statistics.
Portuguese Liga Highlights
During his time with Arouca, Aves, and Marítimo in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Costa featured in numerous top-flight matches and gained a reputation for dependable performances. His longest and most impactful Portuguese spell came at Marítimo between 2021 and 2024, where he became a regular starter. He made his most recent league appearances for Marítimo before departing for MLS in early 2024.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to his Portuguese league experience, Costa featured in Ligue 1 with RC Lens during the 2019–2020 season, further broadening his top-level resume. Earlier in his career, he played in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A with Bahia and Avaí, gaining valuable experience in Brazil’s top flight. These varied international stints highlight a versatile career path.
Vítor Costa Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Vítor Costa de Brito was born and raised in Valente, a small town in the Brazilian state of Bahia known for its strong footballing tradition. The region’s local clubs and community programs provided his earliest footballing environment. Details about his parents and immediate family are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Information regarding Costa’s personal life, including marital status, spouse, or children, is not publicly documented in available sources. He maintains an active presence on social media, including an Instagram account under the handle @victorcosta_06. His professional focus has remained on his football career as he continues to compete at the top level.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, Vítor Costa is in the second year of his two-year contract with the San Jose Earthquakes, which runs through 2026. After a full 2024 campaign adapting to Major League Soccer, he will be expected to take on a more defined role within the squad. His European experience and defensive consistency make him a key figure in the team’s back line.
The 2025 season represents an important chapter for Costa as he seeks to establish himself as a long-term contributor in MLS. With familiarity of the league’s demands now in hand, he will be looking to build on his first season and help the Earthquakes compete in a competitive Western Conference. The club holds an option to extend his deal beyond 2026.
As the Earthquakes prepare for the 2025 campaign, Costa’s versatility and defensive discipline position him as a reliable presence on the left side of defense. His continued development and integration into the team’s tactical plans will be closely watched by fans and coaching staff alike.