D. Da Costa, Portland Timbers Midfielder #10: Player Profile & Impact

If you’ve watched a match at Providence Park lately, you can’t really miss the number 10 in green and gold. David Pereira da Costa—the Portuguese midfielder who came over from RC Lens—has already become the creative engine for the Portland Timbers.

He dictates tempo, crafts chances, and scores clutch goals. Honestly, he stands out as one of the most important players on the roster.

So why did Portland go big for him? And how’s he living up to the Designated Player tag? From his game-winning strike against Austin FC in his first MLS start to a 2025 All-Star selection, Da Costa keeps showing why the Timbers made him the centerpiece of their midfield.

He can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide, which gives Portland a tactical flexibility that most MLS clubs just don’t have.

Before landing in Portland, Da Costa came up at RC Lens in France, playing over 120 matches and picking up experience in European competitions. He’s worn Portugal’s colors at youth level, which adds some international pedigree to his résumé.

Now, with the number 10 on his back, he brings that background to MLS. He gives Portland a mix of vision, skill, and the composure you’d expect from a top-level playmaker.

D. Da Costa’s Role at Portland Timbers

Da Costa gives Portland a technical playmaker who can both score and create. His status as a Designated Player shows just how much the club wants to build around him in attack.

His connection with coach Phil Neville shapes how he fits into the system, too.

Midfield Responsibilities

Da Costa lines up as an attacking midfielder, but his job stretches way beyond just pushing forward. He drops into deeper spots to link up with the holding midfielders, helping the Timbers keep the ball under pressure.

He’s comfortable on the ball, which lets him move play from defense to attack with fewer turnovers.

He tracks back when needed. Neville asks him to press opposing midfielders and cut off passing lanes. That defensive discipline means he’s more than just a creator.

In matches against Seattle and Colorado, he balanced these duties, picking up assists while still applying pressure in midfield.

Combining defensive responsibility with attacking quality is what really sets him apart from most MLS playmakers.

Number 10 Influence

Wearing the No. 10 shirt comes with a heap of expectations. Da Costa’s supposed to set the rhythm in attack, and so far, he’s delivered.

He scored his first MLS goal in March against Austin FC. Then he followed up with a string of assists in April and May.

His influence is clear in how the Timbers create chances. He’s often the guy playing the final pass before a shot, whether that’s slipping a ball behind the defense or switching play to the wings.

That kind of vision keeps defenses compact, opening up space for his teammates.

2025 Key Attacking Stats (MLS only)

Category	Total
Goals	4
Assists	7
Key Passes	29
Matches Played	18

Those numbers show why he made the MLS All-Star team. He’s not just producing goals—he’s driving the attack every week.

Integration into the Team

Adapting to a new league usually takes time, but Da Costa came from RC Lens in France (where he played in the Champions League) and immediately stepped right into a central role in Portland.

His transition has gone smoother than most. That’s probably down to his technical level and tactical awareness.

Teammates have clicked with him quickly. Forwards benefit from his through balls, and wide players find more space since he pulls defenders inside.

Training sessions show his chemistry building with club regulars, especially in those quick passing sequences.

He’s under contract through 2028, with a club option for 2029. That gives the Timbers some real stability.

You can tell the front office expects him to be a long-term centerpiece, not just a quick fix.

Relationship with Coach Neville

Phil Neville has made it clear what he wants from Da Costa. He needs him to be the creative hub, but also to buy into the team’s defensive shape.

That balance has defined their working relationship so far.

Neville trusts him with freedom in the final third. Instead of boxing him in, Neville encourages him to drift wide or drop deeper to find space.

That tactical flexibility has unlocked new looks in Portland’s attack.

The respect goes both ways. Da Costa credits Neville’s communication for helping him settle into MLS.

You can see it in the way he follows the game plan—disciplined, but still playing with flair.

At just 24, with experience in European competition and international youth play for Portugal, this partnership with Neville might shape the Timbers’ identity for years.

Da Costa’s role isn’t just about today. It’s about building a foundation you can count on for the future.

2025 Season Performance and Statistics

David Da Costa, a 24-year-old midfielder from Almada, Portugal, joined Portland after time at RC Lens in France.

Wearing the No. 10, he quickly became central to the Timbers’ attack in his first MLS season. He’s put up consistent numbers in both goals and assists, logging heavy minutes.

MLS Contributions

Da Costa adapted to Major League Soccer at an impressive pace. By midseason, he had 2 goals and 8 assists in 18 league appearances.

He led Portland in assists and ranked second in the league. His passing vision set up Santiago Moreno and Antony for more shots, and his knack for finding space between lines kept opponents guessing.

He played 1,519 minutes, the most of any Timbers attacker.

His 34 chances created and 18 successful crosses show his value as a playmaker. Alongside David Ayala in midfield, Da Costa linked the defense with the forward line.

Here’s a quick look at his MLS numbers through July 2025:

Category	Stat	Team Rank	League Rank
Goals	2	4th	–
Assists	8	1st	2nd
Minutes Played	1,519	1st	–
Chances Created	34	1st	–
Crosses Completed	18	1st	–

Da Costa’s consistency makes him the kind of midfielder you rely on every week, whether it’s at Providence Park or on the road.

Leagues Cup Highlights

In the 2025 Leagues Cup, Da Costa faced Mexican teams for the first time. Against Atlético de San Luis, he controlled the tempo, completed over 85% of his passes, and set up two key chances.

His movement pulled defenders out, creating space for Santiago Moreno to attack.

When Portland played Club América, the challenge ramped up. América pressed high, so Da Costa dropped deeper to help Finn Surman and Ian Smith build from the back.

That tactical tweak stabilized possession and kept Portland in the match.

He didn’t score in the tournament, but his ability to dictate pace and connect passes in tight spots really stood out.

Even without the goals, you could see his impact as Portland advanced through the group stage.

Key Matches and Moments

One of Da Costa’s best MLS performances came in a 3-1 win over San Jose Earthquakes. He assisted twice, including a cross to Santiago Moreno for the first goal.

His control in midfield stopped San Jose from building any momentum.

Another highlight: against LA Galaxy, he scored his first league goal. He found space just outside the box and struck low past the keeper, giving Portland a 2-1 lead.

That goal showed he can finish chances when defenders back off.

Da Costa also made a difference in a 2-0 win over Houston, where his set-piece delivery led to Finn Surman’s header.

These moments reinforce his status as Portland’s creative hub—a player who can change games with a single pass.

All-Star Recognition

Da Costa picked up his first MLS All-Star selection in 2025, chosen by coach Nico Estévez.

His inclusion reflected not just his stats, but how quickly he became a leader in Portland’s midfield.

He joined teammate Evander, giving the Timbers back-to-back All-Star representatives for the first time since 2019.

In Austin, Da Costa lined up against LIGA MX’s best players. Watching him share the field with Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Hirving Lozano was something else.

His selection put him alongside past Portland All-Stars like Diego Valeri and Diego Chara.

That recognition also validated the club’s decision to sign him as a Designated Player. For a midfielder who came through Lens and now anchors Portland’s attack, the All-Star nod confirmed that his transition to MLS has been smooth and impactful.

You could see his confidence grow after the announcement. That’s a good sign the second half of the season might bring even more from him.

For more on his recognition, check Timbers midfielder David Da Costa named 2025 MLS All-Star.

Transfer to Portland Timbers

David Pereira Da Costa left France for Portland with a significant role ahead of him.

At just 24, he arrives as a central piece of the Timbers’ midfield, filling a slot usually reserved for top-tier talent and bringing experience from both Ligue 1 and Europe.

Signing as a Designated Player

This move matters because Da Costa joins as a Designated Player. MLS clubs only get three of those, and those spots go to players expected to shape the team’s identity.

The Timbers needed to replace Evander, who left for FC Cincinnati. By bringing in Da Costa, they targeted a player with creativity and a track record in high-pressure matches.

At RC Lens, Da Costa played in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League qualifiers. That experience counts in MLS, where clubs want to measure up globally.

Coach Phil Neville called Da Costa quick and skillful, someone who fits Portland’s system.

For fans, that means watching a midfielder who’s not just filling a spot, but expected to carry a heavy share of responsibility.

Contract Details Through 2028

Da Costa signed a contract running through the 2028 season, with a club option for 2029. That’s long-term stability for both player and team.

Here’s the breakdown:

Contract Length	Guaranteed Through	Club Option	Roster Designation
4 years	2028 season	2029	Designated Player

So, Da Costa isn’t just a short-term signing. Portland committed big resources to him, showing real confidence in his potential to grow with the club.

At 24, he’s still entering his prime. If he keeps performing, the Timbers can build their midfield around him for years.

That’s a different approach than signing older veterans who might only stick around for a season or two.

Transition from RC Lens

Da Costa broke into the professional scene at RC Lens in October 2020 after working his way up through their academy. Over four seasons, he racked up 123 appearances, chipped in 11 goals, and tallied 17 assists.

His responsibilities kept growing, and people started to notice his technical precision and calmness under pressure. It’s not hard to see why Portland wanted a player with that profile, especially after they lost a creative midfielder like Evander.

On the international stage, Da Costa represented Portugal at the U-18, U-19, and U-21 levels. That experience added another layer to his game, blending domestic and international exposure.

Leaving Lens wasn’t just about the reported $6–7 million transfer fee. He wanted a bigger role in a league where he could make an immediate impact. For Portland fans, that means getting to watch a player hungry to prove himself in a new setting.

You can find more on his move in the official Portland Timbers announcement.

Career at RC Lens and European Competitions

David Pereira da Costa grew into a dependable midfielder during his time in France. He got steady minutes in Ligue 1, tested himself against Europe’s best in the UEFA Champions League, and picked up valuable experience in both the Europa League and Conference League. RC Lens definitely shaped the player you see now in Portland’s midfield.

Ligue 1 Experience

Da Costa started out with Lens II in 2019 and then broke through at RC Lens in 2020. He made his Ligue 1 debut in a 2-0 win over Saint-Étienne. Over four seasons, he appeared 123 times, started 63 matches, and contributed 11 goals with 17 assists.

His role kept expanding. At first, he was more of a rotation option, but by 2022 he nailed down a starting spot. He usually played as an attacking midfielder or winger, relying on sharp passing and movement to connect play.

Here’s a quick look at his Ligue 1 stats with Lens:

Season	Matches	Starts	Goals	Assists
2020-21	18	6	2	3
2021-22	29	14	3	4
2022-23	36	23	3	6
2023-24	40	20	3	4

His consistency, especially in creating chances, stood out. That reliability made him a key part of Lens’s midfield.

UEFA Champions League Appearances

Da Costa got his shot on the Champions League stage, which is a big deal for any young midfielder. He played in seven matches across group and qualifying rounds, and managed to score once.

He faced clubs with bigger budgets and deeper squads. For someone who’d come up through Lens, it was a real test of composure and quick thinking.

He often came on as a sub, injecting energy late in games. Scoring in Europe’s top competition added to his reputation and proved he could handle high-pressure moments.

Even with limited minutes, he showed he could adjust quickly to different tactical challenges. That experience gave him confidence that carried over into league play.

UEFA Europa League and Conference League

Beyond the Champions League, Da Costa picked up minutes in the Europa League and Conference League qualifiers. These games brought new challenges, often against teams from smaller leagues with different styles.

He played in several qualifying rounds, helping Lens juggle domestic and European schedules. His job was to add attacking spark when the squad rotated.

He delivered assists and created chances, even in tight spaces. These matches didn’t have the glamour of the Champions League, but they gave him valuable exposure to different opponents and tactics.

For a midfielder in his early 20s, those experiences built his versatility. They also taught him the awareness and patience you now see in his MLS games with Portland.

International Career with Portugal

David Pereira Da Costa built his international résumé by steadily moving up Portugal’s youth teams. He started with the U-18s, then advanced to the U-21s, collecting valuable experience in European qualifiers. His record shows consistency, with contributions in both goals and assists at every level.

Youth National Team Appearances

Da Costa began his international journey with Portugal’s U-18 squad. He earned his first caps in youth friendlies, showing off his technical skills and vision. That early exposure paved the way for a move to the U-19s, where he faced top European prospects.

By the time he reached the U-21s, Da Costa had played across three age groups. In total, he picked up 11 caps, scoring 1 goal and providing 4 assists. His versatility in midfield made him a reliable option for both attacking and linking play.

Here’s a snapshot of his youth international record:

Level	Matches	Goals	Assists
U-18	3	0	1
U-19	4	0	1
U-21	4	1	2

UEFA European U-21 Championship

If you look at Da Costa’s U-21 career, the UEFA European U-21 Championship qualifiers stand out. Portugal counted on him during the campaign, and he delivered with goal contributions. He scored once and added two assists in qualifying matches, showing he could make an impact against strong competition.

These games came against tough European sides, where every chance mattered. Da Costa’s ability to create in those situations highlighted his tactical awareness and steady nerves.

For a midfielder still in his early twenties, those contributions meant a lot. He proved he could adapt to the demands of tournament football, where everything moves faster and decisions matter more.

International Achievements

International success isn’t just about trophies. For Da Costa, the real achievements are in consistent selection and making a difference every time he played. Coaches trusted him at U-18, U-19, and U-21 levels, which says a lot about his reputation.

He didn’t just show up—he produced. His goal and four assists are proof. Most importantly, he performed in competitive games, not just friendlies. That’s what coaches look for when they want someone who can handle big moments.

Portugal’s youth teams often feed into the senior squad. By carving out a role in the U-21s, Da Costa put himself on that path. His performances in qualifiers backed up his reputation as a midfielder who can influence results when it counts.

For more on his international record, check out his Portugal youth career highlights.

Personal Background and Playing Style

David Pereira da Costa brings a blend of technical skill and tactical smarts that really stands out in Major League Soccer. His background, identity, and playing style all help explain why he’s become so important to the Portland Timbers’ attack.

Early Life in Almada, Portugal

Da Costa’s story starts in Almada, just across the Tagus River from Lisbon. He was born on January 5, 2001, and grew up surrounded by football, with local clubs shaping his early years.

At nine, he and his family moved to northern France. That move changed everything, as he joined RC Lens’s youth system three years later. Lens gave him a structured environment that sharpened his technical base.

By his late teens, he’d earned a spot in the senior squad. Those years in France prepared him for the physical and tactical demands of the pro game.

Full Name and Heritage

His full name, David Pereira da Costa, reflects his Portuguese heritage. Even though he spent a lot of his football education in France, he’s still closely tied to Portugal.

You can see that mix in his career. He’s part of a new generation of Portuguese players who leave home early to chase bigger opportunities. That blend of Portuguese creativity and French discipline shows up in his game.

Da Costa’s career took another big step in 2025 when the Portland Timbers signed him as a Designated Player from RC Lens. He signed on through 2028, with an option for 2029—a clear sign the club sees him as a long-term piece (Timbers profile).

On-Field Attributes and Strengths

You can see right away that his game leans heavily on vision, balance, and quick decision-making. He usually lines up as an attacking midfielder or winger, and you’ll often catch him wearing the No. 10 shirt.

He stands out because he carries the ball through crowded spaces and always seems to create chances. That’s not something you see every day.

He really comes alive when the game shifts into transition. He uses quick feet and sharp passes to break down defenses. If you check the numbers, his dribbling success and progressive carries put him among the league’s top playmakers (Oregon Sports News).

Key 2025 Metrics (MLS Regular Season):

Category	Value
Assists	7
Key Passes (Top 20)	Yes
Successful Crosses	High
Dribbling Percentile	70th+

He’s got room to grow, though. If he can start finishing more of his chances, he’ll probably join the league’s elite attacking midfielders.