Samu Costa: “Perhaps no one expected me to be called up”

Samu Costa feels ready to represent Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. “I prepared all season for this moment and I want to continue my work to help the national team,” he told Canal 11, assuring that he “didn't know about the call-up before seeing it live,” which made him “super happy.”

The Mallorca midfielder, who came through the ranks at SC Braga, was with his family during this “emotional moment”: “Only they know how hard I had to work to reach the World Cup. We suffered a lot, we put in a lot of effort, but it's a moment I know I'm prepared for.”

The 25-year-old is enjoying by far the most productive season of his career in terms of goals, having already netted 7 for Mallorca, and admits this was an aspect he aimed to improve last year.

“This was a World Cup year, and I felt I needed to take a step forward, improve my game, and that was a commitment I made with my coaches at Mallorca. They knew I had the potential to score and assist, so last summer, I focused heavily on that aspect,” he states, pointing to “this ability to get into the box” as something that might have convinced Roberto Martínez to call him up.

Samu Costa started in both of Portugal's friendly matches in March, against Mexico (0-0) and the United States (2-0). He went into that training camp knowing it “was an opportunity” to showcase himself and that he felt “quite prepared for whatever they asked.” After the games, he had no doubts: “In March, I felt I seized an opportunity and that I was closer to, at least, making the coach's choices difficult.”

Regarding his potential position on the field, Samu Costa also has no preferences. “I've always worked to perform well in different roles,” he explains, ready to leverage his versatility. “If the gaffer wants me as a box-to-box midfielder, I'll be ready, and as a '6' too. I'm comfortable in both positions,” he assures.

Commenting on the surprise some might have felt seeing his name called up for the World Cup, Samu even uses it as motivation. “Perhaps no one expected me to be called up, and for me, that's extra motivation. To go against all odds and surprise people,” he affirms.

Thus, Samu's focus is on the immediate future – “before the World Cup, I have a very important game on Saturday with Mallorca, where we can secure our place in LaLiga” – which is how he approaches football.

“It's about the day-to-day; I want to be able to perform against any opponent, in any situation. I feel like I've always prepared for moments like this. I don't think much about long-term goals; I focus on improving in the short term,” he concluded.