#8 Rui Costa - Benfica, Fiorentina and Milan
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The 1990s and to some extent the first five years of the 21st century was golden generation for football, especially in terms of midfield talent. Such was the abundance of top class midfielders that one could be forgiven for missing out on a few. However, one great name that no one will forget is Rui Costa, an attacking midfielder who became a legend wherever he went.
Costa’s career began at Portuguese giants Benfica, with whom he spent around four years, winning one league title once and Taca de Portugal as well. Despite being really young, Costa was an important member of the club’s midifield and forged a strong partnership with Joao Pinto. Costa moved to Italian giants Fiorentina in 1994 and his spell with the Florence-based club proved to be the best of his career.
He produced some stunning football in Italy during his time at Fiorentina, where he spent more than half a decade. Costa shined in Serie A during a time when there was immense talent in midfield across the league and the masterful Zidane was creating magic at Juventus. He was recognised as one of the best midfielders during his time at Fiorentina and he played over 270 matches for them.
From Fiorentina, Rui Costa was signed by AC Milan in 2001 in huge transfer (one of the biggest of the time) and the Portuguese went on to represent the Rossonerri for half a decade, during which he helped them win a Serie A title, an Italian Cup and a UEFA Champions League trophy. He established his pedigree at San Siro as well before Brazilian superstar Kaka took over.
