Mexico City – At 39 years old, Keylor Navas continues to defy expectations. The Costa Rican goalkeeper has agreed to a one-year contract extension with Liga MX side Pumas UNAM, securing his future with the club through 2027. The announcement, made Friday, underscores Navas’s commitment to the Mexican league and his desire to continue competing at a high level.
“Estoy muy contento aquí. Es increíble la manera en que mis compañeros y la afición me muestran mucho cariño,” Navas said, expressing his happiness with the team and its supporters. (I am very happy here. It is incredible the way my teammates and the fans demonstrate me a lot of affection.)
The extension was formalized with the presence of Pumas UNAM President Luis Raúl González and Sporting Vice President Antonio Sancho, signaling the club’s confidence in Navas’s continued leadership and performance. Navas arrived at Pumas in July 2025, quickly establishing himself as a key figure both on and off the pitch.
While Costa Rica’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup was a disappointment for Navas, who had hoped to feature in the tournament, he has remained a vital component of Pumas’s squad. The team currently sits in fifth place in the Clausura tournament with 20 points, a testament to Navas’s consistent form and influence.
Navas’s career trajectory is remarkable. Beginning with Saprissa in his native Costa Rica in 2005, he moved to Spain in 2010, initially joining Albacete of the second division. His performances soon caught the attention of Levante, where he played from 2011 to 2014, ultimately earning a transfer to Real Madrid.
At Real Madrid, Navas cemented his legacy as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, winning three consecutive Champions League titles and four FIFA Club World Cups. He later spent time with Paris Saint-Germain, securing three Ligue 1 titles, before stints with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina led him to Mexico.
The decision to extend Navas’s contract was a straightforward one, according to Pumas officials. “We know that we have a strong group and today we feel good,” said Antonio Sancho in a press conference. “The decision was very effortless. As soon as we sat down, everyone agreed, technical staff and management, that Keylor had to continue with us and both parties were clear.”
Sancho added that the ease of negotiations speaks to the mutual desire to continue the partnership. “It speaks to how easy it was and that everyone wants to continue on the same path.”
Navas’s experience and leadership are invaluable to a Pumas side aiming for success in Liga MX. The club is currently navigating a competitive Clausura season, and Navas’s presence provides a calming influence and a high level of goalkeeping expertise.
The veteran goalkeeper has participated in 31 of 32 official matches for Pumas since his arrival, missing only one game – a Leagues Cup contest against Inter Miami – due to suspension. His consistent availability and strong performances have quickly made him a fan favorite at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Pumas will need Navas at his best this Saturday when they face fierce rivals América in the twelfth matchday of the Clausura tournament. The match is expected to be a heated affair, showcasing one of the most intense rivalries in Mexican football. Navas and his teammates completed their preparations for the match on Friday.
For Navas, the extension represents more than just a continuation of his career; it’s a chance to contribute to a club he clearly enjoys playing for and to pursue the ultimate goal of winning a championship. He expressed a desire to lift a title with Pumas before his departure, adding another chapter to his already illustrious career.
Keylor Navas’s journey is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and unwavering passion for the game. At 39, he continues to prove that age is just a number, and his commitment to Pumas UNAM promises to be a significant asset as they strive for success in Liga MX.
What’s Next: Pumas UNAM will face América this Saturday in a highly anticipated Clausura tournament match. The game is scheduled for a local start time of [verify and insert local time + UTC] at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
