Veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas has officially announced his retirement from the Costa Rica national team, marking the end of a distinguished 16-year international career. Navas, 37, made the announcement via his official social media channels, reflecting on his journey that spanned over 100 international matches, including participation in three FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Navas, widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in Costa Rican history, notably led his national team to the quarterfinals in the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. He subsequently represented Costa Rica in the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 edition in Qatar.
During his club career, Navas enjoyed significant success with Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he clinched the UEFA Champions League title three times consecutively. His tenure with Real Madrid also yielded one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey triumph.
After his stint in Spain, Navas transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in France, where he spent four seasons showcasing his goalkeeping prowess.
While Navas was initially expected to feature for Costa Rica in the upcoming Copa América tournament, his retirement announcement has raised questions about his participation. Clarification on his plans for the tournament and subsequent retirement from international football is currently sought from the Costa Rican Soccer Federation.
In his retirement statement, Navas expressed heartfelt gratitude to his teammates and fans, emphasizing the pride he felt in representing Costa Rica on the global stage. He acknowledged the bittersweet nature of bidding farewell to his national team career, affirming his commitment to carrying the legacy of Costa Rican football forward.
Keylor Navas concludes his tenure with the Costa Rica national team, leaving behind a legacy marked by resilience, skill, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
