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 39)
Place of birth	San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s)	Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team	Pumas UNAM
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	14	(0)
2025–	Pumas UNAM	21	(0)
International career‡
2003	Costa Rica U17	3	(0)
2006	Costa Rica U21	6	(0)
2008–	Costa Rica	127	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 03:17, 8 February 2026 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 18 November 2025

Keylor Navas, born on December 15, 1986, is a famous Costa Rican professional football player. He is a talented goalkeeper who plays for Liga MX club Pumas UNAM and is the captain of the Costa Rica national team. Many people consider him one of the best goalkeepers of his time and one of the greatest from the CONCACAF region.

Keylor began his football journey in his home country with Saprissa. There, he helped his team win six national championships. Later, he moved to Spain, playing for Albacete and then Levante. At Levante, he even won an award for being the best goalkeeper in the league! In 2014, he joined the famous club Real Madrid. With Real Madrid, he achieved amazing success, winning twelve titles, including three UEFA Champions League titles in a row. In 2019, he moved to French club Paris Saint-Germain.

Keylor Navas has played over 120 games for Costa Rica since 2008. He has represented his country in three CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments and three FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, and 2022). In the 2009 Gold Cup, he was named the best goalkeeper. His excellent skills also helped Costa Rica reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 2014. Keylor has received many awards, including being named CONCACAF Men's Goalkeeper of the Year three times. He was also recognized as the best male CONCACAF Player of the Decade.

Keylor Navas's Club Journey

Starting with Saprissa

Keylor Navas was born in San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica. He started his professional football career with Deportivo Saprissa on November 6, 2005. He quickly became the main goalkeeper for the team. During his time there, he helped Saprissa win six national championships. He also played a key role when Saprissa finished third in the 2005 FIFA Club World Championship.

Moving to Spain: Albacete

In July 2010, Keylor moved to Spain and joined Albacete Balompié. This team played in the Segunda División, which is Spain's second-highest football league. He played in 36 matches during his first season. Unfortunately, his team was relegated to a lower league that year.

Success with Levante

Navas playing for Levante in 2013

Keylor then joined Levante UD in 2011, first on loan, and then permanently. This move brought him to La Liga, Spain's top football league. He became Levante's main goalkeeper in the 2013–14 season. His amazing saves led him to be named the league's best goalkeeper! In March 2014, he was even chosen as the La Liga Player of the Month, which was a big achievement for a goalkeeper. He made the most saves in La Liga that season.

Joining Real Madrid

Navas giving directions to Real Madrid's defence.

Starting Strong (2014–2015)

On August 3, 2014, Keylor Navas joined the world-famous club Real Madrid. He signed a six-year contract. He made his debut for the club on September 23, helping them win 5–1. Keylor also played his first UEFA Champions League game, where he kept a clean sheet. His team won the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup that year. Because of his great playing, he was named CONCACAF Player of the Year in 2014. He was the first Costa Rican and first goalkeeper to win this award!

Becoming a Champion (2015–2016)

Navas with Real Madrid in 2016

After another goalkeeper left, Keylor Navas became Real Madrid's main goalkeeper. He wore the number 1 shirt. He played a huge part when Real Madrid won the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League. This made him the first Costa Rican to play in and win a Champions League final! He even set a new club record by not letting in a single goal in his first eight Champions League games. He was considered the best goalkeeper in that Champions League season.

Winning More Trophies (2016–2017)

Keylor continued as the starting goalkeeper. He helped Real Madrid win both the 2016–17 La Liga title and another 2016–17 UEFA Champions League title. On January 29, 2017, he became the first Costa Rican to play 100 La Liga matches. His excellent play earned him the CONCACAF Player of the Year award for a second time.

A Third Champions League (2017–2018)

Keylor played his 100th game for Real Madrid during a match against Barcelona. He was the starting goalkeeper when Real Madrid won their third UEFA Champions League title in a row! They beat Liverpool 3–1 in the final. This victory marked his 100th win with Real Madrid. He had an amazing performance in the semi-final against Bayern Munich, making eight crucial saves.

Final Season at Real Madrid (2018–2019)

In his fifth season, Keylor faced competition from a new goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. Even so, Keylor was chosen to play in important matches. He was voted the UEFA Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season for his great work in the previous season. On January 9, 2019, he played his 150th game for Real Madrid. By April 6, 2019, he became the first non-Spanish goalkeeper to play 100 La Liga games for Real Madrid.

Moving to Paris Saint-Germain

Keylor Navas joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France on September 2, 2019. He signed a four-year contract. He made his Ligue 1 debut 12 days later, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 win. On July 24, 2020, Keylor won his 20th club trophy after PSG won the Coupe de France final. He also helped PSG win the Coupe de la Ligue by saving a penalty in a shootout. This win gave him 15 trophies in Europe, matching a record for a CONCACAF player. On August 23, 2020, Keylor played in his fourth UEFA Champions League Final, but PSG lost 1–0.

Continued Success in Paris

Keylor started his second season with PSG after recovering from an illness. He played his first game of the season on September 16, 2020, keeping a clean sheet. He was nominated for the Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season award again. On January 13, 2021, Keylor won the Trophée des Champions. With this win, he became the CONCACAF player with the most European trophies, with 16! In March 2021, he was named Ligue 1 Player of the Month, a first for a CONCACAF player. Keylor signed a new contract with PSG until 2024.

Loan to Nottingham Forest

For the 2022–23 season, Keylor became the second-choice goalkeeper at PSG. On January 31, 2023, he joined Premier League club Nottingham Forest in England on loan. He made a great debut on February 5, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 win and being named player of the match.

Return to PSG and Departure

After his loan, Keylor returned to PSG. He was part of their Champions League squad for the 2023–24 season. On May 11, 2024, he announced that he would be leaving PSG at the end of the season.

Newell's Old Boys

On January 21, 2025, Navas joined Newell's Old Boys in Argentina. He made his debut on February 2, in a 1–0 victory. In June 2025, Navas decided to leave the team due to disagreements with the coaching staff and fans. Newell's announced his departure on July 21, 2025, after six months with the club.

Pumas UNAM

On July 24, 2025, the Liga MX club Universidad Nacional in Mexico officially announced that Keylor Navas had joined their team.

Keylor Navas's International Career

Early Years with Costa Rica

Keylor Navas played for the Costa Rica national team in the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship. He was first called up to the senior national team in August 2006. He earned his first official cap on October 11, 2008, in a 4–1 win against Suriname. This win helped Costa Rica qualify for the next stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He also helped Costa Rica reach the semi-finals of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he was named the best goalkeeper.

Shining at the 2014 World Cup

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

Keylor made his FIFA World Cup debut on June 14, 2014, in a 3–1 win against Uruguay. He played in all three group games, letting in only one goal. Costa Rica surprisingly won their group for the first time ever!

In the next round against Greece, Keylor was named man of the match for his many saves. He also saved a penalty in the shootout, which helped Costa Rica reach the quarter-finals for the first time! The team was eventually knocked out by the Netherlands after another penalty shootout. Keylor was named man of the match for a third time in that tournament. He was also one of three nominees for the Golden Glove Award, given to the best goalkeeper.

World Cup Appearances in 2018 and 2022

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

In May 2018, Keylor was selected for the 2018 FIFA World Cup squad. He played in all three group games for Costa Rica.

In November 2022, Navas was again part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. After a tough first game against Spain, he kept a clean sheet in a surprise 1–0 win against Japan. Costa Rica finished fourth in their group.

Retirement and Return to International Play

Keylor Navas played his last international match on March 26, 2024, in a friendly game. On May 23, 2024, he announced his retirement from the national team. However, in May 2025, he announced his return to international football! He was then included in Costa Rica's squad for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Keylor Navas's Playing Style

Keylor Navas is often seen as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Many even call him the best in CONCACAF history! He is known for being very energetic, agile, and quick in goal. His fast reflexes and amazing ability to stop shots help him make up for not being the tallest goalkeeper. He is also praised for playing very well in important matches, often making difficult and crucial saves for his team.

Keylor Navas's Personal Life

Keylor Navas grew up in a family in San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica. He is a very religious Christian. He has said, "God for me comes first. Before every game, I kneel, open my arms, and pray." On December 3, 2014, Keylor announced that he had also become a Spanish citizen.

Keylor has been married to Andrea Salas since 2009. They have three children together: Daniela, Mateo, and Thiago. Keylor is Daniela's stepfather. A documentary film about Keylor's life, called Hombre de Fe (Man of Faith), was released on December 28, 2017. His half-brother, Eder Navas, is also a footballer. In 2022, Keylor earned a master's degree in sport management.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Navas playing for Costa Rica at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Honours and Awards

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
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2019–20

Costa Rica

• UNCAF Nations Cup runner-up: 2009, 2011

Individual Awards

• UNCAF Nations Cup Best Player: 2009
• 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

See also

In Spanish: Keylor Navas para niños