Paris Saint-Germain has announced the transfer of goalkeeper Keylor Antonio Navas Gamboa from Real Madrid. The Costa Rican shotstopper has signed a four year contract with the capital club until 30 June 2023. Navas, who also holds Spanish nationality, is the first Costa Rican in the history of the Paris Saint-Germain men’s team.
The 32-year-old from San Isidro de El General came up through the ranks at Costa Rica’s Deportivo Saprissa, turning professional in 2005. Keylor went on to pick up win 6 National Championships and a CONCACAF Champions Cup (2005) before moving to Spain where he joined Albacete (2010-2011, 36 matches) and then Levante (2011-2014, 70 matches).
At the end of the 2013-2014 season the Costa Rican international (88 caps) was voted the best goalkeeper in La Liga and subsequently signed for Real Madrid.
Keylor made 162 appearances over his five seasons at Madrid, including 104 in La Liga and 39 in the Champions League. His trophy haul at the club was exceptional, with three Champions Leagues (2016, 2017 and 2018), three Club World Cups (2016, 2017 and 2018), two European Super Cups (2014 and 2017), one La Liga title (2017) and one Spanish Super Cup (2017).
At the end of the 2017-2018 season, where he picked up his third European title, Keylor was voted UEFA’s best goalkeeper in the Champions League and best goalkeeper of the year.
With his national team, Navas reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Costa Rica’s run to the last eight included topping a group that included Italy and England. Keylor was voted the World Cup’s second best goalkeeper, behind Germany’s Manuel Neuer.
“I’m really excited to sign for Paris Saint-Germain,” said Keylor Navas, putting pen to paper on the deal.“After my experience in Spain, I’m coming to France with high hopes. Paris Saint-Germain is a very prestigious club in Latin America and I am keen to be part of the adventure that started several years ago. I will do everything I can to help PSG win new titles, bringing all my experience and professionalism. And I will also try to win the hearts of the Parisian fans, famous throughout Europe for their passion.”
