Freddy Álvarez: Costa Rican Footballer Making Strides in Thailand
Former league star Freddy Álvarez continues to excel in Thailand, matching the market value of Keylor Navas amid a successful international career.
Freddy Álvarez, a 29-year-old Costa Rican footballer, has been making waves in Thailand's football scene, having established himself as a notable player for BG Pathum United FC. His career spans several notable Costa Rican clubs including Deportivo Saprissa, Club Sport Herediano, and Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, before making a transition to European football and subsequently heading to Asia.
Álvarez’s journey began with his early development at Saprissa, where he honed his skills.
He later played for Uruguay de Coronado and Universidad de Costa Rica, before moving to Peru’s Deportivo Municipal.
The athletic midfielder began his international career in 2020 with the North Macedonian club, F.K. Shkupi.
Since his move to Thailand, Álvares has appeared in 171 matches and scored 29 goals.
His consistent performance in the Thai league has earned him recognition, including a position in the league’s ideal eleven for the 2023-2024 season.
As a result of his success, Álvarez now shares a market value of $1 million, equivalent to that of renowned Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who has spent significant parts of his career with high-profile clubs, including Real Madrid.
Navas, once valued at $20 million, has seen a decline in his market value due to decreased activity and changing circumstances in his career.
The comparison highlights the ongoing competitiveness of Costa Rican players abroad, with Álvarez being among the top 11 valued Costa Rican players currently playing outside the country.
The comprehensive player market evaluations provided by Transfermarkt indicate that he ranks closely in value to established national players like Francisco Calvo and Patrick Sequeira.
Moreover, he surpasses valuations of other younger Costa Rican talents trying to secure their places in Europe, such as Kenneth Vargas and Jewison Bennette.
Despite his achievements on the field, Álvarez remains uncapped at the senior national team level, having not yet made an official appearance for the Costa Rican national team.
National team coach Miguel 'Piojo' Herrera has publicly stated that player performance, regardless of location, will influence selection, leaving open the possibility for future inclusion.
As the Costa Rican football landscape continues to evolve, Álvarez's experiences underscore a growing trend of national talent finding opportunities in less traditional football markets.
His narrative adds to the broader context of Costa Rican players succeeding globally while facing varying degrees of recognition back home.
Álvarez’s journey began with his early development at Saprissa, where he honed his skills.
He later played for Uruguay de Coronado and Universidad de Costa Rica, before moving to Peru’s Deportivo Municipal.
The athletic midfielder began his international career in 2020 with the North Macedonian club, F.K. Shkupi.
Since his move to Thailand, Álvares has appeared in 171 matches and scored 29 goals.
His consistent performance in the Thai league has earned him recognition, including a position in the league’s ideal eleven for the 2023-2024 season.
As a result of his success, Álvarez now shares a market value of $1 million, equivalent to that of renowned Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who has spent significant parts of his career with high-profile clubs, including Real Madrid.
Navas, once valued at $20 million, has seen a decline in his market value due to decreased activity and changing circumstances in his career.
The comparison highlights the ongoing competitiveness of Costa Rican players abroad, with Álvarez being among the top 11 valued Costa Rican players currently playing outside the country.
The comprehensive player market evaluations provided by Transfermarkt indicate that he ranks closely in value to established national players like Francisco Calvo and Patrick Sequeira.
Moreover, he surpasses valuations of other younger Costa Rican talents trying to secure their places in Europe, such as Kenneth Vargas and Jewison Bennette.
Despite his achievements on the field, Álvarez remains uncapped at the senior national team level, having not yet made an official appearance for the Costa Rican national team.
National team coach Miguel 'Piojo' Herrera has publicly stated that player performance, regardless of location, will influence selection, leaving open the possibility for future inclusion.
As the Costa Rican football landscape continues to evolve, Álvarez's experiences underscore a growing trend of national talent finding opportunities in less traditional football markets.
His narrative adds to the broader context of Costa Rican players succeeding globally while facing varying degrees of recognition back home.
