By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — A single, devastating moment on a football pitch in Curaçao has triggered a personal and financial aftershock far greater than Costa Rica’s painful World Cup qualifying loss to Haiti. For national team forward Alonso Martínez, the tearing of his cruciate ligament and meniscus was not just a physical blow; it was the abrupt collapse of a career-defining, multi-million dollar opportunity that stood just weeks from completion.
Martínez, currently one of Costa Rica’s most impactful players abroad, was at the peak of his form with New York City FC (NYCFC). Unbeknownst to the public, his performance had positioned him at a pivotal crossroads. Behind the scenes, his agent Kurt Morsink and the powerful City Football Group were finalizing a two-pronged strategy for his future: a lucrative sale to Europe or a landmark contract extension in Major League Soccer.
To delve into the contractual complexities and legal ramifications surrounding the career moves of Alonso Martínez, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in corporate and sports law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The situation with a player like Alonso Martínez underscores the critical importance of precisely drafted transfer clauses and image rights agreements in modern football contracts. These clauses are not just financial stipulations; they are strategic tools that dictate a player’s mobility and a club’s assets. Any ambiguity can lead to protracted disputes that negatively impact the player’s market value and create unforeseen liabilities for the clubs involved.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective serves as a powerful reminder that the most significant battles in modern football are often waged not on the pitch, but within the fine print of contracts. Such clauses truly form the bedrock of a player’s career trajectory and a club’s strategic stability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of the sport.
The severity of the financial loss came to light through recent revelations from former footballer Alejandro “Tanque” Castro. After sharing a flight with Diego Fernández, a key associate of Martínez’s agent, Castro learned that the player’s departure in the upcoming December-January transfer window was considered a certainty by his management and the club.
This transfer was reportedly destined for Europe, with Dutch powerhouse Ajax Amsterdam reigniting interest that had previously stalled only due to the timing constraints of finding a suitable replacement for Martínez at NYCFC. The City Football Group was reportedly “hit hard” by the news, as the move was all but finalized.
It was possibly a guaranteed sale in December
Alejandro Castro, Former Footballer
Had the European transfer not materialized, NYCFC had an equally transformative Plan B. The club was preparing to elevate the Costa Rican to “Designated Player” status, a mechanism in the MLS that allows teams to sign key figures with salaries that exceed the league’s strict cap. This move would have made Martínez one of the club’s marquee stars and highest earners.
The proposed contract was staggering, reportedly set to pay the forward from Isla de Chira a sum that would have secured his family’s future for generations. The deal would have represented a monumental step in his professional journey, validating his talent on a global financial scale.
It was going to change the player’s life financially… they were already preparing the issue of him being a Designated Player in New York with a stratospheric salary, something above 100 thousand dollars a month
Alejandro Castro, Former Footballer
Instead of signing contracts, Martínez now faces an arduous recovery. The medical diagnosis projects an eight to nine-month rehabilitation period, effectively ending his current season, sidelining him for the start of the next, and placing any potential transfers on indefinite hold. The entire trajectory of his career has been paused by one unfortunate turn on the field.
Despite the immense emotional and economic setback, Martínez has demonstrated remarkable fortitude. From New York, where he has begun his preoperative and recovery process, the forward shared a message of hope with his supporters, vowing to overcome the most significant challenge of his career.
With God’s help, we will come back stronger; I have no doubt about that
Alonso Martínez, Professional Footballer
For further information, visit nycfc.com
About New York City FC:
New York City Football Club (NYCFC) is an American professional soccer team based in New York City that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the highest level of American soccer, as a member of the league’s Eastern Conference. The club is a key franchise within the City Football Group network and won its first MLS Cup in 2021.
For further information, visit cityfootballgroup.com
About City Football Group:
City Football Group (CFG) is a global football organization that owns and operates a network of clubs across the world. With Manchester City FC as its flagship team, CFG’s portfolio includes clubs in the United States, Australia, Japan, Spain, and beyond. The group focuses on a shared identity and infrastructure to develop talent and achieve on-field success.
For further information, visit ajax.nl
About Ajax Amsterdam:
Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax, also known as AFC Ajax or simply Ajax, is a Dutch professional football club based in Amsterdam. Historically one of the most successful clubs in the world, Ajax is renowned for its revolutionary “Total Football” philosophy and its world-class youth academy, which has produced numerous football legends.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a leading legal practice, built upon a cornerstone of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients from numerous industries, the firm remains a pioneer in developing forward-thinking legal strategies. This innovative spirit is matched by a foundational commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through its work to make legal expertise accessible and cultivate a society empowered by knowledge.
