What Happened to Keylor Navas?
Keylor Navas is a highly decorated Costa Rican professional footballer, renowned as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. After a stellar career in Europe with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, where he won multiple UEFA Champions League titles, he moved to Mexican club UNAM Pumas in July 2025. As of May 2026, Navas continues to play for Pumas and has extended his contract, while also having briefly retired and then returned to the Costa Rica national team, though they ultimately did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Quick Answer
Keylor Navas, the acclaimed Costa Rican goalkeeper, is currently playing for Liga MX club UNAM Pumas, where he extended his contract in March 2026 to remain with the team through at least the 2026-2027 season. He joined Pumas in July 2025 after a brief stint with Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. Navas also announced his retirement from the Costa Rica national team in May 2024, only to return in May 2025 for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, though Costa Rica failed to qualify for the World Cup.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Joins Real Madrid
Keylor Navas signs with Real Madrid for €10 million after an impressive performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Wins First UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
Navas starts in goal as Real Madrid defeats Atlético Madrid in the final, securing his first Champions League title.
Wins Third Consecutive UEFA Champions League
Navas helps Real Madrid win their third consecutive Champions League title, defeating Liverpool in the final.
Transfers to Paris Saint-Germain
Navas joins Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a four-year contract, becoming the first Costa Rican to play for the men's team.
Loaned to Nottingham Forest
Navas signs for Premier League club Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season, seeking more playing time.
Announces Departure from PSG
Navas announces he will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the 2023-2024 season as his contract expires.
Retires from Costa Rica National Team
Navas announces his retirement from the Costa Rica national team after 16 years and over 100 international matches.
Joins Newell's Old Boys
Navas signs with Argentine club Newell's Old Boys on a free transfer.
Returns to Costa Rica National Team
Navas announces his return to international football and is included in Costa Rica's squad for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Joins UNAM Pumas
Liga MX club UNAM Pumas officially announces the signing of Keylor Navas after his brief stint in Argentina.
FIFA Recognizes Navas Amidst World Cup Qualifiers
FIFA highlights Keylor Navas as the only Central American among elite football talents, as he returns to the Costa Rica national team for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Expresses Disappointment Over World Cup Qualification Failure
Navas opens up about Costa Rica's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing deep regret for the nation.
Extends Contract with UNAM Pumas
Navas reaches an agreement to extend his contract with UNAM Pumas for at least one more year, securing his stay through the 2026-2027 season.
Plays in Liga MX Clausura 2026 Quarterfinals
Navas features for UNAM Pumas in the 'Capital Classic' against Club América in the Clausura 2026 quarterfinals, which ended in a 3-3 draw.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Keylor Navas, born on December 15, 1986, established himself as a world-class goalkeeper during his illustrious career in European football. After making a name for himself at Levante, he joined Real Madrid in 2014, where he achieved unprecedented success, winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018, one La Liga title, and multiple other domestic and international trophies. His performances during this period solidified his reputation as one of the sport's elite shot-stoppers.
In September 2019, Navas moved to French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he continued to collect silverware, including two Ligue 1 titles and several domestic cups. Despite his consistent form, he eventually became the second-choice goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, leading to a loan spell at Premier League club Nottingham Forest for the latter half of the 2022-2023 season. He returned to PSG, but his contract expired in 2024, and he announced his departure from the club on May 11, 2024.
Following his exit from PSG, Navas embarked on a new chapter in his career. In January 2025, he joined Argentine club Newell's Old Boys on a free transfer, making his debut in February 2025. However, his stay in Argentina was brief, as he transferred to Liga MX club UNAM Pumas in Mexico in July 2025. Navas quickly became a key figure and captain for Pumas, and in March 2026, he extended his contract with the club for at least another year, with an option for a further season based on performance, securing his future in Mexican football past his 40th birthday.
On the international front, Navas had a dynamic period. He initially announced his retirement from the Costa Rica national team on May 23, 2024, after 16 years and over 100 international matches, including three FIFA World Cup appearances. However, in May 2025, he announced his return to international football and was included in Costa Rica's squad for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Despite his return and efforts, Costa Rica ultimately failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a disappointment Navas openly expressed. As of May 11, 2026, Navas remains an active player for UNAM Pumas, having recently featured in Liga MX matches, including a 'Capital Classic' against Club América.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Keylor Navas made different choices?