Diogo (footballer, born 1987)

Brazilian footballer

In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is Luís and the second or paternal family name is Santo.

Diogo

Diogo playing for BG Pathum United in 2022

Personal information
Full name|  Diogo Luís Santo[1]
Date of birth|  (1987-05-26) 26 May 1987 (age 37)[2]
Place of birth|  São Paulo, Brazil[2]
Height|  1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)[2]
Position(s)|  Striker
Youth career
2002–2005|  Portuguesa
Senior career*
Years|  Team|  Apps|  (Gls)
2005–2008|  Portuguesa|  61|  (25)
2008–2013|  Olympiacos|  51|  (9)
2010|  → Flamengo (loan)|  17|  (1)
2011|  → Santos (loan)|  11|  (1)
2013–2014|  Portuguesa|  20|  (4)
2014|  Palmeiras|  24|  (1)
2015–2018|  Buriram United|  105|  (101)
2019–2020|  Johor Darul Ta'zim|  32|  (16)
2020–2022|  BG Pathum United|  33|  (16)
2023|  Johor Darul Ta'zim|  11|  (7)
Total|  |  365|  (181)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Diogo Luís Santo (born 26 May 1987), known simply as Diogo, is a Brazilian retired professional footballer who played as a striker.

After starting out at Portuguesa, he spent most of his career in the Super League Greece with Olympiacos – having signed in 2008 – and in the Thai League 1 with Buriram United.

## Club career

[edit]

### Brazil

[edit]

Born in São Paulo, Diogo started his football career at Associação Portuguesa de Desportos. He quickly made a name for himself at the club, breaking into the first team in 2007 and contributing largely to a promotion to the Série A, scoring 18 goals in 28 games – season's best – and being voted the competition's best player.[3]

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 sides). In 2008 he had his first taste of top-flight football with Portuguesa, and showed early good form with six goals in 13 matches.[4] Early in the same year, president Manuel da Lupa said he was as good as if not better than AC Milan's teenage sensation Alexandre Pato; he added that the player had only shown 50% of his capability due to consistent injuries.[5]

In July 2008, several teams had been attracted to Diogo's talents, and the player 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 the former's scouting department for more than two years, and offers included a £9,000,000 one, promptly rejected by Portuguesa;[6] Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger also publicly stated that he had tried to sign him once, as a 16-year-old.[7]

### Olympiacos

[edit]

Olympiacos F.C. also became interested and, in a widely documented and somewhat controversial period of negotiation, Diogo finally signed for the Greek club in August 2008, for €9 million and 70% of the player's rights. After passing his medical, he agreed to a five-year contract.[8][9]

Diogo made his first appearance in the season's opener, against Asteras Tripolis F.C. on 30 August 2008. On 6 September he scored from the penalty spot against Ionikos FC, in a friendly. In the second round, he netted the game's only goal at Xanthi FC. During his first campaign he also showcased his good heading ability by scoring many of his goals from headers, being at one point the player with more goals with that specific body part at four.

In that year's UEFA Cup, Diogo scored twice in the 5–0 home victory over FC Nordsjælland on 2 October, adding two more in a 5–1 defeat of S.L. Benfica the following month, also in the group stage and at Karaiskakis Stadium.[10] Hence, heightened rumours of a big-money transfer to Europe's elite – and again to England – surfaced, whilst the player was ranked seventh (out of 50) in The Daily Telegraph's list of Footballers Transfer Target List;[11] eventually, the Piraeus team won the double.

Further interest arose in October 2008, now from three other Premier League sides, Middlesbrough, Chelsea and Liverpool.[12] The latter's coach, Rafa Benítez, again declared interest in the player in March of the following year, preparing to offer £12 million to acquire his services.[13] Anfield scouts had been said to have checked on him, seeing him as a perfect replacement for the departed Robbie Keane; Benítez then loaned Sebastián Leto to Olympiacos, further fueling rumours that the player would be included in a swap deal, but nothing came to fruition, with Leto instead moving to Panathinaikos FC.[14]

Diogo's second season 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. He started 2010–11 by netting twice against Besa Kavajë of Albania in a 5–0 away win (11–1 on aggregate) in the Europa League. In the competition's next round, however, against Maccabi Tel Aviv FC, he was sent off after punching opposing goalkeeper Liran Strauber, in a 1–0 away loss that also meant the Greeks' elimination on the away goals rule.[15]

### Back to Brazil

[edit]

Diogo returned to Brazil on 19 August 2010, being loaned to CR Flamengo.[16] Six months later, he joined Santos FC also on loan,[17] failing to perform overall and returning to Olympiacos in January 2012, being excluded from the squad later that year.[3]

On 6 March 2013, Diogo returned to his first club Portuguesa.[18]

### Buriram United

[edit]

On 31 December 2014, Diogo signed a two-year contract with Buriram United F.C. from the Thai League 1.[19] He scored in his debut on 24 January 2015, helping his new team to defeat Bangkok Glass F.C. 1–0 in the Kor Royal Cup.[20]

Diogo scored 45 goals in 51 competitive games in his first season,[21] as Buriram became the first Asian side to win five titles in one year.[22][23] He also managed to finish top scorer of the domestic league twice, scoring 133 times overall which was a record at the organisation.[24]

### Johor Darul Ta'zim

[edit]

On 3 January 2019, Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. announced the signing of Diogo for an approximate fee of €1.5 million, the highest ever paid by a Malaysian club.[25][26] In December 2023, after having won several honours including three Super League – he also returned to Thailand to represent BG Pathum United F.C. before heading back to the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in 2022 – the 36-year-old announced his retirement.[27]

## International career

[edit]

Diogo was called to train with the Brazil under-23 team by manager Dunga in late 2007.[28][29] He was supposed to have been selected for the FIFA U-20 World Cup earlier that year, but was dropped from the squad after breaking his arm.[30]

## Career statistics

[edit]

As of 3 January 2019[31][32]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition  Club  | Season  | League  | State League  | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Continental  | Other  | Total

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals
Portuguesa | 2006 | Série B | 21 | 1 | ? | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 21 | 4
2007 | Série B  | 27 | 18 | 4 | 9 | 3 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 31 | 27
2008 | Série A | 13 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 15 | 6
Total  | 61 | 25 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 067 | 34
Olympiacos | 2008–09 | Super League Greece | 28 | 6 | — | 7 | 5 | — | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 16
2009–10 | Super League Greece  | 17 | 2 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 3
2010–11 | Super League Greece  | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2
2011–12 | Super League Greece  | 9 | 1 | — | 2 | 1 | — | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 2
2012–13 | Super League Greece  | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0
Total  | 55 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 81 | 23
Flamengo | 2010 | Série A  | 17 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 17 | 1
Santos | 2011 | Série A  | 11 | 1 | 6 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 1
Portuguesa  | 2013 | Série A  | 20 | 4 | — | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 22 | 4
Palmeiras | 2014 | Série A  | 24 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 34 | 1
Buriram United | 2015 | Thai Premier League | 32 | 33 | – | 6 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 1[c] | 1 | 51 | 45
2016 | Thai Premier League  | 11 | 8 | – | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1[c] | 1 | 19 | 15
2017 | Thai Premier League  | 29 | 26 | – | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0[c] | 0 | 33 | 29
2018 | Thai Premier League  | 33 | 34 | – | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 1[c] | 1 | 51 | 43
Total  | 105 | 101 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 12 | 14 | 10 | 14 | 6 |  | 3 | 3 | 154 | 132

1. ^ Includes Copa do Brasil, Greek Cup, Thai FA Cup.
2. ^ Includes Thai League Cup.
3. ^ a b c d Appearances in Thailand Champions Cup

## Honours

[edit]

Olympiacos

* Super League Greece: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2012–13[31]
* Greek Football Cup: 2008–09, 2011–12[31]

Santos

* Campeonato Paulista: 2011[31]
* Copa Libertadores: 2011[31]

Buriram United

* Thai League 1: 2015, 2017, 2018[31]
* Thai FA Cup: 2015[31]
* Thai League Cup: 2015, 2016[31]
* Thailand Champions Cup: 2015, 2016
* Mekong Club Championship: 2015, 2016
* Toyota Premier Cup: 2016

Johor Darul Ta'zim

* Malaysia Super League: 2019, 2020, 2023[31]
* Malaysia FA Cup: 2023
* Malaysia Cup: 2019, 2023[31]
* Piala Sumbangsih: 2019, 2020

BG Pathum United

* Thai League 1: 2020–21[31]
* Thailand Champions Cup: 2021, 2022[31]

Individual

* Thai League 1 Top Scorer/MVP: 2015,[33] 2018
* Best Foreign Player – Malaysia National Football Awards: 2019[34]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011 presented by Toyota: List of Players" (PDF). FIFA. 11 December 2011. p. 7\. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
2. ^ a b c "Diogo". Eurosport. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
3. ^ a b "Mais experiente, Diogo volta à Portuguesa" [More experienced, Diogo returns to Portuguesa] (in Portuguese). ESPN. 12 March 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
4. ^ Goal.com profile: Diogo Luis Santo; Goal, 5 July 2008
5. ^ Diogo Luis Santo 2 sign??; BBC, 16 March 2008
6. ^ Gunners' Diogo bid rejected; Goal, 20 June 2008
7. ^ Arsenal close in on a deal for Brazilian striker Diogo Archived 15 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine; Young Guns, 16 March 2008
8. ^ Olympiacos rewarded as Diogo signs; UEFA, 22 August 2008
9. ^ "Camisa 10 do Olympiacos, Diogo é apresentado na nova equipe" [Number 10 of Olympiacos, Diogo is presented at his new team] (in Portuguese). Universo Online. 25 August 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
10. ^ Greek warriors put foes to the sword; ESPN Soccernet, 27 November 2008
11. ^ Football transfers: Top 50 alternative European transfer targets; The Daily Telegraph, 9 July 2009
12. ^ Premier clubs eye Diogo; Sky Sports, 4 October 2008
13. ^ Sunday's gossip column; BBC Sport, 1 March 2009
14. ^ Liverpool boss Benitez targets Olympiacos ace Diogo Archived 13 September 2012 at archive.today; Tribal Football, 3 March 2009
15. ^ Maccabi Tel-Aviv stun Olympiacos; UEFA, 5 August 2010
16. ^ "Deivid e Diogo acertam com o Flamengo" [David and Diogo sign with Flamengo] (in Portuguese). CR Flamengo. 19 August 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
17. ^ Barros, Adilson (20 January 2011). "Santos oficializa a contratação do atacante Diogo, ex-Flamengo" [Santos make official signing of forward Diogo, formerly of Flamengo] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
18. ^ "Portuguesa anuncia retorno do 'prata da casa' Diogo após cinco anos" [Portuguesa announce 'homegrown' Diogo's return after five years] (in Portuguese). Universo Online. 6 March 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
19. ^ "Diogo sai com 1 gol em 34 jogos e atuará na Tailândia" [Diogo leaves with 1 goal in 34 games and will ply his trade in Thailand] (in Portuguese). Terra. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
20. ^ "ซานโตส่องชัย!ปราสาทเชือดบีจี1-0ซิวแชมป์ถ้วยก" [Santo shines in victory! Buriram slaughter Glass in 1–0 Cup win] (in Thai). Siam Sport. 24 January 2015. Archived from the original on 27 January 2015. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
21. ^ "Buriram's season to remember". Buriram Times. 6 January 2016. Archived from the original on 21 January 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
22. ^ Murphy, Paul (30 October 2015). "The unrelenting rise of Buriram United". These Football Times. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
23. ^ "Buriram win fifth Thai FA Cup title after downing Muangthong 3–0". The Phuket News. 27 December 2015. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
24. ^ สุภโชค สารชาติ ขยับขึ้นท็อปเท็นดาวซัลโว ปราสาทสายฟ้า ตลอดกาล [Supachok Sarachat reached Thunder Castle's all-time scorers top ten.] (in Thai). Buriram United F.C. 22 August 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
25. ^ "New signing Diogo Santo fits our style of football: JDT sporting director Martin Prest". Fox Sports. 3 January 2019. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
26. ^ Kin Fai, Ooi (4 January 2019). "JDT paid big money to secure Diogo signing". Goal. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
27. ^ "Forward Diogo, formerly of Flamengo and Palmeiras, announces retirement". AZ Score. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
28. ^ Freitas, Bruno (6 December 2007). "Dosar vontade é problema de Dunga com jovens do time olímpico" [To dose will is Dunga's problem with youngsters of the Olympic team] (in Portuguese). Universo Online. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
29. ^ "Dunga repete time e confirma Diogo ao lado de Pato no ataque" [Dunga repeats team and confirms Diogo alongside Pato up front] (in Portuguese). Diário Gaúcho. 7 December 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
30. ^ Freitas, Bruno (6 December 2007). "Melhor da Série B, Diogo quer convencer Dunga contra 'elite'" [Best in Série B, Diogo wants to convince Dunga against 'elite'] (in Portuguese). Universo Online. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Diogo at Soccerway
32. ^ Diogo at WorldFootball.net
33. ^ "Melhor jogador da Tailândia, Diogo recebe troféus e brindes de luxo" [Best player in Thailand, Diogo gets trophies and luxury gifts] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 15 December 2015. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
34. ^ "Ex-Flamengo, Diogo é eleito melhor estrangeiro na Malásia" [Ex-Flamengo, Diogo is voted best foreign in Malaysia] (in Portuguese). Lance!. 16 November 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2023.

* v
* t
* e

Thai League top scorers

* 1996–97: Amporn Amparnsuwan
* 1997: Worrawoot Srimaka
* 1998: Ronnachai Sayomchai
* 1999: Sutee Suksomkit
* 2000: Sutee Suksomkit
* 2001–02: Pitipong Kuldilok & Worrawoot Srimaka
* 2002–03: Sarayuth Chaikamdee
* 2003–04: Vimol Jankam
* 2004–05: Supakit Jinajai & Sarayuth Chaikamdee
* 2006: Pipat Thonkanya
* 2007: Ney Fabiano
* 2008: Anon Sangsanoi
* 2009: Anon Sangsanoi
* 2010: Ludovick Takam
* 2011: Franck Ohandza
* 2012: Cleiton Silva & Teerasil Dangda
* 2013: Carmelo González
* 2014: Heberty
* 2015: Diogo
* 2016: Cleiton Silva
* 2017: Dragan Bošković
* 2018: Diogo
* 2019: Lonsana Doumbouya
* 2020–21: Barros Tardeli
* 2021–22: Hamilton Soares
* 2022–23: Supachai Chaided
* 2023–24: Supachai Chaided

*[Apps]: League appearances
*[Gls]: League goals
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