Diego Carlos

Diego Carlos Santos Silva, known as Diego Carlos, was born on March 15, 1993, in Barra Bonita, São Paulo, Brazil. Showing an early interest and aptitude in football, he began playing locally and displayed great potential as a defender. His physical presence, tackling ability, and composure on the ball became evident during his early years, ultimately paving the way for his professional career in football.

On July 1, 2014, Diego Carlos joined G.D. Estoril Praia, a club in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, marking his entry into European football. At Estoril, Diego Carlos gained valuable experience, adapting to a new style of play in Europe and impressing with his defensive skills. His performances attracted attention from other European clubs, showcasing his potential to succeed at higher levels of competition.

Diego Carlos transferred to FC Nantes on July 1, 2016, after his impressive stint in Portugal. Joining the French Ligue 1 club was a significant step in his career as he took on a more challenging competition and continued to develop his game. At Nantes, Diego Carlos became a key figure in the defense, known for his aerial ability, strong tackles, and leadership at the back. He gained a reputation as a reliable and formidable center-back in the league.

On June 1, 2019, Diego Carlos moved to Sevilla FC, a major club in Spain's La Liga, in a deal that marked a pivotal point in his career. At Sevilla, Carlos was integral in strengthening the team's defensive line. His hard-hitting style and technical prowess were notable contributions, leading to successful campaigns in both domestic and European competitions. His performances helped Sevilla secure the UEFA Europa League title in his first season with the club.

Diego Carlos played a crucial role in Sevilla's success in the 2019–2020 UEFA Europa League. On August 21, 2020, Sevilla won the Europa League title by defeating Inter Milan 3-2 in a thrilling final. Despite a challenging game, Diego Carlos's defensive efforts were significant, and his overhead kick, which led to the winning goal (scored by Romelu Lukaku as an own goal), was a testament to his skill and determination. His performance helped secure Sevilla’s sixth Europa League title.

Diego Carlos Santos Silva was part of the Brazilian national team that won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). The final was played on August 6, 2021, against Spain, with Brazil triumphing in a 2-1 victory after extra time. Carlos's contributions in defense were crucial throughout the tournament, showcasing his international caliber and solidifying his status as a top defender on the world stage.

Diego Carlos transferred from Sevilla to the English Premier League club Aston Villa on May 26, 2022. This move was seen as a significant step for Diego Carlos, to test himself against some of the best players in the world in one of the most competitive leagues. Villa manager Steven Gerrard highlighted the addition of Carlos as vital to bolster the team's defense. His arrival was met with enthusiasm as fans expected him to bring his experience and defensive acumen to the team.

Diego Carlos made his debut for Aston Villa on August 13, 2022, in a Premier League match against Everton. The game, held at Villa Park, ended in a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa. Carlos's performance was widely regarded as solid, showcasing his defensive skills and ability to read the game. His presence at the back helped Villa secure the win, and his adaptation to the English league was seen as promising despite the challenges posed by the Premier League's intensity.

Just days after his debut for Aston Villa, Diego Carlos suffered a severe injury on August 15, 2022, during training. He ruptured his Achilles tendon, an injury that would sideline him for an extended period. This was a significant setback for Carlos and Villa as they had high hopes for his contributions that season. His recovery process would be lengthy, and the club would have to cope without one of their star defensive signings for much of the season.

On March 15, 2023, Diego Carlos returned to training with Aston Villa after a long recovery from his Achilles injury. The return marked a significant milestone in his career, as he worked hard to regain full fitness and return to competitive action. His comeback was eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike, as his defensive strength and experience were much needed in Villa's campaign. This event symbolized his dedication and resilience.