Keylor Navas retires from international football

Goalkeeper Keylor Navas announced Thursday his retirement from the Costa Rica national team after playing more than 100 international matches and three World Cups, and thanked his teammates and fans for the support they have given him during his career.

"It's a bittersweet feeling, difficult to assimilate. This stage of my life with the national team has come to an end," the former Real Madrid and PSG goalkeeper said in a video posted on his social networks.

Navas, 37, is retiring from the Costa Rica national team just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the Copa America. "This chapter of my life, full of challenges, defeats and victories, comes to an end. I leave with my heart full of gratitude and with my eyes looking forward, always carrying the name of our beloved Costa Rica, a small country in territory, but big in heart," he said.

The goalkeeper, winner of three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and who announced that he is leaving PSG, said he has fulfilled many dreams he had since he was a child and that he has achieved them "by persevering, fighting with love and grit".

"More than 16 years ago God gave me the opportunity to defend the Costa Rican goal for the first time, a day I will never forget. Since then every moment with the national team has been a dream come true," said Navas. "I feel incredibly lucky and privileged," said the goalkeeper before thanking all his coaches, teammates, family and fans.

Navas said he takes with him "unforgettable joys and memories" and stressed that the national team managed to "raise the name of Costa Rica to the top" against "the best players in the world". 

The goalkeeper, whose next club for next season is still an uncertainty, was among the plans of Costa Rica's Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro for the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and next month's Copa America.

 

May 23, 2024