Keylor Navas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Keylor Navas

Navas celebrating after winning the 2018 UEFA Champions League final with Real Madrid
Personal information
Full name	Keilor Antonio Navas Gamboa
Date of birth	(1986-12-15) 15 December 1986 (age 38)
Place of birth	Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s)	Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team	Newell's Old Boys
Number	1
Youth career
1999–2005	Saprissa
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2005–2010	Saprissa	73	(0)
2010–2012	Albacete	36	(0)
2011–2012	→ Levante (loan)	1	(0)
2012–2014	Levante	46	(0)
2014–2019	Real Madrid	104	(0)
2019–2024	Paris Saint-Germain	75	(0)
2023	→ Nottingham Forest (loan)	17	(0)
2025–	Newell's Old Boys	0	(0)
International career‡
2003	Costa Rica U17	3	(0)
2006	Costa Rica U21	6	(0)
2008–2024	Costa Rica	114	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:39, 30 June 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 04:56, 28 March 2024 (UTC)

Keylor Navas is a famous Costa Rican footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for Argentine Primera División club Newell's Old Boys. Many people think he is one of the best goalkeepers of his time.

Keylor Navas started playing football in his home country. He joined Saprissa as a young player. There, he helped his team win six national championships. Later, he moved to Spain. He played for Albacete and then Levante. At Levante, he was named the best goalkeeper in the league.

In 2014, Navas joined Real Madrid, a very famous club. He won many titles with them, including three UEFA Champions League titles in a row! This is a huge achievement in football. In 2019, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in France. He even played in another Champions League final with them.

Navas has also played over 110 games for the Costa Rica national team. He played in three FIFA World Cup tournaments (2014, 2018, and 2022). In 2014, he helped Costa Rica reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time ever! He has won many awards, like being named the best goalkeeper in North and Central America (CONCACAF) several times.

Club Career

Keylor Navas started his professional journey in Costa Rica. He then moved to Spain and France, playing for top clubs.

Playing for Saprissa

Keylor Navas was born in San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica. He started playing for Deportivo Saprissa in 2005. He quickly became the main goalkeeper for the team.

During his time at Saprissa, he helped them win six national championships. He also won the 2005 CONCACAF Champions' Cup. In 2005, he was part of the Saprissa team that finished third in the 2005 FIFA Club World Championship.

Moving to Albacete

In 2010, Navas moved to Spain. He signed with Albacete Balompié, a team in the Segunda División. He played in 36 games during his first season. However, his team finished last and was moved to a lower league.

Time at Levante

Navas playing for Levante in 2013

In 2011, Navas joined Levante UD on loan. This meant he got to play in La Liga, Spain's top football league. He played his first game in La Liga in May 2012. His team won 3–0, which helped them qualify for the UEFA Europa League for the first time.

In July 2012, Navas signed a three-year contract with Levante. He became their main goalkeeper in the 2013–14 season. He was even named the league's best goalkeeper that season. In March 2014, he became the first goalkeeper to win the "La Liga Player of the Month" award. He made the most saves in La Liga that season.

Success with Real Madrid

Navas giving directions to Real Madrid's defence.

On August 3, 2014, Real Madrid bought Navas for €10 million. He signed a six-year contract with the famous club. He made his first appearance for Real Madrid in September 2014.

First Season (2014–15)

Navas played his first Champions League game for Real Madrid in November 2014. He kept a clean sheet, meaning the other team didn't score. In December, his team won the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup. Navas was named "Player of the Year" at the 2014 CONCACAF Awards. He was the first Costa Rican and first goalkeeper to win this award.

Winning the Champions League (2015–16)

When Iker Casillas, another famous goalkeeper, left Real Madrid, Navas took over his number 1 shirt. He became the main goalkeeper. He helped Real Madrid win the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League. This made him the first Costa Rican to play in and win a Champions League final.

Navas set a new record for Real Madrid in the Champions League. He did not let in a single goal in his first eight games. He was also named the best goalkeeper in the 2015–16 Champions League season. He only let in three goals in 12 games.

More Trophies (2016–17)

Navas continued as the starting goalkeeper. He helped Real Madrid win the 2016–17 La Liga title. They also won the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League again. In January 2017, Navas played his 100th La Liga game. He was the first Costa Rican to reach this milestone. He won the "Player of the Year" award at the 2017 CONCACAF Awards for the second time.

Third Champions League Title (2017–18)

Navas played his 100th game for Real Madrid in August 2017. During the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League, he played in eleven games. Real Madrid won their third Champions League title in a row. They beat Liverpool 3–1 in the final. This win was Navas's 100th victory for Real Madrid. He made many important saves, especially against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.

Final Season (2018–19)

In his fifth season, Navas had competition from another goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. Navas started the 2018 UEFA Super Cup and the first game of 2018–19 La Liga. He was voted the "2017–18 UEFA Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season". In January 2019, Navas played his 150th game for Real Madrid. In April 2019, he became the first non-Spanish goalkeeper to play 100 La Liga games for Real Madrid.

Joining Paris Saint-Germain

Navas joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France on September 2, 2019. He signed a four-year contract. He was the first Costa Rican to play for the men's team. He played his first game for PSG 12 days later, keeping a clean sheet.

In July 2020, Navas won his 20th club trophy. PSG beat Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France final. A few days later, he helped PSG win the 2020 Coupe de la Ligue Final by saving a penalty in a shootout. This win was his 15th trophy in Europe.

On August 23, 2020, Navas played in his fourth Champions League final. PSG lost to Bayern Munich 1–0. He finished the European season with five clean sheets.

Navas started his second season with PSG after recovering from COVID-19. He played his first game of the season in September 2020, keeping a clean sheet. He was nominated for the "2019–20 Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season" award. In January 2021, Navas won the 2020 Trophée des Champions. This made him the CONCACAF player with the most European trophies (16). In April 2021, he was named "Ligue 1 Player of the Month" for March. Navas signed a new contract with PSG until 2024.

For the 2021–22 season, PSG signed another top goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. This meant Navas had to compete for his spot. In the 2022–23 season, the new coach said Navas would be the second-choice goalkeeper.

Loan to Nottingham Forest and Return to PSG

In January 2023, Navas joined Premier League club Nottingham Forest on loan. He played for them until the end of the season. He made his debut on February 5, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 win. He was named player of the match.

After his loan, Navas returned to PSG. He was part of their Champions League team for the 2023–24 season. On May 11, 2024, he announced he would leave PSG at the end of the season.

Joining Newell's Old Boys

On January 21, 2025, Navas joined Newell's Old Boys in Argentina. He moved there for free.

International Career

Keylor Navas has played many games for his country, Costa Rica.

Youth and Early Senior Career

Navas played for the Costa Rica national team in the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship. He was first called up for the senior national team in August 2006. He helped Costa Rica win a bronze medal at the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games.

He made his senior debut on October 11, 2008. Costa Rica won 4–1 against Suriname. Four days later, he kept his first international clean sheet. Costa Rica reached the play-offs for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but lost to Uruguay. Navas was also part of the Costa Rica team that finished second in the 2009 UNCAF Nations Cup.

Navas played in two CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments. He was named the best goalkeeper in the 2009 edition. He helped his country reach the semi-finals. Two years later, he helped them reach the quarter-finals.

2014 FIFA World Cup

Navas and Giancarlo González celebrating Costa Rica's victory over Uruguay at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Navas played his first FIFA World Cup game on June 14, 2014. Costa Rica won 3–1 against Uruguay. He played in all three group games. Costa Rica only let in one goal and won their group for the first time.

On June 29, in the game against Greece, Navas was named "man of the match". He made many saves and stopped a penalty kick. This helped Costa Rica reach the quarter-finals for the first time ever. He finished the tournament with three clean sheets in five matches. Costa Rica was knocked out by the Netherlands after a penalty shootout. Navas was named "man of the match" for the third time. He was also nominated for the "Golden Glove Award" for best goalkeeper.

2018 FIFA World Cup

Navas during Costa Rica's World Cup match against Brazil in 2018.

In May 2018, Navas was chosen for the 2018 World Cup squad. He started all three group games. He made ten saves during the tournament.

2022 FIFA World Cup

In November 2022, Navas was again chosen for the 2022 World Cup squad. In Costa Rica's first game, they lost to Spain 7–0. In the second game, Navas kept a clean sheet, and Costa Rica won 1–0 against Japan. Costa Rica lost their third group game to Germany 4–2. The team finished last in their group.

Retirement from National Team

Navas played his last international game on March 26, 2024, against Argentina. On May 23, 2024, Navas announced he was retiring from the national team.

Playing Style

Keylor Navas is known as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Many people think he is the best goalkeeper in the history of CONCACAF (North and Central America). He is known for being very quick and agile. He has fast reflexes and is great at stopping shots. Even though he is not the tallest goalkeeper, his speed helps him make amazing saves.

People also praise him for playing well in important games. He often makes difficult and crucial saves when his team needs them most. In 2017, a former goalkeeper named Manuel Almunia said Navas is a "perfect" goalkeeper. He called him brave, skillful, and very agile.

Personal Life

Keylor Navas grew up in a family that didn't have a lot of money. He is a very religious Christian. He often talks about his faith. Before every game, he kneels and prays. He says his favorite Bible verse is Galatians 1:10.

On December 3, 2014, Navas became a Spanish citizen. He is married to Andrea Salas since 2009. They have three children: Daniela, Mateo, and Thiago. Daniela is Andrea's daughter from a previous relationship.

A movie about Navas's life, called Hombre de Fe (Man of Faith), was released in 2017. His half-brother, Eder Navas, also plays football for Saprissa. In 2022, Navas earned a master's degree in sport management.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honours

Navas (front row, with green uniform) celebrating Real Madrid's victory at the 2018 UEFA Champions League final. He is one of seven goalkeepers to win the title a record three times.

Saprissa

• Primera Division de Costa Rica: 2005–06, 2006–07, Invierno 2007, Verano 2008, Invierno 2008, Verano 2010

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2016–17
• Supercopa de España: 2017
• UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
• UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2017
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018

Paris Saint-Germain

• Ligue 1: 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24
• Coupe de France: 2019–20, 2020–21, 2023–24
• Coupe de la Ligue: 2019–20
• Trophée des Champions: 2020, 2022, 2023

Individual

• CONCACAF Gold Cup Best Goalkeeper: 2009
• CONCACAF Gold Cup All-Tournament Team: 2009
• La Liga Player of the Month: March 2014
• LFP Awards Best Goalkeeper: 2013–14
• UNFP Player of the Month: March 2021
• ESM Team of the Year: 2015–16
• CONCACAF Men's Player of the Year: 2014, 2017
• Trofeo EFE: 2016
• CONCACAF Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: 2016, 2017, 2018
• CONCACAF Best XI: 2016, 2017, 2018
• Facebook FA La Liga Best Goalkeeper: 2016
• UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2017–18
• UEFA Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season: 2017–18
• Ibero-American Community Trophy: 2017
• IFFHS CONCACAF Best Man Player of the Decade: 2011–2020
• IFFHS CONCACAF Team of the Decade: 2011–2020
• UNFP Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year: 2020–21
• UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2020–21

Images for kids

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  Navas playing for Costa Rica at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

See also

In Spanish: Keylor Navas para niños