Full Name: José Diogo Dalot Teixeira
Date of Birth: 18 March 1999
Place of Birth: Braga, Portugal
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s): Full-back (Right/Left)
Current Club: Manchester United
Jersey Number: 20
Diogo Dalot, born José Diogo Dalot Teixeira on March 18, 1999, in Braga, Portugal, has risen from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in the world of football.
Standing tall at 1.83 meters, Dalot has made a name for himself as a versatile right-back and left-back at Manchester United, captivating audiences with his remarkable skills and determination.
Below Are The Interesting Diogo Dalot Facts, Tracing His Career From Childhood to Premier League Stardom
1. His Early Beginnings in Football Started at Fintas
Dalot's journey into the world of football began at the tender age of six when he joined the Fintas Academy in his hometown of Braga, Portugal. It was here that his innate talent and passion for the game started to blossom.
2. He Joined the Porto Youth System at Age 9
At the age of nine in 2008, Dalot became a part of the prestigious Porto youth system. His dedication and hard work paid off when he made his professional debut for Porto's B team in January 2017, showcasing his potential on the field.
3. His Stint on Loan at Padroense Facilitated His Transition to Porto's First-Team
Emerging into Prominence - Dalot's brief loan spell at Padroense in the Portuguese Second Division during the 2014/15 season proved instrumental in his development. Catching the eye of Porto's first-team management with his stellar performances for the reserves, he earned his debut in a Taça de Portugal game in October 2017.
4. He Secured A Life-Changing Move To Man United in 2018
In June 2018, Dalot's talent earned him a move to the illustrious Manchester United, with the club acquiring his services for a reported fee of €22 million (£19 million). Under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, Dalot flourished, with Mourinho hailing him as "the best full-back in Europe in his age group." Following the transfer from the Portuguese side, Dalot said: “I will give everything for this club, for this shirt and, hopefully, help the club to win. That’s the most important thing.”
5. He Had A Loan Spell at AC Milan
Dalot embarked on a loan spell at Italian Serie A club AC Milan from October 2020 to June 2021. During his time in Milan, he showcased his abilities, making 33 appearances, scoring two goals, and providing three assists, further solidifying his reputation as a promising talent.
6. He Became a Versatile Asset After His Return to Man Utd
Dalot made his return to Man United for the 2021-2022 season, impressing during pre-season… His versatility shone through as he competently competed with established players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a starting spot. Additionally, Dalot showcased his adaptability by seamlessly transitioning to the left-back position when needed, further solidifying his value to the team.
7. His Journey Has Not Been Confined To Club Football
Dalot's journey is not confined to club football; he has also represented Portugal at various youth international levels from the under-15 to under-21 level. He was part of the under-17 squad that was victorious in the 2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He made his senior international debut at UEFA Euro 2020. His contributions to the national team include scoring his first two international goals in a UEFA Nations League match against the Czech Republic in September 2022.
8. Man Utd Show Belief in Him
In a testament to his importance to the club, Dalot extended his contract with Manchester United until June 2028, with an option for a further year, highlighting the confidence and belief the club has in his abilities.
9. He Scored His First Man Utd Goal in an FA Cup Clash
Throughout his career at Manchester United, Dalot has achieved significant milestones, including scoring his first goal for the club in a 6-0 FA Cup win against Tranmere Rovers and netting his first Premier League goal in April 2023.
10. He Inked A Deal With Puma As A Speed Sensation
Dalot's lightning-fast pace has made him a standout performer on the pitch, evidenced by his recording of the fastest top speed (35.76 km/h) of any United player in the 2022-23 Premier League season. In a further testament to his speed, agility and professional growth, Dalot recently inked a deal with PUMA and will be sporting their cutting-edge ULTRA football boot during his matches.
11. He Admitted The Impact of INEOS Has Been Positive
Dalot said the arrival of INEOS has brought a renewed sense of energy and optimism to Manchester United. The full-back acknowledges the positive impact of INEOS, highlighting the need for senior players to mentor and guide the emerging generation at the club.
"It [INEOS] brought some different energy, which is always good when things are not going well. You can see around the place everybody was positive about it," Dalot explains. "They presented themselves to us with a lot of good energy and positive vibes for the future, so we were really excited to have them on board. So far we are very happy."
12. He Speaks Four Languages
During his loan spell at AC Milan in the 2020-21 season, Dalot learned Italian to speak with teammates, adding a fourth language to his English, Spanish, and Portuguese. In addition to his linguistic prowess, Dalot's dedication to cultural understanding is evident in his appreciation for the diverse perspectives and experiences that each language represents. His commitment to mastering multiple languages reflects his desire for effective communication and his broader commitment to personal and professional development.
13. His Favourite Goal Was A 30-yard Thunderbolt Strike
Dalot's favourite goal for United is the 30-yard thunderbolt he scored against Sheffield United, which holds special significance as it occurred just hours after the sad news of Sir Bobby Charlton's death was announced. He emphasised the emotional weight of the moment and the shared celebration with the Red Devils fans, underscoring the impact of the goal in honouring Charlton's memory.
"Not just from the distance that it was, but probably because of the moment, the celebration with the fans after a sad day of the loss of Sir Bobby, so it made it even more special. And we won the game because of that goal, that made it even happier," he stated as manutd.com quoted. The thumping strike was also the type of goal Charlton was infamous for scoring himself. "Maybe it was a sign."
Summing Up
With Dalot continuing to make strides in his career, which journeys from childhood in Braga to Premier League stardom, he remains focused on achieving collective success with Manchester United. As he continues to write his story on and off the field, one thing is certain: the future is bright for Diogo.
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