What Is Happening To Douglas Costa? Former Juventus Star Suffers Major Career Blow In Australia

Former Juventus star, Douglas Costa, has suffered a major career set-back after Sydney FC terminated the Brazilian’s deal amid alleged legal issues.

What Is Happening To Douglas Costa?

The Brazilian joined Sydney FC in August 2024, as Costa decided to take his soccer career to a fourth continent after playing in Europe, South America and North America.

Multiple players that have played in Serie A have ventured over to Australia, with Mario Balotelli being linked with a move to the Australian A-League.

However, Costa’s time in the Australian A-League has been cut short, as Sydney FC opted to terminate the Brazilian’s deal after just over a year with the club.

Costa made 25 appearances in Sydney, contributing to 14 goals (6G + 8A) and reports have revealed that his termination comes after legal troubles in Brazil.

Sydney FC released a statement confirming their decision to end the Brazilian’s time in Australia, briefly mentioning the 35-year-old’s alleged legal issues.

The Australian A-League side stated: “Sydney FC has terminated the contract of Douglas Costa by mutual consent, with the winger unable to travel to Australia.

“Ongoing legal and personal matters in his home country have prevented the Brazilian from leaving. Thanks for your efforts in Sky Blue, DC.”

According to Gazeta Express, there is allegedly a warrant for the former Juventus player’s arrest over a ‘non-payment for parental care’ which is said to be around €78,000.

Other reports indicate that Costa could face up to 30-days in prison and the Brazilian has been aware of this payment issue for over two-months.

The former Bayern Munich player released a statement apologizing to Sydney FC fans and revealed that he cannot return due to matters he must ‘resolve at home’.

Will Douglas Costa Continue Soccer Career?

The 35-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career as a professional soccer player, donning the jersey at Juventus, Bayern Munich and Shakhtar Donetsk – while also picking up 31 caps for the Brazilian national team.

During his time in Italy, Costa made 103 appearances for Juventus, contributing to 32 goals (10G + 22A) and won three Serie A titles, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.

However, the Brazilian international failed to make an impact in important matches, rarely performing in Champions League fixtures and went on to join LA Galaxy as a free agent in January 2023.

His time in the MLS did not go according to plan as Costa was released just 10 months later in October and returned to Brazil – signing for Fluminense in January 2024.

Overall, Costa’s last few years in the sport have failed to live up to expectation and this recent departure from Sydney FC symbolizes the issues he continues to face.

The Brazilian will now deal with the alleged legal issues before thinking about a return to the sport – but Costa may consider signing for another Brazilian side.