Hélder Costa (foto: Twitter)
Former Wolves and Leeds winger Hélder Costa has signed for Petro de Luanda, returning to Angolan football with ambitions of winning the CAF Champions League.
Angolan international Hélder Costa has completed a high-profile return to domestic football after signing for Petro de Luanda ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The former Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Monaco winger joins the Angolan champions in one of the biggest transfers in recent years for the local league.
Ambition to conquer Africa
Costa arrives with clear objectives. According to reports from Angola, the experienced winger wants to help Petro de Luanda challenge not only for domestic honours but also for the CAF Champions League.
The 32-year-old has signed a contract valid for two seasons and is expected to become one of the highest-profile players in the squad.
Financial details surrounding the move have attracted major attention. Reports indicate Costa will earn approximately $1.2 million across the duration of the deal — around $600,000 per season and roughly $50,000 per month.
Return after long international career
Costa had been without a club for several months before agreeing to the move back to Angola.
His career has included spells in some of Europe’s most competitive leagues, particularly during his time in England, where he featured prominently for Wolves and Leeds in both the Premier League and Championship.
Petro de Luanda believe that international experience can now play a crucial role in raising the level of the squad as the club prepares for another demanding season.
Petro preparing major rebuild
The signing forms part of a wider restructuring project at the club.
Sources close to Petro say the leadership is planning additional major signings in an effort to strengthen the team for both the Girabola and continental competitions.
Inside the club, Costa’s arrival is viewed as a strategic move designed to add creativity, leadership and attacking quality.
His return has also generated excitement among supporters and within Angolan football circles, where many see the transfer as a statement of intent from Petro to elevate the profile and competitiveness of the domestic league.
Further details about Costa’s decision are expected to emerge next week, when he is scheduled to appear on a podcast hosted by journalist Zenilda Bonito, where he is expected to discuss the reasons behind his return to Angolan football.