Diogo Dalot Biography: Jose Diogo Dalot Teixeira is a professional football player who was born in Portugal on March 18, 1999. He plays at fullback for both his country, Portugal, and his club, Manchester United, in England, UK. Dalot started his football career in Portugal, where he played for the FC Porto Youth Academy.
Dalot’s rapid development saw him rise through the Portuguese national youth ranks, playing a key role in Portugal’s Under-17 European Championship victory in 2016. He also represented his country at the Under-20 World Cup in the same year and the Under-19 European Championships in 2016 and 2017. He played a key role in Portugal’s triumph in the tournament, starting all five matches and scoring a goal in the final. In a Taca de Portugal game in October 2017, Diogo Dalot made his debut for Porto. His impressive, mature performances drew interest from several top European clubs.
Table of Contents
Football Career
Club Career
Porto
At just the age of nine, Diogo Dalot joined the FC Porto Youth System in 2008. The Braga-born Portuguese made his senior debut in a 2:1 home loss against Leixoes in the LigaPro Championship, playing for the Porto B team. Nine months later, on October 13, 2017, Dalot made his debut for Porto’s first team when he made the lineup in a 6:0 away victory over Lusitano de Évora in the Taça De Portugal.
On February, 18 2018, Dalot made his debut for Porto in the Primera Liga coming on in the 75th minute during a 5:0 thrashing of Rio Ave. Dalot made 23 appearances in Porto B team, scoring twice. He also made six appearances for the Portuguese first team.
Manchester United
Diogo Dalot’s journey to Manchester United all started in Portugal, where his raw talent was very clear even at a young age. Having developed his skills at the prestigious FC Porto academy, he caught the eye of the Red Devils in 2018. Joining Manchester United for a fee of around £17 million, the then-19-year-old right-back arrived full of potential.
Dalot’s debut season at Old Trafford was not smooth sailing. He made his debut in the EFL Cup against Derby County, showing great zeal for attacking qualities and defensive diligence.
However, breaking into a star-studded United team under José Mourinho was very difficult. He found opportunities limited; most times, he found himself playing understudy to established names like Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young. Despite limited playing time, Dalot’s glimpses of brilliance were very obvious to everyone.
His pace, technical abilities, and intelligent overlapping runs offered a glimpse of an exciting future. His comfort playing with both feet added was another advantage to his skillset.
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Loan Spell in Italy
To gain further experience and regular playing time, Dalot left on loan to AC Milan in 2020. In Italy, he performed very well under the guidance of Stefano Pioli. Dalot played an important role in Milan’s second-place finish in Serie A. Dalot improved on his defensive abilities and developed a good understanding with Zlatan Ibrahimović on the right flank.
Returning to Manchester United in 2021, a much improved Dalot faced the challenge of establishing himself under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær. His determination paid off, as he impressed with his ability to fill in at left-back and even as a right-winger. He became a valuable asset, and he found himself featuring more regularly.
The arrival of Ralf Rangnick in 2022 saw Dalot’s tactical awareness get even better. Rangnick paid more attention to counterpressing, and positional fluidity suited Dalot’s skill set perfectly. He played in a more advanced role, which helped contribute to United’s attacking play with his intelligent overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses.
Now under Erik ten Hag, Dalot has become a key figure in the Dutchman’s rebuilding project. He’s often deployed as a wing-back in Ten Hag’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, where Dalot’s attacking instincts come into full play. He has formed a potent partnership with Antony on the right, and they’ve created numerous goalscoring opportunities with his precise crossing and overlapping runs.
At just 24 years old, Diogo Dalot’s Manchester United career is still in its early chapters. His dedication and ever-improving skills make him a valuable asset for the Red Devils. With the 2023–24 season already witnessing his impressive contributions, Dalot’s hunger to establish himself as a regular on Ten Hag’s team is evident. His journey from a promising prospect to a key figure at Old Trafford is evidence of his hard work and talent. With his eyes set on trophies and international recognition, Diogo Dalot’s Manchester United adventure is far from over.
Dalot has also chipped in with some crucial goals and assists throughout his career. Let’s take a look at his goal contribution records for Manchester United and Portugal:
- Manchester United:
- Appearances: 179
- Goals: 6 (2 in Premier League, 1 in Champions League, 1 in FA Cup, 2 in Carabao Cup)
- Assists: 12
Dalot’s scoring record at Manchester United might not be eye-catching, but his contributions have often come at crucial moments. His first Premier League goal, a stunning long-range strike against Nottingham Forest, was a memorable highlight. He has also shown his versatility by scoring with both his right and left feet.
While assists are more common for attacking full-backs, Dalot’s tally of 12 for Manchester United is respectable. His pinpoint crosses and dangerous set-pieces have created numerous chances for his teammates.
National Team
- Dalot’s international career began brightly; he earned his first senior cap for Portugal in 2018.
- He played in the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, where Portugal defeated the Netherlands 1:0.
- Despite facing competition from established names like João Cancelo and Nélson Semedo, Dalot remains a crucial part of the Portugal national team’s plans. His recent performances, particularly in the 2023 Nations League, have solidified his standing as a reliable option for Portugal’s right flank.
Dalot has made a more immediate impact on the scoresheet for Portugal. His two goals both came in crucial qualifiers for the 2024 European Championship, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. He has also provided two assists, demonstrating his growing confidence in attacking situations.
Dalot is still only 24 years old and has plenty of time to improve his goal-contribution record. With his attacking instincts and defensive solidity, he has the potential to become a truly complete full-back for both Manchester United and Portugal.
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Here are some additional facts about Dalot’s goal contributions:
- He has scored more goals with his right foot (5) than his left foot (1).
- His most prolific season in terms of goals was 2022–23, where he scored three goals for Manchester United.
- He was part of the Portugal U21 team that finished as runners-up in the 2021 European Under-21 Championship.
- He has scored two goals for Portugal, both in friendly matches.
- He is very energetic at attacking runs and dangerous crosses from the right flank.
- He is seen as a potential successor to João Cancelo as Portugal’s long-term right-back.
Family and Net Worth
Dalot’s net worth is estimated to be around £10 million. His salary at Manchester United is reported to be around £60,000 per week, and his brand endorsements further contribute to his wealth.
FAQs: Diogo Dalot Biography
- What is Diogo Dalot’s playing position? Dalot is a right-back but can also play as a left-back or wing-back.
- What are Dalot’s strengths? Dalot is known for his pace, attacking instincts, crossing ability, and dribbling skills. He is also a good defender and reader of the game.
- Who are Dalot’s role models? Dalot has cited Dani Alves and João Cancelo as his role models.
- What are Dalot’s career goals? Dalot aspires to win trophies with Manchester United and Portugal and establish himself as one of the best full-backs in the world.