Happy birthday to 'the Maestro' Rui Costa, Benfica & Portugal's great legend 🎂

Today is Rui Costa's 48th birthday.

Regarded by pundits as one of the greatest players of his generation, Costa usually played as an attacking midfielder, and was known in particular for his excellent technique, playmaking ability, and eye for goal from midfield. In 2004, he was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100, as one of the 125 greatest living football players.

Nicknamed "The Maestro", Costa spent the majority of his career with Benfica in Portugal and Fiorentina and A.C. Milan in Italy.

In a top-flight career spanning 17 years, he won several trophies, including one Primeira Liga title, one Taça de Portugal, one Serie A title, three Coppa Italia, one UEFA Champions League title and one UEFA Super Cup. A Portuguese international, he amassed 94 caps and scored 26 goals for A Selecção and represented the country in three UEFA European Championships and one FIFA World Cup.