João Pedro Loureiro da Costa

Costinha, the commonly used name of João Pedro Loureiro da Costa, is a Portuguese defender born on 26 March 2000. He developed in the youth systems of FC Porto and SC Braga before joining Rio Ave, where he signed his first professional contract in 2018. After making his senior debut in 2020, Costinha established himself in Rio Ave’s first-team setup and gained experience in Portuguese football. His performances led to a move to Olympiakos in July 2024, providing a step into Greek football and European competition. As a right-sided defender, he has also been used in more advanced wide roles, combining defensive work with forward runs. More recent squad records list Costinha with Brighton, while Rio Ave II also appears among his structured team references. Costinha’s career traces a path from Portuguese academy development to senior football abroad and a subsequent association with an English club.