Brief Introduction of Martim Costa
Martim Mota da Costa is a highly talented Portuguese professional handball player who has rapidly emerged as one of the sport’s most promising stars. An exceptional left back for Sporting CP and the Portuguese national team, he is renowned for his powerful shooting, astute playmaking, and remarkable goal-scoring prowess. Hailing from a family deeply embedded in handball, with both his father and mother being former players and his younger brother also a professional, Martim’s ascent in the sport has been remarkable. His incredible performances at both the club and international levels, including being the top scorer at the 2024 European Championship, have solidified his reputation as a key figure in the golden generation of Portuguese handball and a player destined for a legendary career.
Martim Costa Overview
| Full Name | Martim Mota da Costa |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 2002 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 23 |
| Birthplace | Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal |
| Profession | Professional Handball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Father – Ricardo Costa, Mother – Cândida Mota, Brother – Francisco Costa |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Martim Costa
Martim Mota da Costa was born on September 27, 2002, in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, into a family with a profound passion for handball. His father, Ricardo Costa, is a former international handball player and a respected coach, while his mother, Cândida Mota, also played for the Portuguese national team. This environment meant Martim was immersed in the sport from a very young age. He and his younger brother, Francisco “Kiko” Costa, who is also a professional handball player, spent their formative years in and around handball courts. Martim began his formal handball education at Colégio dos Carvalhos, a private school south of Porto. It was here that he, alongside his brother, started to hone the skills that would eventually propel them to the highest echelons of the sport. The influence of his parents was pivotal, with his father coaching him from his early days, instilling a deep understanding and love for the game. The family even spent time in Spain when his father played professionally there, further broadening Martim’s exposure to high-level handball from a young age. Information regarding his formal academic pursuits beyond his initial schooling is not widely publicized, as his focus shifted towards his burgeoning professional career.
Martim Costa’s Career
Martim Costa’s professional handball career has been on a steep upward trajectory since his youth. He began his journey at GD Colégio Internato Carvalhos before moving to the esteemed youth academy of FC Porto in 2017. Between 2018 and 2020, he was loaned to FC Gaia, a club from his hometown, where he made a significant impact. In his first season, he was instrumental in the team winning the Portuguese second division, scoring an impressive 227 goals in 30 matches and earning promotion to the top-tier Andebol 1. In his debut season in the top flight with FC Gaia, he continued to showcase his exceptional talent, scoring 225 goals in 26 matches.
His remarkable performances led to his return to FC Porto for the 2020/2021 season, where he was part of the first team. In his single season with the senior team, he contributed to their victory in the Portuguese Championship and the Portuguese Supercup. In a significant career move in 2021, Martim joined Sporting CP, where he was reunited with his father, Ricardo Costa, who had taken over as the head coach. This move also saw him team up with his younger brother, Francisco, at the club.
At Sporting, Martim’s career has flourished. He quickly established himself as a vital player for the Lisbon-based club, contributing to a period of significant success. He has won the Portuguese Cup multiple times (2022, 2023, and 2024) and the Portuguese Supercup in 2023. A major highlight of his club career came in the 2023–24 season when he helped lead Sporting to the Portuguese League championship.
Martim’s international career with the Portuguese national team has been equally impressive. He made his debut in a crucial World Cup qualification match against the Netherlands, where he scored 10 goals in the second leg to secure Portugal’s qualification. He has since become a cornerstone of the national team, participating in major tournaments such as the 2023 World Men’s Handball Championship. The 2024 European Men’s Handball Championship was a personal triumph for Martim, as he finished as the joint top scorer of the tournament with 54 goals, alongside Danish star Mathias Gidsel. This performance also earned him a place in the tournament’s All-Star team as the best left back. At the 2025 World Championship, he was a key player in Portugal’s historic run to the semifinals, their best-ever result in the competition.
Martim Costa Personal Life & Family
Martim Costa’s personal life is intrinsically linked to his family and their shared passion for handball. He is the eldest son of Ricardo Costa, a former Portuguese international handball player and his current coach at Sporting CP, and Cândida Mota, also a former player for the Portuguese national team. This rich handball heritage has undoubtedly shaped his career and development as a player. He shares a close bond with his younger brother, Francisco “Kiko” Costa, who is also a rising star in the world of handball and his teammate at both Sporting CP and the Portuguese national team. The dynamic of being coached by his father and playing alongside his brother has been a significant aspect of his professional journey. Outside of the handball court, information about Martim Costa’s personal life, including his relationship status and private interests, is not widely publicized, as he maintains a focus on his professional career. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor, which translates into his clutch performances in high-pressure situations on the court.
Awards and Achievements of Martim Costa
- All-Star centre back of the World Championship: 2025
- All-Star left back of the European Championship: 2024
- Top scorer of the European Championship: 2024 (54 goals)
- All-Star left back of the European Under-20 Championship: 2022
- All-Star right back of the Youth World Championship: 2019
- Portuguese League Champion: 2023–24 (with Sporting CP)
- Portuguese League Champion: 2020-21 (with FC Porto)
- Portuguese Cup Winner: 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24 (with Sporting CP)
- Portuguese Super Cup Winner: 2023 (with Sporting CP)
- Portuguese Super Cup Winner: 2020 (with FC Porto)
- Portuguese Second Division Champion: 2018-19 (with FC Gaia)
- Silver Medalist at the Junior European Championship: 2022
Martim Costa Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Martim Costa’s net worth and salary as of 2025 is not publicly available. As a professional handball player for a top European club like Sporting CP and a key member of the Portuguese national team, his income is derived from his club salary, potential bonuses for performances and victories, and possible endorsement deals. However, specific financial details are kept private. General salary data for handball players in Portugal’s top league varies widely and is not disclosed on a player-by-player basis.
Legacy and Influence
At a young age, Martim Costa is already building a significant legacy in Portuguese and international handball. Along with his brother Francisco, he is at the forefront of a golden generation of Portuguese players who have elevated the national team to unprecedented heights, including their first-ever World Championship semifinal appearance in 2025. His individual accolades, such as being the top scorer and best left back at the 2024 European Championship, have brought increased attention to Portuguese handball and have inspired a new generation of players in the country. Costa’s playing style, characterized by instinctive bravery, quick decision-making, and a powerful shot, has made him a role model for aspiring young athletes. His success at Sporting CP under the guidance of his father has also highlighted the importance of strong developmental pathways and the unique dynamic of a family deeply rooted in the sport. As he continues to mature and develop, Martim Costa’s influence is expected to grow, solidifying his place as one of the most important figures in the history of Portuguese handball.
Interesting Facts about Martim Costa
- He comes from a true handball dynasty, with his father, Ricardo Costa, being his coach at Sporting CP, and his mother, Cândida Mota, also being a former national team player.
- He and his younger brother, Francisco “Kiko” Costa, play together for both Sporting CP and the Portuguese national team.
- He made a spectacular debut for the senior national team, scoring 10 goals in a crucial World Cup qualification match to help Portugal advance.
- He was the joint top scorer of the 2024 European Men’s Handball Championship.
- He spent part of his childhood in Spain while his father was playing professionally there.
Controversies
As of early 2026, there are no publicly known controversies involving Martim Costa. He has maintained a professional and focused public image throughout his career.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Martim Costa
Martim Costa stands as a testament to the power of talent nurtured in a supportive and knowledgeable environment. His journey from a young boy in a handball-loving family to a continental top scorer is a story of dedication and natural ability. As a pivotal player for both Sporting CP and the Portuguese national team, he has already achieved remarkable success and is a central figure in the nation’s rise as a handball powerhouse. With his prime years still ahead of him, the handball world watches with anticipation to see the new heights Martim Costa will reach. His future plans likely include continuing to compete for titles at the highest level with Sporting CP and leading Portugal to further glory on the international stage. His legacy as one of Portugal’s greatest-ever handball players seems all but assured.
