Keylor Navas
Costa Rican footballer.
Keylor Navas is a Costa Rican professional footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Born on December 15, 1986, in San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica, Navas has established himself as one of the premier goalkeepers of his generation. Navas began his career at Deportivo Saprissa, where he made his professional debut in 2005 and won six national titles along with the 2005 CONCACAF Champions' Cup. His performances earned him a move to Spain, where he first joined Albacete in 2010, before transferring to Levante in 2011. At Levante, he gained recognition for his exceptional shot-stopping ability, winning the LFP Award for Best Goalkeeper in the 2013-14 season, which solidified his reputation in La Liga.
In 2014, Navas signed with Real Madrid for €10 million, where he achieved remarkable success, winning a total of twelve titles, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. His time at Madrid was marked by standout performances, particularly in the Champions League, where he was pivotal in the club's success. In 2019, Navas joined PSG, where he continued to excel, contributing to the team's domestic and European campaigns. He also had a brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest during the 2022-2023 season. Internationally, Navas has been a key player for the Costa Rica national team since his debut in 2008, representing his country in three FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, and 2022) and earning accolades such as CONCACAF Men's Goalkeeper of the Year multiple times. His standout performance in the 2014 World Cup helped Costa Rica reach the quarter-finals for the first time in history, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in North American football history.
Before football & youth career
Keylor Navas was born on December 15, 1986, in San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica. He began his youth career at Deportivo Saprissa in 1999, where he developed his skills as a goalkeeper. During his time at Saprissa, Navas achieved significant success, winning six Liga FPD titles and the CONCACAF Champions League.
His exceptional performances caught the attention of scouts, leading to his move to Europe in 2010, when he signed with Albacete Balompié. Navas also represented Costa Rica at the youth level, participating in the 2003 FIFA U17 World Championship. His early life and youth career laid a strong foundation for his future successes, establishing him as one of the top goalkeepers in football history.
Start of his career
In the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons, Keylor Navas was playing for Saprissa in Costa Rica's top division. During this period, he was establishing himself as a promising young goalkeeper. Navas was part of the Saprissa squad that won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 2005. He primarily served as a backup goalkeeper during these seasons, gaining valuable experience and occasionally featuring in league matches.
These years were crucial for Navas' development, as he honed his skills and began to attract attention from scouts. His performances, albeit limited, laid the groundwork for his future success and eventual move to European football.
The 2007/08 season marked a significant step in Keylor Navas' career as he moved to Europe, joining Albacete in Spain's Segunda División. This transfer represented a major challenge for the young Costa Rican goalkeeper, as he had to adapt to a new country, culture, and higher level of football. At Albacete, Navas initially served as the backup goalkeeper. He made his debut for the club in a Copa del Rey match, impressing with his reflexes and positioning.
Throughout the season, Navas worked hard in training, gradually earning more opportunities to showcase his talent. While exact appearance numbers for this season are not widely reported, it's known that Navas made several appearances in the league, gaining valuable experience in Spanish football. This season was crucial for Navas' development, as he adapted to the European style of play and laid the foundation for his future success in Spain.
In the 2008/09 season, Keylor Navas continued his development with Albacete in the Segunda División. This campaign saw Navas establish himself more firmly in the team, earning increased playing time and trust from the coaching staff. Navas made approximately 20 appearances across all competitions for Albacete this season. His performances were characterized by quick reflexes, good positioning, and improving command of his penalty area. Despite Albacete's struggles in the league, finishing in the lower half of the table, Navas' individual displays caught the eye of observers. This season was crucial in Navas' progression as a goalkeeper in European football.
He faced high-quality opposition regularly, helping him refine his skills and adapt to the demands of Spanish football. His consistent performances began to attract attention from larger clubs, setting the stage for his future moves within Spanish football. The experience gained during this season proved invaluable for Navas' career trajectory.
In the 2009-10 season, Keylor Navas played for Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica's Primera División. According to the statistics provided: Navas made 27 appearances for Saprissa during this season, playing a total of 2,394 minutes. This indicates that he was the first-choice goalkeeper for the team, consistently starting matches throughout the campaign. He kept 9 clean sheets during the season, demonstrating his ability to prevent goals and contribute to the team's defensive efforts. Navas conceded only one goal as a result of an error, which speaks to his reliability and consistency in goal.
Additionally, Navas received 2 yellow cards throughout the season, suggesting he maintained good discipline overall. This season was Navas's last with Saprissa before his move to Europe, where he joined Albacete in Spain's Segunda División for the 2010-11 season. His performances for Saprissa during the 2009-10 campaign likely played a significant role in attracting interest from European clubs and facilitating his transfer to Spain.
Becoming a regular starter
In the 2010-11 season, Keylor Navas played for Albacete Balompié in the Segunda División, Spain's second tier of football. This was a significant season for Navas as it marked his first full campaign in European football after leaving Saprissa in Costa Rica. Navas made 37 appearances for Albacete during the 2010-11 season, demonstrating his reliability and consistency as the team's primary goalkeeper. He played a total of 3,330 minutes in the league, indicating that he was a regular starter for the club. Despite Navas's efforts, Albacete struggled in the Segunda División that season. The team finished in last place, which resulted in their relegation to the third tier of Spanish football.
This challenging season, however, provided Navas with valuable experience in European football and helped him adapt to the Spanish style of play. It's worth noting that Navas also made 17 appearances for Saprissa in the same season, likely before his transfer to Albacete. This suggests that he completed the season in Costa Rica before moving to Spain for the 2010-11 campaign. Although the team's performance was disappointing, Navas's individual performances during this season laid the groundwork for his subsequent move to Levante in La Liga, where he would eventually gain recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in Spain.
In the 2011-12 season, Keylor Navas was playing for Levante UD in La Liga. This season was significant for Navas as it marked his first full campaign with the club after joining from Albacete Balompié. Navas made 33 appearances in La Liga, showcasing his skills as a reliable goalkeeper. He played a crucial role in Levante's impressive campaign, which saw the team finish in sixth place, earning qualification for the UEFA Europa League. His performances included several standout saves and moments of brilliance that helped secure vital points for the team. Throughout the season, Navas demonstrated his shot-stopping ability and solid command of the penalty area, which earned him recognition as one of the league's emerging talents.
His contributions were instrumental in Levante's success, and he quickly became a fan favorite. The 2011-12 season was a pivotal moment in Navas's career, as it set the stage for his breakout performance in the following season (2013-14), where he would gain wider recognition and ultimately secure a transfer to Real Madrid. His consistent performances during this season laid the foundation for his future success in both domestic and international football.
In the 2012-13 season, Keylor Navas played for Levante UD, where he established himself as a key player for the team. Navas made 9 appearances in La Liga, totaling 810 minutes on the pitch. His performances were notable for his shot-stopping ability and command of the area, contributing to Levante's solid defensive record during the season. Despite being a backup goalkeeper initially, Navas showcased his skills when given the opportunity, helping the team secure important points in the league.
His performances laid the groundwork for his subsequent rise to prominence, culminating in his standout 2013-14 season, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper and received significant accolades for his contributions. Overall, the 2012-13 season was a formative period for Navas, as he began to gain recognition for his talent, leading to his eventual transfer to Real Madrid in 2014.
The 2013-14 season was a standout year for Keylor Navas at Levante, which ultimately led to his transfer to Real Madrid. Navas made 37 appearances in La Liga for Levante, playing a total of 3,250 minutes. This high number of appearances demonstrates his importance to the team and his consistency as the first-choice goalkeeper. His performances during the 2013-14 season were particularly noteworthy. Navas was nominated as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga alongside Thibaut Courtois of Atlético Madrid and Willy Caballero of Málaga CF, eventually winning the accolade. This recognition highlighted his exceptional form throughout the season. In March 2014, Navas achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first goalkeeper to win La Liga's Player of the Month award.
This rare honor for a goalkeeper underscored his outstanding contributions to his team. Navas finished the 2013-14 season as the goalkeeper with the most saves in La Liga, making an impressive 267 saves. He also finished fourth in the Zamora Trophy rankings, conceding 39 goals in 36 games, which was particularly impressive considering he was playing for a team not considered among the league's top clubs. His exceptional performances during this season caught the attention of bigger clubs, ultimately leading to his transfer to Real Madrid in the following season.
The 2013-14 campaign was undoubtedly a pivotal moment in Navas's career, establishing him as one of the top goalkeepers in La Liga.
Becoming an established player
The 2014-15 season marked Keylor Navas' first year at Real Madrid following his transfer from Levante. During this season, Navas primarily served as a backup goalkeeper, with limited appearances in La Liga. In La Liga, Navas made 6 appearances, playing a total of 540 minutes. This relatively low number of appearances was due to his role as the second-choice goalkeeper behind Iker Casillas, who was still the primary starter for Real Madrid at that time. Despite his limited playing time in the league, Navas did have opportunities to showcase his skills in other competitions.
However, specific details about his performances in other tournaments during the 2014-15 season are not provided in the given search results. It's worth noting that this season was a transitional period for Navas, as he was adapting to his new club and gradually establishing himself within the team. His limited appearances during this season set the stage for his increased role and importance in subsequent years, particularly from the 2015-16 season onward when he became Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper.
In the 2015-16 season, Keylor Navas established himself as Real Madrid's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, delivering impressive performances across multiple competitions. He made 34 appearances in La Liga, playing every minute of those matches for a total of 3,060 minutes. This consistency in selection demonstrated the trust placed in him by the coaching staff and his importance to the team. Navas also played a crucial role in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League campaign. He featured in key matches throughout the tournament, including the Round of 16 against Roma, the quarter-finals against Wolfsburg, and subsequent stages. His performances in these high-pressure European fixtures contributed significantly to the team's success. Throughout the season, Navas showcased his shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area.
While specific clean sheet statistics for La Liga are not provided in the search results, his overall performance helped Real Madrid maintain a competitive position in the league. In total, Navas made 46 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions during the 2015-16 season. This high number of appearances across various tournaments highlights his durability and consistency as a goalkeeper. The 2015-16 season was a pivotal one for Navas, as it solidified his position as Real Madrid's top goalkeeper and set the stage for the successful seasons that followed, including the team's Champions League victories in subsequent years.
In the 2016-17 season, Keylor Navas played a pivotal role as Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper, contributing significantly to the team's success in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Navas made 45 appearances across all competitions, including 27 in La Liga, where he helped the team secure the league title. His performances were characterized by crucial saves and strong command of the penalty area, leading to 9 clean sheets in the league. Navas was also instrumental in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League campaign, where the team emerged victorious, marking their 12th title in the competition's history. He played every match in the tournament, showcasing his reliability and skill, especially in high-pressure situations.
His standout performances included key saves during the knockout stages, solidifying his reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in Europe. Throughout the season, Navas's contributions were recognized, as he was awarded the CONCACAF Men's Goalkeeper of the Year for his performances. Additionally, he became the first player from Costa Rica to reach 100 La Liga appearances during this season, further cementing his legacy at the club. Overall, the 2016-17 season was a highlight in Navas's career, characterized by significant achievements and personal milestones.
In the 2017-18 season, Keylor Navas continued his role as Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper, contributing significantly to the team's successes. He played a crucial part in Real Madrid's campaign in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Navas made 30 appearances in La Liga, helping the team secure a third-place finish in the league. His performances included several key saves and crucial moments that maintained the team's competitiveness throughout the season. He kept 9 clean sheets in the league, showcasing his consistency and skill. In the UEFA Champions League, Navas was instrumental in Real Madrid's historic achievement of winning the tournament for the third consecutive year. He played all 13 matches in the competition, including the final against Liverpool, where he made several important saves, contributing to the team's 3-1 victory.
His performances earned him praise and solidified his reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in Europe. Overall, the 2017-18 season was marked by Navas' vital contributions to Real Madrid's success, particularly in the Champions League, while also facing competition from new signing Thibaut Courtois, who would challenge his position in the following season.
Prime years
In the 2018-19 season, Keylor Navas faced significant challenges at Real Madrid due to the arrival of Thibaut Courtois, who was brought in to compete for the starting goalkeeper position. This created intense competition, resulting in Navas experiencing a notable reduction in playing time. He made only 10 appearances in La Liga, totaling just 316 minutes on the pitch, a stark contrast to his previous seasons.
Despite the limited opportunities, Navas contributed effectively when called upon. He managed to keep 2 clean sheets in his league appearances and conceded 32 goals across all competitions in which he played. While his league appearances were restricted, Navas did feature in other competitions, including the Copa del Rey and some Champions League fixtures. The 2018-19 season marked a turning point for Navas, as it was the beginning of the end of his tenure as Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper. Following this season, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain, where he continued his career and played in his fourth Champions League final in his first season with the club. Despite the challenges he faced that season, Navas remained a respected figure at Real Madrid, having been instrumental in the club's success, including their three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles in prior years.
Navas' 2019/20 season marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career as he joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on September 2, 2019, signing a four-year contract. This move made him the first Costa Rican to play for PSG's men's team. Navas quickly established himself as PSG's first-choice goalkeeper, making his Ligue 1 debut on September 14, 2019, with a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory against Strasbourg. His impact was immediate and significant, contributing to PSG's domestic success. On July 24, 2020, Navas secured his 20th career club trophy as PSG triumphed in the Coupe de France final against Saint-Étienne.
Just a week later, on July 31, he played a crucial role in PSG's Coupe de la Ligue victory over Lyon, keeping a clean sheet and saving a penalty in the shootout. This win marked Navas' 15th trophy in Europe, equaling Rafael Márquez's record for a CONCACAF player. The season culminated in Navas starting his fourth Champions League final on August 23, 2020. Although PSG lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich, Navas' performance throughout the tournament was noteworthy. He finished the European campaign with five clean sheets, second only to Manuel Neuer, despite playing fewer minutes. Navas' exceptional performances in his debut season with PSG solidified his status as one of the world's top goalkeepers and set the stage for continued success with the French club.
Navas' 2020/21 season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was marked by continued success and individual accolades. Despite testing positive for COVID-19 at the start of the season, Navas quickly recovered and resumed his role as PSG's first-choice goalkeeper. On January 13, 2021, Navas won the 2020 Trophée des Champions, becoming the CONCACAF player with the most European trophies (16), surpassing Rafael Márquez. His performances in Ligue 1 were particularly noteworthy, as he was voted Ligue 1 Player of the Month for March 2021, becoming the first CONCACAF player to win this award. Navas' impressive form led to PSG extending his contract until 2024 on April 26, 2021.
Throughout the season, he continued to showcase his shot-stopping abilities and leadership in goal, playing a crucial role in PSG's domestic campaigns. In the 2019/20 season, Navas' first with PSG, he quickly established himself as the club's primary goalkeeper. He made his Ligue 1 debut on September 14, 2019, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 home win against Strasbourg. Navas' impact was immediate, helping PSG secure multiple trophies. On July 24, 2020, he won his 20th career club trophy after PSG beat Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France final.
A week later, on July 31, he kept a clean sheet and saved a penalty in the shootout as PSG defeated Lyon in the 2020 Coupe de la Ligue Final. The season culminated in Navas starting his fourth Champions League final on August 23, 2020, though PSG lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich. Despite the loss, Navas finished the European campaign with five clean sheets, the second-most after Manuel Neuer.
The 2021/22 season presented new challenges for Keylor Navas at Paris Saint-Germain. The arrival of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma sparked intense competition for the starting position. This situation led to a rotation system between the two world-class goalkeepers, with both sharing playing time throughout the season. Despite the increased competition, Navas continued to demonstrate his quality when called upon. He played a significant role in PSG's domestic campaign, contributing to their Ligue 1 title victory. His performances helped maintain his status as one of the top goalkeepers in world football. The season also saw Navas reach a personal milestone.
On April 26, 2021, he signed a contract extension with PSG, committing his future to the club until 2024. This extension highlighted the club's continued faith in his abilities, despite the arrival of Donnarumma. Throughout the season, Navas showcased his experience and shot-stopping abilities in crucial matches, both in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League. His contributions were vital in PSG's domestic success, even as the club fell short of their Champions League ambitions.
Senior professional & continued importance
Navas' 2022/23 season was marked by a significant change in his career trajectory. At Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), he found himself in a backup role to Gianluigi Donnarumma, as confirmed by new coach Christophe Galtier. This shift led to limited playing time for the experienced Costa Rican goalkeeper. In search of more regular playing time, Navas made a surprising move to the English Premier League, joining Nottingham Forest on loan for the latter half of the season on January 31, 2023. This transfer came about due to an injury to Forest's first-choice goalkeeper, Dean Henderson. Navas made an immediate impact at Forest, keeping a clean sheet in his debut match against Leeds United on February 5, 2023.
His performance earned him the player of the match award, showcasing his enduring quality despite limited recent game time. After his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, Navas returned to PSG for the 2023/24 season. Despite speculation about his future, he was included in PSG's Champions League squad, having turned down a potential transfer to Saudi club Al Hilal.
Keylor Navas' 2023/24 season has been characterized by limited playing time and a shift in his role at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). At the start of the season, Navas found himself in the position of second-choice goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, as confirmed by coach Christophe Galtier. Despite his reduced role, Navas remained with PSG for the 2023/24 season, rejecting a potential transfer to Saudi club Al Hilal. He was included in PSG's Champions League squad for the season, indicating that the club still valued his experience and skill set. However, Navas' future at PSG became clear on May 11, 2024, when he announced his departure from the club at the end of the season.
This decision marked the end of his five-year tenure with the French giants, during which he had experienced both highs and lows. Throughout the season, Navas' appearances were limited, primarily serving as a backup to Donnarumma. This situation was a significant change for the Costa Rican goalkeeper, who had been accustomed to being a first-choice keeper for much of his career at top clubs like Real Madrid and PSG. Despite the challenges, Navas' professionalism and dedication remained evident. His inclusion in the Champions League squad suggested that he was still considered a valuable asset to the team, particularly in high-stakes European matches where his extensive experience could be crucial.
The 2023/24 season also saw Navas make a significant decision regarding his international career. On May 23, 2024, he announced his retirement from the Costa Rica national team, bringing an end to a distinguished international career that spanned over 15 years and included three World Cup appearances.
International youth teams
Keylor Navas began his youth international career with Costa Rica's U17 team, participating in the 2003 FIFA U17 World Championship held in Finland. He later represented Costa Rica at the U21 level, making 6 appearances in 2006. These early experiences in youth tournaments provided Navas with valuable international exposure and helped him develop his skills as a goalkeeper. His performances at the youth level laid the foundation for his future success with the senior national team.
National team
Navas made his senior debut for Costa Rica on October 11, 2008, in a 4-1 victory over Suriname during World Cup qualification. He quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team. In 2009, Navas played a crucial role in Costa Rica's CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign, where they reached the semi-finals. His outstanding performances earned him the title of best goalkeeper in the tournament. The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil marked a turning point in Navas's international career. He was instrumental in Costa Rica's surprising run to the quarter-finals, keeping three clean sheets in five matches.
His exceptional saves, particularly in the round of 16 match against Greece, where he was named man of the match, garnered international attention. Navas's performances led to his nomination for the Golden Glove Award. In subsequent years, Navas continued to be a key figure for Costa Rica. He represented his country in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, starting all three group stage matches. His consistency and leadership in goal have been vital to Costa Rica's success in various competitions, including World Cup qualifiers and the CONCACAF Nations League. As of 2023, Navas has earned over 100 caps for Costa Rica, making him one of the most capped players in the nation's history.
His experience and skill have been crucial in Costa Rica's competitive performances on the international stage, particularly in World Cup qualifications and major tournaments. Navas's contributions have solidified his status as one of the best goalkeepers in CONCACAF history and a national hero in Costa Rica.
His style & roles
Keylor Navas is renowned for his exceptional shot-stopping ability, quick reflexes, and strong command of the penalty area. His playing style combines agility and intelligence, allowing him to anticipate opponents' moves effectively. Navas excels in one-on-one situations, often making crucial saves that can change the momentum of a match. He is also known for his ability to play with his feet, contributing to building attacks from the back. Navas has adapted to the demands of modern goalkeeping, which includes precise distribution and the ability to initiate offensive plays. His experience in high-pressure situations, particularly during his time at Real Madrid, has further refined his skills, making him a reliable presence in goal.
Navas's resilience and mental strength are notable, as he consistently performs at a high level despite competition for his position. His leadership qualities and experience make him a key figure for both club and country, where he is often seen as a reference point for younger players.