Diego (footballer, born 1985)

At age six, Diego started to show his talent when training with Comercial FC in Ribeirão Preto. After joining another team, São Carlos, when he was nine, Diego decided to take trials in the hope of impressing a bigger club.{{cite news|title=Diego Ribas da Cunha Biography|url=http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/players/a/Diego.htm|publisher=World Soccer|access-date=7 March 2012|archive-date=17 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017102913/http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/players/a/Diego.htm|url-status=dead}} Diego was first signed by the São Paulo team Santos at the age of 12. He developed while in the Santos youth system, making his first team debut at the age of 16 in the Rio-São Paulo Championship in 2002 and in the same year won the domestic Campeonato Brasileiro championship. He, Robinho, Elano and Alex were known as a famous group when they played for Santos.

Diego was then signed by Primeira Liga club Porto in July 2004 as a replacement and the potential successor for Deco, but he could not produce the same calibre of performances as he did at Santos. Diego made his debut for Porto in a 1–1 draw against União de Leiria on 22 August and on 30 October, he scored his first goal for Porto in a 2–2 draw against Nacional.

As Porto triumphed in the Intercontinental Cup against Once Caldas via a penalty shootout, Diego was sent off for swearing at goalkeeper Juan Carlos Henao after scoring his effort. Journalist Tim Vickery ascribed this action to Diego's experiences against the team in the previous season's Copa Libertadores, in which the physical Colombian side eliminated Santos in the quarter-finals.{{cite news|last1=Vickery|first1=Tim|title=Diego relishes downfall of Caldas|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4090073.stm|access-date=10 May 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=12 December 2004}}

In his first season at Porto, Diego made 30 appearances, scoring two goals against Sporting CP and Braga. In 2005–06, however, he did not maintain a stable place in the Porto team under coach Co Adriaanse and also found life difficult at Porto. He eventually left the club to sign with Werder Bremen.

File:Diego Ribas da Cunha.jpg in 2006]]

In May 2006, Diego signed a contract with German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen until 2010 for a transfer fee of €6 million. His first match for Bremen came in the DFB-Ligapokal. Werder Bremen won the cup, beating Bayern Munich in the final on 5 August. The 2006–07 Bundesliga season began well for Diego. He scored the first goal and set up two more for Bremen in their 4–2 win over Hannover 96, on 13 August. In his second match in the Bundesliga, he set up both goals in the 2–1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

File:Diego ribas.jpg

Thanks to his good performances in August, both in the Bundesliga and in the Ligapokal, Diego won the August Player of the Month award.{{cite web| url = http://www.fussballer-des-monats.de/| title = Fußballer des Monats – August 2006| access-date =6 October 2007| language = de}} As the Bundesliga season progressed, Diego made several amazing performances and became one of the most valuable players for Bremen, along with his teammate Torsten Frings. Together, they were called the "two motors of Bremen's midfield". In October 2006, he won a second Player of the Month award, as well as again in December 2006. He was then named as the Best Player of the first half of the Bundesliga season.

Werder Bremen finished in third place in Group A in the Champions League group stages, and they moved to the UEFA Cup, where they reached the semi-finals after beating AZ in the quarter-finals due in part to Diego's creative play.

On 15 April, Diego again played well, scoring in the 2–0 win over Borussia Dortmund. Five days later, on 20 April, Bremen played against Alemannia Aachen. Although Diego's performance was good, he did not score until stoppage time when he scored from 62.5 metres, which later was elected as goal of the year. Bremen won the game 3–1 and topped the table with 60 points.

Following his good performances in the first half of the Bundesliga, Diego got called up to the Brazil national team in November.

After the 2006–07 season ended, Diego won the Bundesliga Player of the Season award organised by popular magazine kicker.{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/29052007/58/bundesliga-diego-crowned-bundesliga-s-best.html |title=Bundesliga – Diego crowned Bundesliga's best |publisher=Eurosport.com |date=29 May 2007 |access-date=6 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513125305/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/29052007/58/bundesliga-diego-crowned-bundesliga-s-best.html |archive-date=13 May 2008 }} He received just over 50 percent of the votes. Unfortunately, his team did not win the Bundesliga after finishing third in the table, behind champions VfB Stuttgart and Schalke 04.

File:10diego.jpg

Diego started his season well, scoring a penalty on the first matchday. Diego gave many outstanding performances. He was crucial as Bremen progressed to the 2007–08 Champions League group stage. They beat Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb 3–2 in Zagreb, with Diego scoring two penalties.

On the first Champions League group stage matchday, Bremen lost 2–1 to Real Madrid, but Diego's performance aroused interest in Real Madrid's coach Bernd Schuster. Rumours of his departure, however, were put to an end when Diego signed a new contract which would last until 2011.{{cite web| url = http://www.werder.de/english/news/meldung.php?id=963| title = Diego Extends Until 2011| access-date = 6 October 2007| date = 22 September 2007| publisher = werder.de }}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

After the loss to Real Madrid, Bremen faced VfB Stuttgart, the defending German champions, at home. Werder won 4–1, with Diego leading the midfield. Later on in the season, Bremen achieved a historical 8–1 win over Arminia Bielefeld, with Diego assisting three goals and scoring one himself.

Diego was voted Player of the Month in September.{{cite web| url = http://www.fussballer-des-monats.de/| title = Fußballer des Monats – September 2007| access-date = 6 October 2007| language = de}} He then scored two goals en route to the UEFA Cup round of 16 with Bremen, where they lost to Rangers.

File:Diego-Naldo.jpg title alongside teammate Naldo]]

Diego's last season with Bremen was his most successful. He scored 20 goals in total (more than his two first seasons in the club), although Bremen did finish just tenth in the 2008–09 Bundesliga and were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage after finishing third in their group.

In the UEFA Cup that season, Diego scored six goals, all in the knockout stages. He also scored against Milan in the round of 32, equalizing after 84 minutes, and assisting Claudio Pizarro in the second leg's only goal. He helped his team through the round of 16, and scored four of the six goals, and managed one assist in the quarter-final knockout of Udinese.

In the semi-finals, after losing 1–0 in their hometown to "North Derby" rivals Hamburger SV, Diego helped his team back in the second leg with an early equalizer to Ivica Olić's early critical goal. Later on that game, he assisted a corner to Frank Baumann's third Bremen goal. In that game, Diego received an unfortunate yellow card, preventing him from playing in the final, and with a 3–2 away win, he ended his UEFA Cup participation, leading Bremen to their first UEFA Cup final ever.

Without Diego in the 2009 UEFA Cup Final, Bremen lost the game 2–1 in extra time to Ukrainian team Shakhtar Donetsk. In his last match with Bremen, Diego gave the assist to Mesut Özil's winning goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal final to secure Bremen's sixth title in the competition.

File:AS Bari v Juventus, 12 December 2009 - Diego (cropped).jpg in 2009]]

On 26 May 2009, Diego signed a five-year contract to join Juventus of Serie A at the end of the season 2008–09 season. The fee paid to Bremen by Juventus was worth €24.5 million, though the price can rise by a further €2.5 million in case of the fulfillment of established sports objectives in the next five years.{{cite web| url = http://juventus.com/site/eng/NEWS_newsseriea_65E44289495641DF881D1CE321ACABB5.asp| title = Diego is officially a Juventus player| publisher = Juventus Football Club| date = 26 May 2009| access-date = 26 May 2009| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090530071531/http://www.juventus.com/site/eng/NEWS_newsseriea_65E44289495641DF881D1CE321ACABB5.asp| archive-date = 30 May 2009| df = dmy-all }}

Diego made his Juventus debut against the Korean side Seongnam, a game they won 3–0. In the first half, Diego made the pass to Mauro Camoranesi, whose pass followed up to a goal. Diego then scored in the second half and was subbed out at the 60th minute.{{cite web| url = http://www.totalprosports.com/blog/index.php/2009/07/diego-scores-a-cheeky-goal-in-juventus-debut/| title = Diego Scores A Cheeky Goal In Juventus Debut| publisher = totalprosports.com| access-date = 23 September 2009| date = 29 July 2009| archive-date = 1 August 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090801060933/http://www.totalprosports.com/blog/index.php/2009/07/diego-scores-a-cheeky-goal-in-juventus-debut/| url-status = dead}} On his Serie A debut, he assisted Vincenzo Iaquinta's goal from a set-piece.{{cite web| url = http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/23-08-2009/diego-s-idea-iaquinta-s-headerjuve-down-chievo-501117857512.shtml| title = Diego's idea, Iaquinta's header Juve down Chievo| publisher = La Gazzetta dello Sport| access-date = 23 September 2009| date = 23 August 2009| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090827183110/http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/23-08-2009/diego-s-idea-iaquinta-s-headerjuve-down-chievo-501117857512.shtml| archive-date = 27 August 2009| df = dmy-all}} In the second fixture of the campaign, Diego recorded his first Serie A goal, scoring twice in Juventus' 3–1 victory against Roma on 30 August 2009. He also scored goals against Bologna, Fiorentina and Napoli. One of his most noted assists was his backheel to Alessandro Del Piero's goal against Genoa. He has also scored in the 2010 TIM Trophy against Milan.{{cite web| url = http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=672234&sec=europe&cc=5739| title = Serie A: Diego double spells trouble for Roma| publisher = ESPN| access-date = 23 September 2009| date = 30 August 2009| archive-date = 6 September 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090906112559/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=672234&sec=europe&cc=5739| url-status = dead}}

Diego's swaggering displays he produced during his time in Bremen were met with anger and confusion from Juventus fans; the formation did not suit him and he had a fall-out with then coach Ciro Ferrara. Juventus announced Diego would leave Juventus despite pleading to stay at the club. German clubs like VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich and his former club Werder Bremen were linked to sign him. Bremen, however, ruled out signing him due to sporting director Klaus Allofs believing a deal to bring him back to Bremen would be "economically impossible",{{cite news|title=Bremen rule out Diego return|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6319923/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=18 August 2010|access-date=7 March 2012}} and Diego reiterated his desire to stay.{{cite news|title=Diego confirms Juve desire|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11854/6283782/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=28 July 2010|access-date=7 March 2012}}

File:Diego-Ribas-da-Cunha.jpg

Eventually, on 27 August 2010, Diego moved from Juventus to VfL Wolfsburg for a club record transfer fee of €15.5 million, of which Juve would only receive €14.75 million as 5% of the transfer fee transferred to his youth clubs as solidarity contribution.{{cite web| url = http://www.juventus.com/wps/wcm/connect/19f4429c-c935-4d87-bb61-e3c83a50a616/JUVE_SEMESTRE_INGLESE.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=19f4429c-c935-4d87-bb61-e3c83a50a616| title = Half-yearly Financial Report at 31 December 10| date = 31 December 2010| access-date = 15 May 2011| publisher = Juventus| archive-date = 2 June 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150602180059/http://www.juventus.com/wps/wcm/connect/19f4429c-c935-4d87-bb61-e3c83a50a616/JUVE_SEMESTRE_INGLESE.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=19f4429c-c935-4d87-bb61-e3c83a50a616| url-status = dead}} Following his move to Wolfsburg, Diego criticized Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta for his exit and is the blame for letting Juventus make huge losses on some high-profile players.{{cite news|title=Diego blames Marotta for exit|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11854/6354393/| publisher=Sky Sports|date=2 September 2010|access-date=7 March 2012}}

In Diego's first match for Wolfsburg, he scored his debut goal in a game which Wolfsburg lost 3–4 to Mainz 05. On 5 February 2011, he won a penalty for Wolfsburg; he subsequently took the ball from designated spot-kick taker Patrick Helmes, then hit the woodwork ten minutes from time. Wolfsburg later lost the match by one goal, prompting Wolfsburg manager Steve McClaren to fine him €100,000 (£86,000) for failing to follow instructions. Diego was defended by Dieter Hoeneß, claiming that Diego does not believe he should be banned for the incident.{{cite news|title=Hoeness defends Diego|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6454328/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=19 October 2010|access-date=7 March 2012}} Nonetheless, Diego was also informed that he would be removed from the first team for Wolfsburg's upcoming game against Hamburger SV.{{cite web| url = http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/videos/64192/diego-fined-e100k-and-steve-mcclaren-sacked-over-botched-penalty-video.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110209205554/http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/videos/64192/diego-fined-e100k-and-steve-mcclaren-sacked-over-botched-penalty-video.html| url-status = usurped| archive-date = 9 February 2011| title = Diego Fined €100k For Penalty Miss, Steve McClaren Then Sacked By Wolfsburg (Video)| access-date =10 February 2011| first = Chris| last = Wright| publisher=whoateallthepies.tv}} He once again got in trouble with the management of Wolfsburg, when, on 14 May before a crucial relegation game against 1899 Hoffenheim, he left the hotel in which the team was staying when he was informed he would not be starting the game.{{cite web| url = http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2011/05/14/2486122/diego-storms-out-after-being-omitted-from-wolfsburg-squad| title = Diego storms out after being omitted from Wolfsburg squad for Hoffenheim clash| date = 14 May 2011| access-date =14 May 2011| first = Daniel| last = Edwards| publisher=goal.com}} This left Wolfsburg with only six players on the bench for the game that would determine whether they would play another season in the Bundesliga or be relegated. Wolfsburg went on to win the game 3–1 without Diego, ensuring another top flight season for the club, though Diego was fined €500,000 for his actions.{{cite web| url = http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2011/06/22/2543534/wolfsburgs-diego-fined-500000-for-abandoning-team-mates| title = Wolfsburg's Diego fined €500,000 for abandoning team-mates – report| date = 22 June 2011| access-date =28 August 2011| first = Luke| last = Matthews| publisher=goal.com}}

After the 2010–11 season at Wolfsburg, new manager Felix Magath told Diego in May he had no future with the club. On the last day of the transfer season, Diego joined Atlético Madrid in La Liga on a season-long loan.{{cite web| url = http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_9295_atl%C3%A9tico-madrid-snare-wolfsburg%E2%80%99s-diego-on-season-long-loan.html| title = Atlético Madrid snare Wolfsburg's Diego on season-long loan| date = 1 September 2011| access-date = 6 September 2011| first = David| last = Redshaw| publisher = adifferentleague.co.uk| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110926062335/http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_9295_atl%C3%A9tico-madrid-snare-wolfsburg%E2%80%99s-diego-on-season-long-loan.html| archive-date = 26 September 2011| df = dmy-all }} On 10 September 2011, he made his debut for Atlético against Valencia.{{cite web |url = http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/liga/2011-2012/valencia-cf-atletico-madrid-458795.html| title = Valencia CF 1 – 0 Atlético Madrid| publisher = eurosport.yahoo.com| date = 10 September 2011| access-date =11 September 2011}} He scored his first goal for Atlético in the 60th minute of a UEFA Europa League game against Celtic to make it 2–0 and made an assist to Radamel Falcao in the third minute. The match finished in a 2–0 win for Atlético.{{cite news|title=Europa League: Atletico Madrid 2 Celtic 0|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/celtic/2011/09/16/europa-league-atletico-madrid-2-celtic-0-86908-23423894/|publisher=Daily Record|date=16 September 2011|access-date=7 March 2012}} Diego scored his first league goal in a 3–2 win over Levante on 20 November 2011.

As a key player for Atlético, Diego provided assists and established himself in the first team. But on 19 February 2012, against Sporting de Gijón, Diego sustained a hamstring injury in the second half.{{cite news|title=Diego suffered a hamstring injury and is doubtful for Barca|trans-title=Diego sufre una lesión muscular y es duda para recibir al Barça|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/02/19/futbol/equipos/atletico/1329681918.html|publisher=Marca|language=es|date=19 February 2012|access-date=11 June 2014}} It was announced that Diego would be out for a month.{{cite news|title=Diego will be out for a month|trans-title=Diego estará un mes de baja|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/02/20/futbol/equipos/atletico/1329757876.html|publisher=Marca|language=es|date=20 February 2012|access-date=11 June 2014}} After a month out, Diego recovered from his injury and made his return to training.{{cite news|title=Diego returns to full training|trans-title=Diego vuelve a entrenar con normalidad|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/03/23/futbol/equipos/atletico/1332503141.html|publisher=Marca|language=es|date=23 March 2012|access-date=11 June 2014}} Diego made his return against Real Zaragoza on 26 March 2012.{{cite news|title=Godin names the tilefish miracle|trans-title=Godín da nombre al milagro blanquillo|url=http://www.marca.com/marcador/futbol/2011_12/primera/jornada_30/zar_atm/|publisher=Marca|language=es|date=26 March 2012|access-date=11 June 2014}}

On 9 May 2012, Diego scored the third goal on Atlético's win over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League Final, assuring the capital side won the title for the second time in three years.{{cite web| url = http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=341106&cc=5901| title = Falcao inspires Atletico| publisher = ESPN Soccernet| date = 9 May 2012| access-date = 9 May 2012| archive-date = 12 May 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120512060222/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=341106&cc=5901| url-status = dead}} After the match, Diego told UEFA's official website, "We played against a tough rival like Athletic, but we played an almost perfect match, it was a difficult match, we never said it was going to be easy. I have to thank God for this [victory]."{{cite news|title=Atletico Madrid's Diego: We played an almost perfect game|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/464/europa-league/2012/05/10/3092223/atletico-madrids-diego-we-played-an-almost-perfect-game|publisher=Goal.com|date=10 May 2012|access-date=13 May 2012}}

Atlético teammate Juanfran revealed that Diego wanted to stay at Madrid rather than go back to Germany, but confessed that it would be tough for the club to buy him outright.{{cite web| url = http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3277/la-liga/2012/05/08/3089560/juanfran-diego-wants-atletico-madrid-stay| title = Juanfran: Diego wants Atletico Madrid stay| publisher = goal.com| date = 8 May 2012| access-date =20 May 2012| first = Luis| last = Mira}} Diego admitted that his time with Atlético has been "magical", stating that his time in Spain was more than what he could have hoped for: "This season was positive on both an individual and collective level and I'm delighted."{{cite web| url = http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/atletico-madrid/news/diego-atletico-loan-spell-a-pleasure_28027.html| title = Diego: Atletico Madrid loan spell 'a pleasure'| publisher = sportsmole.co.uk| date = 20 May 2012| access-date =20 May 2012| first = Ali| last = Butt}} and made a farewell message to the club's fans, telling them about the club will be part of his life.{{cite news|title=Diego: Atletico Madrid will always be a part of me|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3922/spain/2012/06/14/3173190/diego-atletico-madrid-will-always-be-a-part-of-me|publisher=Goal.com|date=14 June 2012|access-date=14 November 2012}} Seven months on, Diego revealed he was unaware over a permanent move to Atlético, as the move never transpired.{{cite news|title=Diego: I have not been approached by Atletico Madrid|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2012/11/09/3515798/diego-i-have-not-been-approached-by-atletico-madrid|publisher=Goal.com|date=9 November 2012|access-date=14 November 2012}}

Diego returned to VfL Wolfsburg following the end of his loan spell in Madrid. Upon his return, his relationship with manager Felix Magath continued to deteriorate: he was placed in the reserve side{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2012/07/21/3255502/diego-may-be-banished-to-wolfsburg-ii-in-german-fourth-tier|title=Diego may be banished to Wolfsburg II in German fourth tier|publisher=Goal.com|date=21 June 2012|access-date=21 June 2012}} after Magath criticised his attitude on his first training session back.{{cite news|title=Magath unimpressed by Diego workrate in training|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2012/07/19/3251691/magath-unimpressed-by-diego-workrate-in-training|publisher=Goal.com|date=19 June 2012|access-date=14 November 2012}} Despite the strained relationship between the two, he was selected by Magath in a series of pre-season friendlies in a tour of China.{{cite news|title=Wolfsburg take Diego on pre-season tour of China|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2012/07/25/3265012/wolfsburg-take-diego-on-pre-season-tour-of-china|publisher=Goal.com|date=25 July 2012|access-date=14 November 2012}} Although he was told by Magath he has no future in Wolfsburg, Diego nonetheless announced that he would stay at the club, as clubs overseas had no apparent interest in signing him.{{cite news|title=Magath: Diego will stay at Wolfsburg if nothing happens in the next few days|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2012/07/31/3277870/magath-diego-will-stay-at-wolfsburg-if-nothing-happens-in|publisher=Goal.com|date=31 July 2012|access-date=14 November 2012}}

Diego played his first game for the club in a 1–0 victory over VfB Stuttgart in the opening game of the 2012–13 Bundesliga. In the club's first game without Magath, who had been sacked with only five points in eight matches (and no goals and points in the last four games), Diego scored his first goal and provided his first assist of the Bundesliga season in Wolfsburg's 4–1 defeat of Fortuna Düsseldorf on 27 October 2012, which ended a run of four-straight defeats.{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=346331&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102230525/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=346331&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 January 2013 |title=F Düsseldorf 1 – 4 Wolfsburg |publisher=ESPNFC |date=27 October 2012 }} Following the match, Diego stated that the club are enjoying their football again and he had given a chance under new interim manager Lorenz-Günther Köstner.{{cite news|title=Köstner lets Diego play |trans-title = Köstner lässt Diego spielen|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/lorenz-guenther-koestner/laesst-diego-spielen-26901240.bild.html|publisher=Bild|language=de|date=26 October 2012|access-date=21 February 2014}}{{cite news|title=Wolfsburg have rediscovered their freedom after Magath's exit, hints Diego|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2012/10/30/3487965/wolfsburg-have-rediscovered-their-freedom-after-magaths-exit|publisher=Goal.com|date=30 October 2012|access-date=14 November 2012}} Four days later, in the DFB-Pokal, Diego opened the scoring before providing an assist for Bas Dost as Wolfsburg defeated FSV Frankfurt 2–0.{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=355561&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102232957/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=355561&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 January 2013 |title=VfL Wolfsburg 2 – 0 FSV Frankfurt |publisher=ESPNFC |date=31 October 2012 }} He then netted a brace in Wolfsburg's 3–1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on 11 November, bringing to an end Bayer's 11-game unbeaten run and giving Wolfsburg their first home win of the Bundesliga campaign.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/346305/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901 |title=VfL Wolfsburg 3–1 Bayer Leverkusen |publisher=ESPNFC |date=11 November 2012 }} Then, on 8 December 2012, Diego scored and set up the second and third goal in match in a 3–2 win over Borussia Dortmund.{{cite news|title=Dortmund suffer blow|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/346268/report.html?ex_cid=espnapi_internal&soccernet=true|publisher=ESPN|date=8 December 2012|access-date=21 February 2014}} Throughout the 2012–13 season, Diego continued to make an impressive display for the club, scoring 10 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, making him the club's top-scorer.

Before and during the 2013–14 Bundesliga season, Diego was linked with a move back to Santos in Brazil,{{cite news|trans-title=Santos offers 377000 euros a mont h| title= Santos bietet 377000 Euro im Monat|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/diego/santos-bietet-377000-im-monat-30593602.bild.html|publisher=Bild|language=de|date=28 May 2013|access-date=21 February 2014}} as well as with English Premier League side Arsenal.{{cite news|trans-title= Diego asserts: Arsenal wants me!| title= Diego behauptet: Arsenal will mich!|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/diego/behauptet-arsenal-will-ihn-33559410.bild.html |publisher=Bild|language=de|date=27 November 2013|access-date=21 February 2014}} Despite the rumours, Diego stayed with Wolfsburg for the first half of the season, scoring 3 times in 15 appearances. Throughout the first half of the season, however, Diego's future at Wolfsburg was uncertain after he disagreed with sporting director Klaus Allofs.{{cite news|trans-title=Allofs angry because of Diego's reaction| title= Allofs sauer über Diego-Reaktion|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/vfl-wolfsburg/allofs-sauer-auf-diego-33862024.bild.html|publisher=Bild.de|language=de|date=15 December 2012|access-date=21 February 2014}} At this time, Diego earned the highest wages at the club.{{cite news| trans-title=2.7m less for Diego| title= 2,7 Mio weniger für Diego |url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/vfl-wolfsburg/diego-verdient-weniger-wenn-er-bleibt-33893566.bild.html|publisher=Bild|language=de|date=17 December 2013|access-date=21 February 2014}} The club was keen to extend Diego's contract.{{cite news|trans-title=VW Boss wants to extend with Diego|title= VW-Boss will mit Diego verlängern|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/vfl-wolfsburg/vw-boss-will-diego-halten-33339154.bild.html|publisher=Bild|language=de|date=11 November 2013|access-date=21 February 2014}}

On 31 January 2014, Diego moved back from Wolfsburg to Atlético Madrid. He signed a contract for the rest of the 2013–14 season.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1699694/atletico-madrid-snap-diego-wolfsburg?cc=5739|title=Atletico Madrid snap up Diego|date=31 January 2014|work=ESPNFC|access-date=31 January 2014}} Prior the move, Diego desired to leave Wolfsburg in order to play in the Champions League.{{cite news|trans-title=Diego speaks about the Champions League| title= Diego spricht von der Champions League|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/diego/spricht-von-der-champions-league-34113664.bild.html|publisher=Bild|language=de|date=7 January 2014|access-date=21 February 2014}}

Diego debuted on 2 February on Atlético's victory 4–0 against Real Sociedad, scoring the match's fourth and final goal.{{cite news|title=Atletico Madrid 4–0 Real Sociedad|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25999816|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 February 2014|access-date=21 February 2014}} On 1 April, Diego scored from a long-range shot against Barcelona in the Champions League,{{cite news|title=Barcelona 1–1 Atlético Madrid|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26811624|access-date=10 April 2014|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=1 April 2014}} as Atlético reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1974. Atlético would reach the final of the Champions League for the second time since 1974, after beating Chelsea 3–1 to face their rivals Real Madrid in their first ever Madrid derby in the Champions League final. Unfortunately for him, Diego was an unused substitute in the final, as Atlético Madrid lost 4–1.{{cite news| url = https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27383593| title = Real Madrid 4–1 Atlético Madrid| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 24 May 2014| access-date = 11 June 2014}} Nevertheless, Diego helped the club win the La Liga championship to earn his team its first league title in 18 years.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/10838338/Barcelona-v-Atletico-Madrid-La-Liga-live.html|title=Barcelona 1 Atletico Madrid 1, La Liga: match report|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|last=Martin|first=Richard|date=17 May 2014|access-date=11 June 2014}}

File:Diego Ribas @ Fenerbahce - Altinordu 23 December 2014.jpg in 2014]]

After being linked a move away, Diego wrote on his Instagram account, giving the Atlético supporters a farewell message, as he left the club for the second time.{{cite news|title=Diego Atletico farewell: "Thank you, I'll always be a fan of this club"|trans-title=Diego se despide del Atlético: "Gracias, siempre seré un aficionado de este club"|url=http://www.marca.com/2014/05/28/futbol/equipos/atletico/1401289152.html|publisher=Marca|language=es|date=28 May 2014|access-date=11 June 2014}}

Upon his contract with Wolfsburg expiring at the end of the 2013–14 season, Diego was linked with a move to both Arsenal and Turkish Süper Lig side Fenerbahçe,{{cite news|title=Koscielny on the agenda of Real Madrid|trans-title=Koscielny, en la agenda del Real Madrid|url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2014/05/04/primera/1399198608_731182.html|publisher=AS.com|language=es|date=4 May 2014|access-date=11 June 2014}} and on 11 July 2014, Fenerbahçe confirmed a three-year deal after a medical.{{cite web| url = http://www.fenerbahce.org/detay.asp?ContentID=40739| title = BİLGİLENDİRME| language = tr| publisher = Fenerbahçe| date = 11 July 2014| access-date = 11 July 2014}} The next day, Diego was presented with the number 10 shirt.{{cite news|title=Diego Ribas imzayı attı|url=http://www.fenerbahce.org/detay.asp?ContentID=40749|language=tr|publisher=Fenerbahçe|date=12 July 2014|access-date=6 July 2015}}

Diego made his Fenerbahçe debut in the opening game of the season, coming on as a substitute for Emmanuel Emenike in the 62nd minute, in a 3–2 win over Karabükspor.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe 3 – 2 Karabükspor|url=http://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=29&macId=129551|publisher=Turkish Football Federation Website|language=tr|date=31 August 2014|access-date=6 July 2015}} Diego continued to be in the first team by the first half of the season until he suffered a partial muscle tear during a 1–1 draw against Bursaspor on 24 November 2014.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe'ye Diego Ribas'tan Kötü Haber|url=http://www.haberler.com/fenerbahce-ye-diego-ribas-tan-kotu-haber-6718566-haberi/|publisher=Haberler|language=tr|date=25 November 2014|access-date=6 July 2015}} After being on the sidelines for three weeks, Diego made his first team return against Altınordu in the Groupstage of Turkish Cup, which he scored in a 1–1 draw on 23 December 2014.{{cite news|title=Diego'dan hayat öpücüğü|url=http://beyazgazete.com/video/webtv/spor-4/diego-dan-hayat-opucugu-433614.html|publisher=beyazgazete|language=tr|date=23 December 2014|access-date=6 July 2015}} On 24 January 2015, Diego played a vital role when he provided two assist for Dirk Kuyt and Caner Erkin in a 3–0 win over Kasımpaşa on 24 January 2015.{{cite news|title=Kasımpaşa: 0 – Fenerbahçe: 3|url=http://www.haberler.com/kasimpasa-0-fenerbahce-3-6901111-haberi/|publisher=Haberler|language=tr|date=24 January 2015|access-date=6 July 2015}} Diego's second goal then came four months later on 3 April 2015 in the quarter-final of Turkish Cup in a 2–1 win over Mersin İdmanyurdu.{{cite news|title=Ziraat Türkiye Kupası (Fenerbahçe 2 Mersin 1) Maç Özeti|url=http://www.haberler.com/040315-fenerbahce-mersin-i-y-maci-ozeti-fb-mersin-7035785-haberi/|publisher=Haberler|language=tr|date=4 April 2015|access-date=6 July 2015}} Soon after, Diego soon made complaint, claiming he had not been paid by the club.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe şok gelişme! Diego Ribas'ın alacakları ödendi|url=http://www.sporaksiyon.com/fenerbahce-sok-gelisme-diego-ribasin-alacaklari-odendi-1525.html|publisher=Sporak Siyon|language=tr|date=13 April 2015|access-date=6 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713214049/http://www.sporaksiyon.com/fenerbahce-sok-gelisme-diego-ribasin-alacaklari-odendi-1525.html|archive-date=13 July 2015}} Diego scored his first league goal for the club in a 4–3 win over Balıkesirspor on 2 May 2015{{cite news|title='Diego ve Caner planlarımızı bozdu'|url=http://www.beserhaber.com/spor/diego-ve-caner-planlarimizi-bozdu-h5530.html|publisher=Beser Haber|language=tr|date=2 May 2015|access-date=6 July 2015}} after making his first team from the previous game as a substitute.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe'de Diego Ribas sürprizi!|url=http://www.beserhaber.com/spor/fenerbahcede-diego-ribas-surprizi-h3390.html|publisher=Beser Haber|language=tr|date=24 April 2015|access-date=6 July 2015}} This was followed up his second league goal seven days later, in a 3–2 win over Sivasspor.{{cite news|title=Fenerbahçe, Sivasspor'u 3–2 Yendi|url=http://www.sondakika.com/haber/haber-fenerbahce-sivasspor-u-3-2-yendi-7292214/|publisher=Son Dakika|language=tr|date=9 May 2015|access-date=6 July 2015}} Diego's third goal later came in a 2–2 draw against İstanbul Başakşehir.{{cite news|title=İstanbul Başakşehir 2 – 2 |url=http://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=29&macId=129840|publisher=Turkish Football Federation Website|language=tr|date=25 May 2015|access-date=6 July 2015}} In his first season at Fenerbahçe, Diego made 30 appearances and scored five goals in all competitions.

File:Diego Ribas 2019.jpg

After various failed attempts to sign Diego in previous years, Flamengo was finally able to hire the player for three years on 19 July 2016.{{cite news|trans-title=Diego Atletico farewell: "Thank you, I'll always be a fan of this club'|title=Final feliz: após 12 anos, Diego volta ao Brasil e é o novo reforço do Fla|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/times/flamengo/noticia/2016/07/fim-de-novela-apos-12-anos-diego-volta-ao-brasil-e-o-novo-reforco-do-fla.htmlpublisher=globoesporte.com|language=pt|date=19 July 2016|access-date=19 July 2016}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The player, who had already expressed a wish of playing for a Brazilian club chose Flamengo over other rival clubs. The great moment lived by Rubro-Negro, in the Brazilian Série A, according to Diego, resulted from "complicity and generosity."{{cite web| url = http://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/times/flamengo/noticia/2016/09/gentileza-gera-diego-ve-fla-no-topo-por-cumplicidade-e-generosidade.html| title = Gentileza gera... Diego vê Fla no topo por "cumplicidade e generosidade"| language = pt| website = globoesporte.globo.com| date = 16 September 2016| access-date = 20 January 2017| first = Fred| last = Gomes}}

Diego made an instant impact in Flamengo and quickly became the team's most important midfielder. He debuted on 21 August 2016 in a Brazilian Série A match against Grêmio scoring the winning goal with a header.{{cite web| url = http://globoesporte.globo.com/rj/futebol/brasileirao-serie-a/noticia/2016/08/diego-e-damiao-marcam-flamengo-vence-o-gremio-por-2-1-e-volta-ao-g-4.html| title = Diego e Damião marcam, Flamengo bate o Grêmio por 2 a 1 e volta ao G-4| language = pt| website = globoesporte.com| date = 21 August 2016| access-date = 31 May 2017 }} He went on to score another goal in the next match, this time in a 3–1 win over Chapecoense on 28 August 2016.{{cite web| url = https://esporte.uol.com.br/futebol/campeonatos/brasileiro/serie-a/ultimas-noticias/2016/08/28/chapecoense-x-flamengo.htm| title = Diego e Damião marcam, Fla bate Chapecoense e pula para vice-liderança.| language = pt| website = UOL| date = 28 August 2016| access-date = 31 May 2017 }}

In the 2019 Copa Libertadores Final on 23 November 2019, Diego came off the bench and helped set up both of Gabriel Barbosa's goals as Flamengo came back from a goal down to defeat River Plate 2–1.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2019/nov/23/flamengo-v-river-plate-copa-libertadores-final-live|title=Flamengo 2–1 River Plate: Copa Libertadores final – as it happened|work=The Guardian|first=Will|last=Unwin|date=23 November 2019|access-date=24 November 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Ellerby |first1=Nick |title=Flamengo stage incredible comeback to beat River Plate and become champions of South America |url=https://www.copalibertadores.com/en/news/flamengo-stage-incredible-comeback-to-beat-river-plate-and/1g0wysu0l7xch1apqbmrl0no1k |website=copalibertadores.com |publisher=CONMEBOL |access-date=24 November 2019 |date=23 November 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Chowdhury |first1=Saj |title=Copa Libertadores: Flamengo beat River Plate with two late goals |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50532892 |website=BBC |access-date=24 November 2019 |date=23 November 2019}}

Diego captained the side in the first leg of the 2020 Recopa Sudamericana on 19 February 2020. The match ended in a 2–2 draw with Copa Sudamericana winners Independiente del Valle of Ecuador. Flamengo won the second leg 3–0 to secure a 5–2 aggregate victory and claim their first Recopa Sudamericana title.{{cite web|url=http://www.conmebol.com/es/flamengo-conquista-su-primera-conmebol-recopa|title=Flamengo conquista su primera CONMEBOL Recopa|publisher=CONMEBOL.com|date=27 February 2020}}

On 26 August 2020, Diego signed a one-year extension with Flamengo.{{cite web|url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/flamengo-announce-one-year-diego-extension-30836522|title=Flamengo announce one-year Diego extension|publisher=onefootball.com|date=26 August 2020|access-date=28 October 2020}}

On 12 November 2022, he ended his career at the age of 37.{{cite web |url=https://bolanarede.pt/especial-bola-na-rede/ultima-hora/no-seu-ultimo-jogo-a-emocionante-despedida-de-diego/ |title=No seu último jogo, a emocionante despedida de Diego |date=12 November 2022 |access-date=12 November 2022}}

File:Diego061115.jpg

Diego made his international debut in April 2003 in a friendly match against Mexico. He was later included in Brazil under-23 team that competed in 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup alongside Santos' teammate Robinho. Although Brazil compete as an under-23 team, the international appearances and goals were recorded as FIFA acknowledge the tournament as senior team matches. He appeared five times and scored two goals as Brazil U-23 lost out to the Mexico senior team in the final.

In 2004, Diego was called up for the Brazil national squad for the 2004 Copa América, and he was instrumental in securing the tournament victory for Brazil when he scored in the penalty shootout against Argentina in the final.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3922603.stm| title=Brazil win Copa shoot-out| website = BBC Sport| date=25 July 2004| access-date=2 July 2019}}

However, due to his decline in performance with Porto between 2004 and 2006, he was often left out of the Brazil squad. He was mostly playing as deputy to Kaká and was also left out of the Brazil squad for the 2006 World Cup.

He was then included in Brazil's squad for the 2007 Copa América, which Brazil went on to win, once again defeating Argentina in the final.

Before the 2008 Summer Olympics, he was involved in squad controversy. Specifically, Werder Bremen (to send Diego) along with Schalke 04 (Rafinha), both to Brazil, and Barcelona (Lionel Messi) to Argentina, did not want to release their players for the Olympic games so that they could help them in their domestic and European competitions. The case was taken to FIFA, which ruled that all clubs should release their players aged under 23 for the Games.{{Cite news |last=Lynch |first=Robin |date=30 July 2008 |title=Clubs must release U-23s for Olympics, says Fifa |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jul/30/olympicgames20081 |access-date=12 September 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |title=Soccer Players Must Be Released for Olympics, FIFA Rules – DW – 07/30/2008 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/soccer-players-must-be-released-for-olympics-fifa-rules/a-3523245 |access-date=12 September 2024 |website=dw.com |language=en}}

Schalke, Werder Bremen and Barcelona, however, took their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) who eventually ruled in the clubs' favour, stating, "The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld the appeals filed by FC Schalke 04, SV Werder Bremen and FC Barcelona against the decision issued on 30 July 2008 by the Single Judge of the FIFA's Players' Status Committee that consequently has been set aside in its entirety because the Olympics is not on the FIFA's International Calendar to avoid competing with the World Cup."{{cite web |date=6 August 2008 |title=Trio win Olympics appeal |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,14935_3940112,00.html |access-date=24 September 2008 |publisher=skysports.com}}{{cite web |date=6 August 2008 |title=Arbitration CAS 2008/A/1622 FC Schalke 04 v. Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), CAS 2008/A/1623 SV Werder Bremen v. Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) & CAS 2008/A/1624 FC Barcelona v. Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), award of 2 October 2008 |url=https://www.tas-cas.org/fileadmin/user_upload/CAS_Award_6785___internet__.pdf |access-date=2 October 2008 |website=The Court of Arbitration for Sport}}{{Cite web |date=6 August 2008 |title=FIFA ruling on soccer players in Games overturned |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer08/soccer/news/story?id=3521312 |access-date=12 September 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Nutbrown |first=Charlie |date=6 August 2008 |title=Olympics: CAS steps in to stop players heading to Beijing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/aug/06/olympics2008.olympicsfootball |access-date=12 September 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

Despite his club's wishes, however, he ultimately did compete for the Brazil squad under the provision that their salaries were paid for by the Brazilian Football Confederation,{{cite web |last=Lisi |first=Clemente |date=8 August 2008 |title=Messi Allowed to Play in Beijing |url=https://nypost.com/2008/08/08/messi-allowed-to-play-in-beijing/ |access-date=9 April 2017 |website=thestar.com.my}} which won bronze.{{Cite web |date=22 July 2008 |title=Players defy clubs, join Brazil's soccer team |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna25800894 |access-date=12 September 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=22 August 2008 |title=Brazil beats Belgium to claim Olympic bronze |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/22/sports/22iht-olysoc22.15556260.html |access-date=12 September 2024 |website=New York Times}}

On 19 January 2017, he came back to Brazilian team being called up by coach Tite for a friendly game against Colombia, six days later. Only footballers playing for Brazilian clubs were called up.{{cite web| url = http://www.acritica.com/channels/esportes/news/confira-convocados-para-amistoso-da-selecao-brasileira-contra-a-colombia| title = Confira convocados para amistoso da Seleção Brasileira contra a Colômbia| language = br| website = acritica.com| date = 19 January 2017| access-date = 20 January 2017| archive-date = 22 January 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170122214038/http://www.acritica.com/channels/esportes/news/confira-convocados-para-amistoso-da-selecao-brasileira-contra-a-colombia| url-status = dead}} Brazil won the game 1–0.

Diego was a creative offensive playmaker known for his technique, dribbling ability, vision and accurate passing; usually deployed as an attacking midfielder, he was also capable of playing as a supporting forward or on the wing on occasion.{{cite web|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2004/marzo/16/Sbarca_Diego_Amo_Juve__ga_10_0403165231.shtml|title=Sbarca Diego "Amo la Juve"|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=16 March 2004|access-date=17 September 2014}} As well as being an effective assist provider, he was also known for his goalscoring ability,{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=106944.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531090522/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=106944.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 May 2009|title=Diego making his mark in Bremen|publisher=fifa.com|date=25 October 2006|access-date=15 February 2012}} and he was an accurate set-piece taker. Diego was also known for his trickery and ball-skills, such as his use of back-heels, feints and overhead kicks, among an assortment of other tricks.

Diego is of Italian ancestry, with both of his paternal great-grandparents emigrating from Italy to Brazil. His great-grandfather, Carlo Lazzari, came from Ferrara, and his great-grandmother, Maria Concetta Viola, came from Naples. As a result of his Italian ancestry, Diego received his Italian passport in 2004.{{cite web| url = http://www.ilsussidiario.net/articolo.aspx?articolo=19691| title = ESCLUSIVA CALCIOMERCATO/ Juventus, avvocato Basile: io interista, ho dato a Diego la cittadinanza italiana| date = 29 January 2009| access-date = 29 January 2010| language = it| publisher = ilsussidiario.net| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100114140500/http://www.ilsussidiario.net/articolo.aspx?articolo=19691| archive-date = 14 January 2010| url-status = dead| df = dmy-all }}

Diego is married to Bruna Letícia Araújo, the couple have three children; two sons Davi (born in 2011) Matteo (born in 2013) and a daughter Letícia (born in 2021).{{cite news|trans-title=Sarah Connor's ex married|title= Sarah Connors Ex hat geheiratet|url=http://www.gala.de/stars/news/diego-ribas-da-cunha-sarah-connors-ex-hat-geheiratet_22357.html |publisher=Gala.de |language=de|date=14 June 2010|access-date=21 February 2014}}{{cite news|trans-title=Son born to Brazilian player Diego|title=Nasce filho do jogador brasileiro Diego|url=http://www.fofoki.com/noticias/nasce-filho-jogador-brasileiro-diego|publisher=Fo Foki|language=pt|date=2 February 2011|access-date=21 February 2014|archive-date=28 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028201132/http://www.fofoki.com/noticias/nasce-filho-jogador-brasileiro-diego|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|trans-title=Diego wants a girl| title=Diego wünscht sich ein Mädchen|url=http://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/diego/wuenscht-sich-ein-maedchen-29368716.bild.html|publisher=Bild|language=de|date=4 March 2013|access-date=21 February 2014}}{{cite web | url=https://revistaquem.globo.com/QUEM-News/noticia/2021/07/diego-ribas-anuncia-nascimento-da-filha-mundo-cor-de-rosa.html | title=Diego Ribas anuncia nascimento da filha: "Mundo cor-de-rosa" | date=28 August 2022 }}

{{notelist}}

:Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Diego goal.

Santos{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/diego-ribas-da-cunha/2027/|title=Diego|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=21 December 2016}}

• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2002

Porto

• Primeira Liga: 2005–06
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2004
• Intercontinental Cup: 2004

Werder Bremen

• DFB-Pokal: 2008–09
• DFB-Ligapokal: 2006

Atlético Madrid

• La Liga: 2013–14
• UEFA Europa League: 2011–12

Flamengo

• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2019, 2020
• Copa do Brasil: 2022
• Supercopa do Brasil: 2020, 2021{{cite web| title=Supercopa: em jogo doido, Flamengo vence o Palmeiras nos pênaltis|url=https://onefootball.com/pt-br/noticias/supercopa-em-jogo-doido-flamengo-vence-o-palmeiras-nos-penaltis-32762380|access-date=11 April 2021|date=11 April 2021|work=One Football|language=pt}}
• Copa Libertadores: 2019,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2019/nov/23/flamengo-v-river-plate-copa-libertadores-final-live|title=Flamengo 2–1 River Plate: Copa Libertadores final – as it happened|work=The Guardian|first=Will|last=Unwin|date=23 November 2019|access-date=15 December 2019}} 2022{{Cite web |date=30 October 2022 |title=Gabi Leads Flamengo To Libertadores Title |url=https://conmebollibertadores.com/cards/NewsReaderWeb/gabi-leads-flamengo-to-libertadores-title |access-date=3 November 2022 |website=CONMEBOL Libertadores}}
• Recopa Sudamericana: 2020{{cite news|url=https://global.espn.com/football/conmebol-recopa-sudamericana/story/4061590/flamengos-recopa-win-over-independiente-a-stepping-stone-to-more-glory|title=Flamengo's Recopa win over Independiente a stepping stone to more glory|newspaper=ESPN|first=Tim|last=Vickery|date=27 February 2020|access-date=27 February 2020}}
• Campeonato Carioca: 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021

Brazil U23

• Olympic Bronze Medalist: 2008

Brazil

• Copa América: 2004, 2007

Individual

• Goal of the Year (Germany): 2007{{cite web|url=https://www.sportschau.de/sendung/tdm/archiv/chronik00er/april2007tdm100.html|title=April 2007 – Diego|date=12 July 2013|language=de|publisher=Sportschau|access-date=11 December 2018}}
• VDV Bundesliga Player of the Season: 2006–07
• kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2006–07, 2007–08{{cite web|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/bl50/200607/startseite.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018212356/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/bl50/200607/startseite.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 October 2012|title=Bundesliga Historie 2006/07|language=de|publisher=kicker}}{{cite web|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/bl50/200708/startseite.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018212401/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/bl50/200708/startseite.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 October 2012|title=Bundesliga Historie 2007/08|language=de|publisher=kicker}}
• Bundesliga top assist provider: 2007–08{{cite web|url= http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/spieltag/1-bundesliga/2007-08/0/scorer-der-saison.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090728133906/http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/spieltag/1-bundesliga/2007-08/0/scorer-der-saison.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 28 July 2009|title= 1. Bundesliga: alle Topscorer der Saison 2007/08|language= de|publisher= Kicker|access-date= 25 November 2018}}
• UEFA Europa League top assist provider: 2011–12{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/statistics/round=2000272/players/type=assists/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923152435/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/statistics/round=2000272/players/type=assists/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 September 2011 |title=Statistics – Tournament phase – Assists |publisher=UEFA |access-date=25 November 2018}}
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2016{{cite web|title=Palmeiras tem oito na seleção do Brasileirão, Gabriel Jesus é o craque|url=http://sportv.globo.com/site/programas/bem-amigos/noticia/2016/12/palmeiras-tem-oito-na-selecao-do-brasileirao-gabriel-jesus-e-o-craque.html|website=sportv.com|date=12 December 2016 |language=pt-BR}}
• Campeonato Carioca Team of the Year: 2017{{cite web|url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/rj/futebol/campeonato-carioca/noticia/com-nove-jogadores-de-fla-e-flu-ferj-divulga-selecao-do-campeonato-carioca.ghtml|title=Com nove jogadores de Fla e Flu, Ferj divulga seleção do Campeonato Carioca|publisher=Globoesporte.com|date=7 May 2017|access-date=8 May 2017}}
• Copa do Brasil Best Player: 2017{{cite web|url=https://extra.globo.com/esporte/flamengo/diego-rebate-questionamentos-eleicao-de-melhor-da-copa-do-brasil-nao-paguei-para-me-escolherem-21881054.html|title=Diego rebate questionamentos à eleição de melhor da Copa do Brasil: 'Não paguei para me escolherem'|publisher=Extra Online|date=28 September 2017|access-date=25 November 2018}}
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI (Reserves): 2003

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Fussballdaten|name=Diego}}
• {{NFT player|name=Diego}}
• {{FIFA player|name=Diego}}
• {{Official website}} {{in lang|de|pt|en}}

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Category:1985 births

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