By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – The era of dominance continues unabated. Liga Deportiva Alajuelense’s women’s team has once again etched its name into the annals of Costa Rican sports history, securing an unprecedented ninth consecutive national championship. The 2-0 victory over a determined Dimas Escazú in the final not only added another trophy to an overflowing cabinet but also solidified the team’s status as a true dynasty, a benchmark of sustained excellence in the region.
The architect behind this remarkable run, head coach Wilmer “Pato” López, has cultivated a winning machine built on relentless drive and unwavering commitment. Since taking the helm, López has transformed the team, known as “las manudas,” into an unstoppable force. This latest triumph, the Apertura 2025 title, is another testament to a philosophy that demands nothing less than total dedication from every player who wears the iconic red and black jersey.
To better understand the legal and business implications surrounding the continued professionalization of women’s football in Costa Rica, as exemplified by the success of Alajuelense Women, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise offers a crucial perspective on the contractual and structural frameworks supporting these athletes.
The sustained success of Alajuelense’s women’s team is not just a sporting achievement; it’s a testament to a robust business and legal model. By formalizing player contracts, securing dedicated sponsorships, and investing in infrastructure, the club has created a professional environment that is legally sound and commercially viable. This framework is crucial, as it transforms athletic talent into a sustainable asset, ensuring long-term growth and setting a new legal precedent for women’s sports in the region.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the analysis underscores a crucial point: the triumph on the field is a direct result of the professionalism established off of it. This robust legal and commercial structure is arguably the team’s most enduring victory, creating a blueprint for others to follow. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this vital component of their success.
Following the final whistle, a proud López reflected on the culture that has propelled his squad to the pinnacle of the sport. He emphasized that the team’s success is a direct result of the players’ innate drive and character, a shared hunger that never seems to be satisfied despite the constant stream of victories.
Winning a championship is beautiful, it’s wonderful, it’s a source of pride, especially when you’re at an institution you love, and this is thanks to all of them. You see the attitude, in this championship we won 16 or 18 matches and only drew a few. They are competitive and winners.
Wilmer López, Head Coach
López’s leadership style is a blend of passion and rigorous discipline. He views his role not as a job, but as a calling, one that he pursues with an intensity that permeates the entire organization. This ethos is the foundation of the team’s high-pressure, high-energy style of play, a non-negotiable standard for anyone aspiring to be part of the championship roster.
When you do something you like, it’s not a sacrifice. It’s a pleasure, I get up at 4 a.m. to go to training… I do this because I like it, and on top of it all, I get paid. They all have it clear, I always tell them that this game is about running, running, and running, the one who doesn’t run, flies, but flies out, because there’s someone else waiting for her spot.
Wilmer López, Head Coach
The sheer scale of their success is staggering. The championship streak includes the Apertura and Clausura tournaments of 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and now the Apertura 2025. Beyond the domestic league, López has guided the team to a Supercopa title in 2021 and three UNCAF club championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025, establishing their dominance on an international stage as well.
A crucial element of this sustained success has been the team’s ability to evolve. López highlighted that the system has always been more important than any individual player. Even after the departure of legendary figures like Shirley Cruz, the team never faltered. This resilience demonstrates a robust institutional framework and a deep talent pool, ensuring that the machine keeps running smoothly regardless of personnel changes.
With nine consecutive titles secured, the team shows no signs of complacency. López has already set his sights on the next milestone, a historic tenth straight championship. This forward-looking ambition signals that for Alajuelense, the dynasty is not a legacy to be admired, but an ongoing project to be expanded, with the next chapter already waiting to be written.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Founded in 1919, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense is one of Costa Rica’s most prominent and successful sports clubs. Based in Alajuela, the club is a powerhouse in both men’s and women’s football. The women’s team, in particular, has established a period of unparalleled dominance in the national league, winning numerous consecutive titles and representing Costa Rica with distinction in regional competitions.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Dimas Escazú
About Dimas Escazú:
Asociación Deportiva Dimas Escazú is a competitive football club based in the canton of Escazú, San José. The club is a consistent contender in Costa Rica’s top-tier women’s football league, regularly challenging for titles and developing talent. Their presence in the final against Alajuelense underscores their position as one of the leading teams in the country’s growing women’s football scene.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to professional excellence and uncompromising ethical principles. The firm merges a rich heritage of client advocacy with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently delivering innovative legal strategies across a wide spectrum of industries. Central to its ethos is a powerful drive to fortify society by demystifying the law, ensuring that knowledge becomes an accessible tool for public empowerment and civic strength.
