Diogo Luis Santo
Encyclopedia
Diogo Luis Santo, or simply Diogo (born May 26, 1987 in São Paulo
), is a Brazil
ian striker currently playing for Santos.
, Diogo started his football career at Associação Portuguesa de Desportos
. He quickly made an impressive name for himself at the club, breaking into the first-team in 2007–08, and largely contributing to the second division
side's promotion
, scoring 18 goals in 28 games – season's best – and being voted the competition's best player.
It was this form which initially prompted Brazilian under-20
coach Nélson Rodrigues to include Diogo in his team (he had already played in previous national youth teams). In the 2008 season, Diogo had his first taste of top-flight football with Portuguesa, and showed early good form with six goals in 13 games. Early in the same year, club president Manuel da Lupa said he was as good as if not better than A.C. Milan
’s teenage sensation Alexandre Pato
; he added that Diogo had only shown 50% of his capability due to consistent injuries.
In July 2008, several teams had been attracted to Diogo's talents. The player had revealed his desire to play his trade in Europe
, after longtime admirers Arsenal
were joined by ACF Fiorentina
in bidding for his services. He had been monitored by Arsenal's scouting department for more than two years, and the London
club tried three times to sign him, failing on all occasions – this included a £
9,000,000 offer, promptly rejected by Portuguesa. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger
also publicly stated that he had tried to sign Diogo once, as a 16-year old.
side Olympiacos F.C. also became interested and, in a widely-documented and somewhat controversial period of negotiation, Diogo finally signed for the club in August 2008, for €
9,000,000 and 70% of the player's rights. Arriving in Athens
on the 19th, he passed his medical the following day and, on August 21, signed a five-year contract, which earned him a reported 1.2 million annually. His purchase represented a major coup for Olympiakos, with Diogo rated as one of Brazil's best prospects. "I am happy that I have come to play for a major club like Olympiakos. I will do my best to satisfy the club's administration and supporters", he further added.
Diogo made his first appearance for Olympiacos in the season's opener, against Asteras Tripolis, on 30 August 2008. On 6 September, he found the net from the penalty spot
against Ionikos FC, in a friendly match.
In the second round, Diogo scored the game's only goal, at Skoda Xanthi. During his first season, he also showcased his good heading ability, scoring many of his goals from headers. At one point, he was the player with more goals netted with that specific body part, at four.
In the 2008–09 UEFA Cup, Diogo scored twice goals in the 5–0 home triumph against FC Nordsjælland
on 2 October, adding two more in the club's 5–1 home win against S.L. Benfica in the following month, also in the group stage. Hence, heightened rumours of a big-money transfer to Europe's elite – and again to England – surfaced, whilst the player was ranked 7th (out of 50) in The Daily Telegraph
's list of Footballers Transfer Target List. Eventually, Olympiakos won the double.
In October 2008, further interest arose, now from three other Premier League outfits, Middlesbrough
, Chelsea
and Liverpool
. The latter's coach, Rafael Benítez
, again declared interest in the player in March of the following year, preparing to offer £
12 million to acquire his services. Anfield scouts had been said to have checked on the 21-year-old, seeing him as a perfect replacement for departed Robbie Keane
. Benítez then loaned Argentine
midfielder
Sebastián Leto
to Olympiakos, further fueling rumours that the player would be included in a swap deal, but nothing came to fruition, with Leto instead moving to rivals Panathinaikos FC.
Diogo's second season
at Olympiacos was disastrous for both him and the team, suffering several injuries which limited to just slightly more than half of the games, scoring just two goals and losing his place in the starting lineup to Kostantinos Mitroglou.
In 2010–11
, he started by scoring twice against Besa Kavajë of Albania
in a 5–0 away win (11–1 on aggregate) for the UEFA Europa League. However, in the competition's next round, against Maccabi Tel Aviv FC, he was sent off
after punching opposing goalkeeper Liran Strauber
, in a 0–1 away loss that also meant Olympiacos' elimination, on the away goals rule
.
That proved to be a decisive action for his future in the team, as Olympiacos decided to give him on loan in Flamengo
for 6 months. After the end of his loan period, he continued his career in Santos for 1 year, still on loan from Olympiacos.
at youth levels. He was set to be picked for Brazil's 2008 Olympic football squad
, but an injury forced him out.
São Paulo
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere and South America, and the world's seventh largest city by population. The metropolis is anchor to the São Paulo metropolitan area, ranked as the second-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas and among...
), is a Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian striker currently playing for Santos.
Brazil
Born in São PauloSão Paulo
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere and South America, and the world's seventh largest city by population. The metropolis is anchor to the São Paulo metropolitan area, ranked as the second-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas and among...
, Diogo started his football career at Associação Portuguesa de Desportos
Associação Portuguesa de Desportos
Associação Portuguesa de Desportos, usually called Portuguesa or Lusa, is a sports club, and a Brazilian football team from São Paulo in São Paulo state, founded on August 14, 1920 by the Portuguese population of the city.-History:...
. He quickly made an impressive name for himself at the club, breaking into the first-team in 2007–08, and largely contributing to the second division
Campeonato Brasileiro Série B
The Série B is the second division of Brazilian football. It is played by 20 teams. However, the competition format has changed almost every year since it first occurred, in 1971. In some years, it was not played altogether...
side's promotion
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
The Campeonato Brasileiro de Clubes da Série A , popularly known as the Brasileirão , is a professional football league at the top of the Brazilian football league system held annually since 1959. Contested by twenty clubs, it operates a system of promotion and relegation with the Série B...
, scoring 18 goals in 28 games – season's best – and being voted the competition's best player.
It was this form which initially prompted Brazilian under-20
Brazil national under-20 football team
Brazil national under-20 football team, also known as Brazil Sub-20 or Seleção, is considered to be the feeder team for the Brazil national football team.-Competitive record:...
coach Nélson Rodrigues to include Diogo in his team (he had already played in previous national youth teams). In the 2008 season, Diogo had his first taste of top-flight football with Portuguesa, and showed early good form with six goals in 13 games. Early in the same year, club president Manuel da Lupa said he was as good as if not better than A.C. Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
’s teenage sensation Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva , commonly known as Alexandre Pato or simply Pato, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club Milan and the Brazilian national team. His nickname, Pato, refers to his place of birth, Pato Branco...
; he added that Diogo had only shown 50% of his capability due to consistent injuries.
In July 2008, several teams had been attracted to Diogo's talents. The player had revealed his desire to play his trade in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, after longtime admirers Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
were joined by ACF Fiorentina
ACF Fiorentina
ACF Fiorentina, commonly referred to as simply Fiorentina, is a professional Italian football club from Florence, Tuscany. Founded by a merger in 1926, Fiorentina have played at the top level of Italian football for the majority of their existence; only four clubs have played in more Serie A...
in bidding for his services. He had been monitored by Arsenal's scouting department for more than two years, and the London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
club tried three times to sign him, failing on all occasions – this included a £
Pound sign
The pound sign is the symbol for the pound sterling—the currency of the United Kingdom . The same symbol is used for similarly named currencies in some other countries and territories, such as the Irish pound, Gibraltar pound, Australian pound and the Italian lira...
9,000,000 offer, promptly rejected by Portuguesa. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger, OBE is a French association football manager and former player, who has managed English Premier League side Arsenal since 1996...
also publicly stated that he had tried to sign Diogo once, as a 16-year old.
Olympiakos
GreekGreece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
side Olympiacos F.C. also became interested and, in a widely-documented and somewhat controversial period of negotiation, Diogo finally signed for the club in August 2008, for €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
9,000,000 and 70% of the player's rights. Arriving in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
on the 19th, he passed his medical the following day and, on August 21, signed a five-year contract, which earned him a reported 1.2 million annually. His purchase represented a major coup for Olympiakos, with Diogo rated as one of Brazil's best prospects. "I am happy that I have come to play for a major club like Olympiakos. I will do my best to satisfy the club's administration and supporters", he further added.
Diogo made his first appearance for Olympiacos in the season's opener, against Asteras Tripolis, on 30 August 2008. On 6 September, he found the net from the penalty spot
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
against Ionikos FC, in a friendly match.
In the second round, Diogo scored the game's only goal, at Skoda Xanthi. During his first season, he also showcased his good heading ability, scoring many of his goals from headers. At one point, he was the player with more goals netted with that specific body part, at four.
In the 2008–09 UEFA Cup, Diogo scored twice goals in the 5–0 home triumph against FC Nordsjælland
FC Nordsjælland
Football Club Nordsjælland is a professional Danish football team from the North Zealand town of Farum, Denmark. Founded as Farum Boldklub from the merger of the town's two football clubs Farum IK and Stavnsholt BK in 1991, the club changed its name to F.C...
on 2 October, adding two more in the club's 5–1 home win against S.L. Benfica in the following month, also in the group stage. Hence, heightened rumours of a big-money transfer to Europe's elite – and again to England – surfaced, whilst the player was ranked 7th (out of 50) in The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is a daily morning broadsheet newspaper distributed throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. The newspaper was founded by Arthur B...
's list of Footballers Transfer Target List. Eventually, Olympiakos won the double.
In October 2008, further interest arose, now from three other Premier League outfits, Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
, Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
and Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
. The latter's coach, Rafael Benítez
Rafael Benítez
Rafael "Rafa" Benítez Maudes is a football manager, and former player. He is currently unemployed, after leaving as manager of Internazionale in December 2010....
, again declared interest in the player in March of the following year, preparing to offer £
Pound sign
The pound sign is the symbol for the pound sterling—the currency of the United Kingdom . The same symbol is used for similarly named currencies in some other countries and territories, such as the Irish pound, Gibraltar pound, Australian pound and the Italian lira...
12 million to acquire his services. Anfield scouts had been said to have checked on the 21-year-old, seeing him as a perfect replacement for departed Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane
Robert David "Robbie" Keane is an Irish association football player who plays as a striker for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer and captains the Irish national football team....
. Benítez then loaned Argentine
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
Sebastián Leto
Sebastián Leto
Sebastián Eduardo Leto Lées is an Argentine footballer who currently plays on the left wing for Panathinaikos.- Lanús :...
to Olympiakos, further fueling rumours that the player would be included in a swap deal, but nothing came to fruition, with Leto instead moving to rivals Panathinaikos FC.
Diogo's second season
2009–10 Super League Greece
The 2009–10 Super League Greece season is the fourth since its establishment. The league consists of 16 teams. Participants are the 13 best teams from the 2008–09 season and three teams that have been promoted from the Beta Ethniki...
at Olympiacos was disastrous for both him and the team, suffering several injuries which limited to just slightly more than half of the games, scoring just two goals and losing his place in the starting lineup to Kostantinos Mitroglou.
In 2010–11
2009–10 Super League Greece
The 2009–10 Super League Greece season is the fourth since its establishment. The league consists of 16 teams. Participants are the 13 best teams from the 2008–09 season and three teams that have been promoted from the Beta Ethniki...
, he started by scoring twice against Besa Kavajë of Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
in a 5–0 away win (11–1 on aggregate) for the UEFA Europa League. However, in the competition's next round, against Maccabi Tel Aviv FC, he was sent off
Ejection (sports)
In sports, an ejection is one of several disqualifying actions assessed to a player or coach by a game official , usually for unsportsmanlike conduct....
after punching opposing goalkeeper Liran Strauber
Liran Strauber
Liran Strauber is an Israeli football goalkeeper. He currently plays for Maccabi Petah Tikva. At international level, Strauber was capped at under-17 and under-21, and played eight times for Israel's senior team.-Career:...
, in a 0–1 away loss that also meant Olympiacos' elimination, on the away goals rule
Away goals rule
The away goals rule is a method of breaking ties in association football and other sports when teams play each other twice, once at each team's home ground. By the away goals rule, the team that has scored more goals "away from home" will win if scores are otherwise equal...
.
That proved to be a decisive action for his future in the team, as Olympiacos decided to give him on loan in Flamengo
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo , also known as Flamengo and familiarly as Mengão, is a Brazilian sports club based in the Flamengo bairro, Zona Sul, Rio de Janeiro, best known for its professional football team...
for 6 months. After the end of his loan period, he continued his career in Santos for 1 year, still on loan from Olympiacos.
International career
Diogo represented the Brazilian national teamBrazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
at youth levels. He was set to be picked for Brazil's 2008 Olympic football squad
Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics - Men's team squads
This article is team squads of Men's Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Each nation must submit a squad of 18 players, 15 of which must be born on or after 1 January 1985, and 3 of which can be older dispensation players, by 23 July 2008...
, but an injury forced him out.
Honours
- Greek League: 2008–09
- Greek CupGreek football CupThe Greek Football Cup , commonly known as the Greek Cup or for sponsorship reasons the Football Cup OPAP, is a Greek football competition, run by the Hellenic Football Federation....
: 2008–09 - Campeonato PaulistaCampeonato PaulistaThe Campeonato Paulista de Futebol Profissional da Primeira Divisão - Série A1, simply known as the Campeonato Paulista, is the top-flight professional football league in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. The league is contested between 20 clubs and typically lasts from January to April...
: 2011 - Copa LibertadoresCopa Libertadores de AméricaThe Copa Santander Libertadores de América , known simply as the Copa Libertadores and originally known as the Copa Campeones de América , is an annual international club football competition organized by CONMEBOL since 1960...
: 20112011 Copa LibertadoresThe 2011 Copa Libertadores de América was the 52nd edition of the Copa Libertadores, CONMEBOL's premier international club tournament. It was held from January 25 to June 22 of the same year...
Club statistics
(Statistics correct as of November 28, 2010)| Club | Season | Brazilian League Campeonato Brasileiro Série A The Campeonato Brasileiro de Clubes da Série A , popularly known as the Brasileirão , is a professional football league at the top of the Brazilian football league system held annually since 1959. Contested by twenty clubs, it operates a system of promotion and relegation with the Série B... |
Copa do Brasil Copa do Brasil The Copa Kia do Brasil, commonly known as Copa do Brasil , is a knockout competition played by 64 association football teams, representing all 26 Brazilian states plus the Federal District... |
State League | South America CONMEBOL The South American Football Confederation , commonly known as CONMEBOL , is the continental governing body of association football in South America and it is one of FIFA's six continental confederations... |
— | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| App | Goals | Assists | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | ||
| Santos | 2011 2011 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A The 2011 Campeonato Brasileiro de Clubes da Série A is the 41st season of the Série A, the top-level of professional football in Brazil. It began on May 21 and is scheduled to end on December 4... |
9 | 1 | — | — | — | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 18 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 9 | 1 | – | — | — | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 18 | 1 | |
| Club | Season | Brazilian League Campeonato Brasileiro Série A The Campeonato Brasileiro de Clubes da Série A , popularly known as the Brasileirão , is a professional football league at the top of the Brazilian football league system held annually since 1959. Contested by twenty clubs, it operates a system of promotion and relegation with the Série B... |
Copa do Brasil Copa do Brasil The Copa Kia do Brasil, commonly known as Copa do Brasil , is a knockout competition played by 64 association football teams, representing all 26 Brazilian states plus the Federal District... |
State League | South America CONMEBOL The South American Football Confederation , commonly known as CONMEBOL , is the continental governing body of association football in South America and it is one of FIFA's six continental confederations... |
— | Total | |||||||
| App | Goals | Assists | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | ||
| Flamengo Clube de Regatas do Flamengo Clube de Regatas do Flamengo , also known as Flamengo and familiarly as Mengão, is a Brazilian sports club based in the Flamengo bairro, Zona Sul, Rio de Janeiro, best known for its professional football team... |
2010 2010 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A The 2010 Campeonato Brasileiro de Clubes da Série A was the 40th season of the Série A, the top-level of professional football in Brazil. It began on May 8 and ended on December 5. Flamengo came as the defending champion having won the 2009 season.-Format:... |
17 | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 17 | 1 |
| Subtotal | 17 | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 17 | 1 | |
| Club | Season | Greek League Super League Greece The Superleague Greece is the highest professional football league in Greece. It was formed on July 16, 2006 and replaced Alpha Ethniki at the top of the Greek football league system. The league consists of 16 teams and runs from August to May, with teams playing 30 games each... |
Greek Cup Greek football Cup The Greek Football Cup , commonly known as the Greek Cup or for sponsorship reasons the Football Cup OPAP, is a Greek football competition, run by the Hellenic Football Federation.... |
— | Europe UEFA The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer.... |
Other Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
Total | |||||||
| App | Goals | Assists | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | ||
| Olympiacos | 2010–11 2010–11 Super League Greece The 2010–11 Superleague Greece was the 52nd season of the highest football league of Greece and the fifth under the name Superleague. The league consisted of 16 teams, the 13 best teams of the 2009–10 season and three teams that had been promoted from the 2009–10 Beta Ethniki.The season began on 27... |
– | – | – | – | – | – | – | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| 2009–10 2009–10 Super League Greece The 2009–10 Super League Greece season is the fourth since its establishment. The league consists of 16 teams. Participants are the 13 best teams from the 2008–09 season and three teams that have been promoted from the Beta Ethniki... |
17 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | – | – | 22 | 3 | |
| 2008–09 | 28 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 5 | – | – | 42 | 16 | |
| Subtotal | 45 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 68 | 21 | |
| Club | Season | Brazilian League Campeonato Brasileiro Série A The Campeonato Brasileiro de Clubes da Série A , popularly known as the Brasileirão , is a professional football league at the top of the Brazilian football league system held annually since 1959. Contested by twenty clubs, it operates a system of promotion and relegation with the Série B... |
Copa do Brasil Copa do Brasil The Copa Kia do Brasil, commonly known as Copa do Brasil , is a knockout competition played by 64 association football teams, representing all 26 Brazilian states plus the Federal District... |
State League | South America CONMEBOL The South American Football Confederation , commonly known as CONMEBOL , is the continental governing body of association football in South America and it is one of FIFA's six continental confederations... |
— | Total | |||||||
| App | Goals | Assists | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | ||
| Portuguesa Associação Portuguesa de Desportos Associação Portuguesa de Desportos, usually called Portuguesa or Lusa, is a sports club, and a Brazilian football team from São Paulo in São Paulo state, founded on August 14, 1920 by the Portuguese population of the city.-History:... |
2008 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A The Campeonato Brasileiro de Clubes da Série A , popularly known as the Brasileirão , is a professional football league at the top of the Brazilian football league system held annually since 1959. Contested by twenty clubs, it operates a system of promotion and relegation with the Série B... |
13 | 6 | — | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 15 | 6 |
| 2007 Campeonato Brasileiro Série B The Série B is the second division of Brazilian football. It is played by 20 teams. However, the competition format has changed almost every year since it first occurred, in 1971. In some years, it was not played altogether... |
28 | 18 | — | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 31 | 18 | |
| Subtotal | 41 | 24 | — | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 46 | 24 | |