Alex (footballer, born 1979)


Domingos Alexandre Martins Costa, commonly known as Alex, is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played mainly as a right back, and a current manager.
Over seven seasons, he amassed Primeira Liga totals of 170 matches and seven goals, mainly at the service of Vitória de Guimarães. He also spent four years in Germany, with Wolfsburg.

Playing career

Alex was born in Guimarães. After five seasons, spent at both AD Fafe and Moreirense FC he made his Primeira Liga debut with S.L. Benfica, mainly deputising for established Miguel. In 2004–05, he served a season-long loan spell at Vitória de Guimarães.
After good performances at Vitória, which earned him a Portugal national team call-up, Benfica sold Alex to VfL Wolfsburg on the very last days of the summer transfer window. He had a relatively successful debut campaign, but only appeared four times in the Bundesliga in the next three combined.
In late May 2009, Alex signed for former club Vitória de Guimarães on a free transfer. During that first season he operated mostly as a right back, going on to be fully reconverted to the position in the following years and being an automatic first-choice.

Coaching career

On 3 July 2013, Alex announced his retirement from professional football at the age of nearly 34, immediately starting his managing career with F.C. Felgueiras 1932 in the regional championships.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

Moreirense
Benfica
Vitória Guimarães