Costa Rica’s seasoned goalkeeper, Keylor Navas, has declared his retirement from the national team after an illustrious 16-year tenure, boasting over 100 international appearances, including participation in three FIFA World Cup tournaments.
In a video shared across his official social media channels, the 37-year-old reflected on his career milestones, expressing gratitude for the shared memories and historic moments achieved together with the team.
Navas, widely regarded as the pinnacle of Costa Rican goalkeeping, notably propelled his nation to the quarterfinals in the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. His international journey extended to subsequent tournaments in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.
The veteran goalkeeper, a prominent figure during his tenure with Real Madrid, clinched the UEFA Champions League trophy three consecutive times, in addition to securing one Spanish league title and one Copa del Rey with the club.
Following a five-season stint in Spain, Navas transitioned to Paris Saint-Germain in France, where he showcased his skills for four seasons, further solidifying his legacy.
While initially anticipated to participate in the upcoming Copa América tournament, Navas’ definitive involvement remains uncertain, prompting inquiries to the Costa Rican Soccer Federation for clarification on the matter.
In closing, Navas expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future, acknowledging the end of an era with the national team while carrying forward the pride and spirit of Costa Rica, a sentiment he described as both poignant and challenging to assimilate.
