Samu Costa's World Cup Call-Up Rewards La Liga Breakthrough as Portugal Embrace Form Over Fame

Portugal manager Roberto Martínez has handed Mallorca midfielder Samu Costa a shock World Cup call-up, rewarding a breakthrough season that saw the 24-year-old transform from defensive specialist to complete midfielder. The selection signals a shift in Portugal's squad-building philosophy, with form trumping reputation as the tournament approaches.

Costa admitted he was watching the squad announcement at home with his family, unaware of his inclusion until seeing his name among the 27 players selected for the World Cup squad.

I knew nothing before watching it live and yes, I'm super happy. I know I prepared all season for this moment and I want to continue my work and help the national team.

From Defensive Anchor to Complete Midfielder: Costa's Tactical Evolution

Costa's selection represents more than just reward for solid performances. The midfielder has fundamentally altered his game this season, adding consistent goal contributions to his traditionally defensive skill set.

A Conscious Transformation

Speaking to Canal 11, Costa revealed his attacking development was no accident but a deliberate strategy heading into a World Cup year.

It was a World Cup year and I felt I had to take a step forward, improve my game. It was a commitment with the coaches I had at Mallorca. They believed in me and knew I had the potential to score goals and provide assists.

This evolution from holding midfielder to box-to-box threat reflects modern football's demands for versatility. Costa specifically credited his work on "goals and arriving in the box" as the factor that convinced Martínez to select him.

Tactical Flexibility Key to Selection

When asked whether he sees himself as a defensive '6' or more advanced '8', Costa demonstrated the adaptability that modern managers crave.

I see myself wherever the coach decides. It's always been like that in my career. Various coaches I've had in Spain have asked different things of me and I've always worked to deliver.

This positional intelligence allows Martínez multiple tactical options, with Costa capable of anchoring the midfield or driving forward as a box-to-box presence.

Martinez's Meritocracy: Why Form Trumped Reputation in Portugal's Squad

Costa's inclusion exemplifies a broader shift in international selection philosophy. Rather than defaulting to established names, Martínez has prioritised current form and specific attributes that fit his tactical vision.

The 'Garra' Factor

Martínez specifically highlighted Costa's 'garra' (fighting spirit) when announcing the squad, identifying it as a crucial attribute for tournament football. Costa acknowledged this has always been central to his identity as a player.

I've always been a player with lots of garra, lots of attitude. That's how I approach my life and how I was taught by my father and various coaches. It's one of my strong points, among others.

Creating Competition Through Surprise Selections

Costa's call-up sends a clear message to Portugal's established stars: places must be earned through performance, not reputation. The midfielder himself recognised he first caught Martínez's attention during the March international break, where he felt he was "making the coach's choices difficult in a positive way".

This approach could reshape betting markets for Portugal's starting XI, with previously automatic selections now facing genuine competition from in-form alternatives.

The Mallorca Factor: How La Liga Experience Shaped Costa's World Cup Dream

Playing regular football in one of Europe's top five leagues has been instrumental in Costa's development. At Mallorca, he's faced elite opposition weekly, testing himself against world-class midfielders and refining his game under intense scrutiny.

Spanish Football's Tactical Demands

La Liga's emphasis on technical ability and positional play forced Costa to expand his skill set beyond traditional defensive duties. His coaches at Mallorca recognised untapped potential and pushed him to contribute in the final third.

The result has been Costa's most productive season in terms of offensive contributions, combining his natural defensive instincts with newfound attacking threat.

Emotional Preparation for the Big Stage

Costa's reaction to his selection revealed the emotional weight of achieving a World Cup dream through unconventional means.

It was an emotional moment. Only they [family] know what I had to work through to reach the World Cup. We suffered a lot, we worked hard and it was a super happy moment.

This journey from relative obscurity to World Cup selection embodies the opportunity Martínez is creating for players willing to evolve their games and seize their chances.

What Happens Next

Costa's selection raises intriguing questions about Portugal's midfield configuration at the World Cup. His versatility offers Martínez tactical flexibility, potentially allowing Portugal to shift between different formations depending on the opponent.

For Costa himself, the challenge now shifts from earning selection to proving he belongs at football's highest level. His promise to bring "the same attitude in training and matches" suggests he won't be content merely making up the numbers.

As Portugal prepare for their World Cup 2026 campaign, Costa's story serves as both inspiration and warning: form matters more than fame in Martínez's Portugal, creating opportunities for the ambitious while threatening the complacent.