Keylor Navas Biography: Keilor Antonio “Keylor” Navas Gamboa born December 15, 1986 is a professional footballer from Costa Rica who plays as a goalkeeper for Newell’s Old Boys in the Argentine Primera División, as well as for the Costa Rica national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation—and among the best of all time—Navas has earned international acclaim for his performances.
Keylor Navas Biography
Keylor Navas was born on December 15, 1986, in San Isidro de El General, San José, Costa Rica. In addition to his football career, he has appeared in media projects such as PSG x All: Summer Move (2021), LaLiga (1929), and UEFA Champions League (1992). He has been married to Andrea Salas since December 25, 2009, and the couple has two children. As a goalkeeper, Navas began his professional career with Deportivo Saprissa (2005–2010), before moving on to Albacete Balompié (2010–2011), Levante U.D. (2011–2014), Real Madrid (2014–2019), and Paris Saint-Germain (2019–). In 2024, he joined Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys. Navas has been a member of the Costa Rica national team since 2008.
Keylor Navas Biography 2025 Details
| Full name | Keilor Antonio Navas Gamboa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 15 December 1986 | ||
| Place of birth | Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica | ||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
|
Current team
|
Newell’s Old Boys | ||
| Number | 1 | ||
| Category | Football Biographies | ||
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About Keylor Navas
Keilor Antonio “Keylor” Navas Gamboa is a Costa Rican professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Argentine Primera División club Newell’s Old Boys and the Costa Rica national team. He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time and his generation.
Keylor Navas Achievements
He began his youth career with Saprissa in Costa Rica, where he won six Liga FPD titles. In 2010, he transferred to Spanish side Albacete, and a year later joined Levante in La Liga. During his final season at Levante, he was awarded the LFP Award for Best Goalkeeper. Navas signed with Real Madrid for €10 million. As the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, he helped the team secure twelve major trophies, including one La Liga title and three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
Keylor Navas Wiki
- Born: 15 December 1986 (age 38 years), San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica
- Current teams: Newell’s Old Boys (#1 / Goalkeeper), Costa Rica national football team (#1 / Goalkeeper)
- Dates joined: 2023 (Nottingham Forest F.C.) ·
- Spouse: Andrea Salas (m. 2009)
- Children: Daniela Navas Salas, Thiago Navas, Mateo Navas Salas
- Parents: Freddy Navas, Sandra Gamboa
- Height: 1.85 m
Club Career
Keylor Navas was born in San Isidro de El General and began his professional career with Deportivo Saprissa, making his debut on November 6, 2005, in a Primera División match against Asociación Deportiva Carmelita. He became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper during his final two seasons, helping Saprissa win six national championships and the 2005 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup. navas was also part of the squad that secured third place at the 2005 FIFA Club World Championship.
Navas moved to Spain, signing with Segunda División side Albacete Balompié—exactly 20 years after fellow Costa Rican goalkeeper Luis Conejo joined the same club. Navas appeared in 36 of the team’s 42 matches during his debut season, although Albacete was relegated after finishing in last place. For the 2011–12 season, Navas stepped up to La Liga, joining Levante UD on a one-year loan. He made his league debut on May 13, 2012, in a 3–0 win over Athletic Bilbao, a result that secured Levante’s first-ever qualification for the UEFA Europa League. He then signed a permanent three-year contract with the club in July 2012.
Quick Profile
- Full Name: Keilor Antonio “Keylor” Navas Gamboa
- Date of Birth: December 15, 1986
- Place of Birth: San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica
- Nationality: Costa Rican
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Current Status: Free Agent
- Children: Daniela Navas Salas, Mateo Navas Salas
- Estimated Net Worth: $13 million
Family Background
Keylor Navas was born to Freddy Navas and Sandra Gamboa in the culturally rich region of San Isidro de El General. Raised in a humble household, his early passion for football was nurtured by his family—especially his grandfather, who played a significant role in encouraging his ambitions. A devout Christian upbringing shaped Navas’s values of faith, humility, and perseverance. Despite limited resources and training facilities in his youth, his determination and discipline helped him rise through the ranks.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Navas began his football development at Escuela de Fútbol Pedregoso before joining Deportivo Saprissa’s youth system at the age of 14. Despite early doubts due to his size, he broke into Saprissa’s first team in 2005, going on to win six national league titles and a CONCACAF Champions’ Cup. he made the leap to Europe with a move to Spain’s Albacete Balompié. A year later, he was loaned to La Liga side Levante UD, where his performances stood out. By the 2013–14 season, he had become the starting goalkeeper and was awarded the LFP’s Best Goalkeeper title.
Rise to Global Prominence
In 2014, Navas joined Real Madrid for €10 million, marking a major milestone in his career. As the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, he was instrumental in winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2016–2018), along with numerous other domestic and international honors. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2019, where he continued his success, winning three Ligue 1 titles and reaching another Champions League final. He also had a loan spell with Nottingham Forest during the 2022–23 season, demonstrating his adaptability and elite skill across top leagues.
International Career and Legacy
Navas earned 114 international caps for Costa Rica between 2008 and 2024. He played in three FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022), with his standout performance in Brazil 2014 propelling Costa Rica to a historic quarter-final finish. His consistent excellence earned him multiple CONCACAF Goalkeeper of the Year honors. In May 2024, he officially retired from international duty, bringing an end to a legendary era for Costa Rican football.
Recent Updates and Current Status
After leaving PSG when his contract expired in June 2024, Navas became a free agent. His next move is highly anticipated, with speculation surrounding whether he will continue playing or transition into a different role within football.
Personal Life
Keylor Navas married Andrea Salas, a former model, in 2009. Together, they have two children: Daniela and Mateo. The couple leads a relatively private life, with occasional glimpses shared on social media. Navas is known for his strong family values and spiritual devotion, both of which are central to his life.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Keylor Navas is known for his pre-game superstitions—most notably, stepping onto the field with his right foot first and consistently wearing the same pair of gloves for every match.
- Outside of football, he enjoys playing music and is an accomplished drummer.
- Deeply spiritual, Navas often attributes his success to his Christian faith. He is frequently seen praying before matches and is recognized for his humility and devout character.
- He holds the distinction of being the first Costa Rican goalkeeper to play in La Liga, paving the way for future generations of Costa Rican players to pursue careers in European football.
- Despite his international fame, Navas is well-known for his charitable work and community involvement, regularly participating in social initiatives and giving back to his home country.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Keylor Navas’s legacy reaches well beyond his achievements on the field. A strong advocate for social responsibility, he has been actively involved in charitable projects, from supporting grassroots efforts in Costa Rica to participating in international humanitarian campaigns. He often engages with young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams regardless of their background. Through mentorship programs, donations, and appearances at community events, Navas uses his platform to inspire and uplift others. In Costa Rica, he is considered a national icon—not just for his success in global football, but for the values of perseverance, humility, and faith that he consistently embodies. His journey from modest beginnings to international acclaim continues to motivate young footballers across Latin America.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Now a free agent, Navas has hinted at exploring new opportunities in football. Whether it be one final chapter as a player or transitioning into coaching, mentorship, or sports leadership, his wealth of experience positions him well for post-playing roles. Culturally, Navas is a powerful symbol of Costa Rica’s global potential. His story is widely celebrated through documentaries, literature, and public speaking events. More than just a footballer, he represents the spirit of resilience and ambition, making him a lasting figure in both sports and popular culture.
Keylor Navas Net Worth 2025
Navas’s estimated net worth is approximately $13 million, accumulated through professional contracts, endorsements, and personal investments. During his peak at PSG, he earned a reported £198,000 per week. Despite his earnings, Navas maintains a low-profile and faith-centered lifestyle, prioritizing family and community over lavish displays of wealth.
FAQs
What team is Navas on in 2025?
Keylor Navas, the 38-year-old goalkeeper, is set to rejoin the Costa Rican national team for the 2025 Gold Cup, marking his return after retiring from international duty in May 2024.24 May 2025
How many children does Keylor Navas have?
Keylor Navas has two children with his wife, Andrea Salas — a daughter named Daniela and a son named Mateo.
What religion does Keylor Navas follow?
Keylor Navas is a devout Christian. His faith plays a significant role in his life and career, and he often prays before matches and publicly credits his spiritual beliefs for his success.
What are some of Keylor Navas’s superstitions?
Navas is known for a few game-day rituals, including always stepping onto the field with his right foot first and wearing the same gloves in every match for consistency and luck.
What charitable work is Keylor Navas involved in?
Keylor Navas actively participates in charitable causes, both in Costa Rica and globally. He supports youth sports initiatives, contributes to humanitarian efforts, and frequently takes part in community service events.