Francisco Costa confirmed his credentials as the next big thing in handball in 2025, proving himself as one of the world's top young right backs with explosive scoring and playmaking. At just 19 years old, he starred at the 2025 IHF Men's World Championship in Croatia/Denmark/Norway, where Portugal achieved their best-ever fourth place.

Costa was named the Best Young Player presented by LIDL (awarded for the best Under-21 player in the competition), included in the All-Star team, scoring 54 goals (tied for second overall, 69% conversion rate) with 22 assists - directly involved in 77 of Portugal's goals. His debut at the 2023 World Championship set the stage for this breakout and the right back provided more acumen and tactical brilliance, complementing his fantastic skills.

At club level with Sporting, Costa has shown consistent brilliance, blending power shots with great vision and finished the previous season of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League with 79 goals. In the current season, Costa has provided 70 goals, being the fourth best scorer of the season.