In short: In 2026, Costa Rica’s best-known athletes are soccer player Manfred Ugalde (Spartak Moscow), surfer Brisa Hennessy (World Surf League), and para-sprinter Sherman Guity, a three-time Paralympic champion. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas, now with Pumas UNAM in Mexico, remains the country’s most famous figure. The men’s national soccer team has not yet qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
Costa Rica has just over five million inhabitants, but several of its athletes compete at the highest international level. Soccer, surfing, and para-athletics are currently representing the country on the international stage. Here are the best-known Costa Rican athletes in 2026, by sport.
Soccer: Ugalde and Martínez Lead the New Generation
Manfred Ugalde is the rising star. Born on May 25, 2002, in Heredia, the center forward has been playing for Spartak Moscow since January 2024 and is under contract through 2028. He finished as the top scorer in the Russian league in 2024–2025 with 17 goals. His market value is estimated at around 12 million euros, and several European clubs have been closely following his career.
Alonso Martínez is making his mark on the other side of the Atlantic. Born on October 15, 1998, in Puntarenas, the forward plays for New York City FC in Major League Soccer. His 2025 season made a lasting impression, with 21 goals across all competitions. He was also Costa Rica’s top scorer during the most recent qualifiers.
Then there’s Keylor Navas, Costa Rica’s most famous athlete to date. Born on December 15, 1986, the 39-year-old goalkeeper won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain. Since July 2025, he has been the starting goalkeeper for Pumas UNAM in Mexico City.
The sporting landscape, however, remains a bitter one for fans. Costa Rica failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In an interview given in early 2026, Keylor Navas expressed the disappointment of an entire country over this absence.
Brisa Hennessy, the surfer aiming for a world title
Brisa Hennessy is the first Costa Rican to qualify for the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, in 2018. Born on September 16, 1999, in Cabo Matapalo, she competed in two Olympic Games—in Tokyo in 2021 and in Paris in 2024—where she finished in fourth place.
She claimed a stage victory on the world tour at Sunset Beach, Hawaii, in 2022. Her best season remains 2024, when she finished fourth in the world rankings. Still competing among the elite in 2026, she has a clear goal: to bring Costa Rica its first world surfing title.
Sherman Guity, Gold in Para-Athletics
Sherman Guity was born on December 3, 1996, in Limón. This para-athletics sprinter competes in the T64 category in the 100- and 200-meter events. In Tokyo in 2021, he earned Costa Rica its very first Paralympic medal, winning gold in the 200-meter race and silver in the 100-meter race.
In Paris in 2024, he achieved the double, becoming the Paralympic champion in both the 100-meter and 200-meter races, setting a record of 10.65 seconds in the 100-meter dash. In July 2026, at the World Grand Prix in Tlaxcala, Mexico, he once again shone in the 100-meter race and now holds three Paralympic titles.
Andrey Amador, a cycling legend
Andrey Amador has made his mark on the history of Costa Rican sports. Born on August 29, 1986, in Alajuela, he was the first cyclist from his country—and from Central America—to wear the pink jersey at the Giro d’Italia in 2016. He also claimed a stage victory at the Giro in 2012 and finished fourth overall in 2015.
After eleven seasons with Movistar, followed by stints with Ineos and EF Education-EasyPost, he retired at the end of 2024 following a serious accident during training. He remains a leading figure in national cycling and a source of inspiration for the next generation.
Costa Rican Athletes in 2026: Summary Table
| Athlete | Sport | Status in 2026 | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manfred Ugalde | Soccer (center forward) | Active, Spartak Moscow (Russia) | Top scorer in the 2024–2025 Russian league (17 goals) |
| Alonso Martínez | Soccer (forward) | Active, New York City FC (MLS) | 21 goals across all competitions during the 2025 season |
| Keylor Navas | Soccer (goalkeeper) | Active, Pumas UNAM (Mexico) | Three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid |
| Brisa Hennessy | Surfing | Active, World Surf League Championship Tour | 4th place at the 2024 Paris Olympics |
| Sherman Guity | Para-athletics (T64 sprint) | Active | Three-time Paralympic champion (Tokyo 2021, Paris 2024) |
| Andrey Amador | Road cycling | Retired since late 2024 | First Costa Rican to wear the pink jersey at the Giro d’Italia (2016) |
Costa Rica: A Sports Paradise for Travelers
These itineraries reflect a country where sports hold a special place. You can even enjoy them firsthand. Costa Rica is renowned for surfing, with waves suitable for all skill levels on both oceans. Thrill-seekers will also find rafting, water sports, and sport fishing.
Hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving, and yoga round out the experience. Our Adventure and Sports tours let you combine these activities with exploring Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Contact us to create your own custom trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous Costa Rican athlete?
Keylor Navas remains the most famous Costa Rican athlete on the international stage. A goalkeeper, he has won three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and currently plays for Pumas UNAM in Mexico.
Will Costa Rica compete in the 2026 World Cup?
No. The Costa Rican men’s national team did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Who is Sherman Guity?
Sherman Guity is a Costa Rican para-athlete who specializes in the 100- and 200-meter dashes in the T64 class. He won his country’s first Paralympic medal in Tokyo in 2021, then went on to win two gold medals at the Paris 2024 Games.
Can you go surfing in Costa Rica while on vacation?
Yes. The country has numerous surf spots along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Lessons and equipment rentals are available at most beach resorts.
About Terra Caribea
Terra Caribea is the local agency specializing in custom travel to Costa Rica and Panama. Based in San José, our team designs itineraries tailored to your interests, including for sports and outdoor enthusiasts.
Sources
- World Surf League, Brisa Hennessy athlete profile: worldsurfleague.com
- International Paralympic Committee, Sherman Guity profile: paralympic.org
- Transfermarkt, player profiles (Ugalde, Martínez, Navas): transfermarkt.fr
- RCS Sport, Giro d’Italia (Andrey Amador’s results): giroditalia.it
Article updated on July 31, 2026.
