Mossoró (footballer)

José Márcio da Costa (born 4 July 1983), commonly known as Mossoró, is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Turkish club İstanbul Başakşehir F.K. as a midfielder.

His nickname stems for his birthplace. He spent most of his professional career in Portugal, representing mainly Braga where he appeared in more than 175 official games during five seasons.

Football career

Born in Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró began his professional career at Ferroviário Atlético Clube (CE) in 1999, before moving for Santa Catarina Clube and then Paulista Futebol Clube. Shortly after he broke into the first team as it qualified for the final of the Paulistan Championship, being defeated by Associação Desportiva São Caetano.

In 2005, Mossoró played a key role for the team as it won the Brazilian Cup. He was then transferred to Sport Club Internacional of Porto Alegre in the second half of the season, making his top division debuts in the process.

In July 2007, Mossoró was loaned to C.S. Marítimo of Portugal. His performances, which included braces in Primeira Liga wins against Associação Naval 1º de Maio (3–0) and S.C. Braga (4–1) were impressive enough to earn him a permanent deal with the latter club, which signed the player to a four-year contract at the end of the season.