IIf you’re considering moving to Costa Rica, there’s one thing you should know right away: fútbol isn’t just a sport here. It’s a passion, a ritual, and a key to understanding the heart of the pura vida lifestyle. Whether you’re watching a nail- biting match in a neighborhood bar or hearing your new neighbors shout “¡GOOOOOL!” from their living room, tico soccer is a language spoken by all generations, across the country.
Let’s kick off with the basics: Costa Rica’s national sport is soccer and it’s the most beloved activity in the country. Kids play barefoot in the streets, adults organize weekend matches called mejengas, and just about every Costa Rican has a favorite professional team. For newcomers, learning about Costa Rican soccer is a fantastic way to make friends, practice your Spanish—especially tico slang—and connect with the local culture.
Meet La Sele: The National Team
The Costa Rican national soccer team is affectionately known as La Sele. Whenever there’s a World Cup qualifier or a big international match, the country practically shuts down. Offices turn on TVs, kids are let out of school early, and the entire population is either watching or listening to the game.
La Sele has had some historic moments on the global stage. In 2014, Costa Rica shocked the world by making it to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup, beating traditional powerhouses like Italy and Uruguay. That run brought the country to a euphoric high and cemented its reputation as a rising star in international soccer. If you’re looking to break the ice with a local, just ask: “¿Y qué piensa de La Sele?” You’ll get an earful!
Club Rivalries: Saprissa vs. Alajuelense
When it comes to club soccer, Costa Rica has two major teams that dominate the conversation: Deportivo Saprissa and Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, also known as La Liga. These two teams have a fierce rivalry, called El Clásico, is a must- watch event.
Saprissa, nicknamed El Monstruo Morado (The Purple Monster), is known for its passionate fan base. It also has a long list of national championships. Alajuelense, often called Los Manudos, boasts a proud history and equally loyal supporters.
It’s common for ticos to ask: “¿De cuál equipo es?” (Which team do you support?) Picking a side can be a fun way to bond with locals—even if you’re just in it for the jerseys or stadium snacks.
Mejengas and the Local Scene
Beyond the professional leagues, you’ll see the true heartbeat of Costa Rican soccer in neighborhood parks, schoolyards, and even on beaches. These informal matches are called mejengas, and anyone can join in. It’s a great way to meet locals and practice your Spanish in a relaxed, fun setting.
Want to join a game? Just ask, “¿Puedo jugar?” (Can I play?) and be ready for a friendly but competitive match.
Spanish with a Tico Twist
Watching soccer games is also a great way to tune your ear to Costa Rican Spanish. It has its own unique rhythm and expressions. For example:
- ¡Golazo! – What a great goal!
- ¡Juegue, juegue! – Keep playing! (often shouted from the sidelines)
- Está banqueado. – He’s on the bench.
- Qué perra. – He sucks. Literally: “what a dog” (usually said when someone misses an easy scoring chance).
And remember in Costa Rica, people use “usted” instead of “tú” in most situations, even with friends and family. So instead of saying ¿Tú vas al partido?, say ¿Usted va al partido?
Where to Watch the Game
If you’re not ready to play but still want to join the excitement, just head to any local restaurant on game day. Major matches—whether it’s La Sele or a clásico—draw big crowds. Order a cold Imperial beer. Maybe grab some chicharrones or patacones. You’ll be part of the scene in no time.
Final Whistle
Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or totally new to the sport, Costa Rica offers the perfect environment to fall in love with the game. Soccer here is more than goals and trophies—it’s about community and identity. So next time you hear a neighbor shout “¡GOOOOOOL!” don’t be surprised if you find yourself cheering right along.
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