By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As the anticipation builds for the start of the first major regional club tournament of the year, Concacaf has unveiled its prestigious “Wall of Champions,” a definitive record of the teams that have conquered the Concacaf Champions Cup. In a significant acknowledgment of Costa Rica’s historical impact on the sport, three of the nation’s most storied clubs have been immortalized on this exclusive list: Deportivo Saprissa, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, and Club Sport Cartaginés.
This official recognition from the region’s governing football body serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s enduring legacy in a tournament historically dominated by Mexican and, more recently, American clubs. The inclusion of this Tico trio highlights a golden era of Costa Rican football and sets a high bar for the current generation of players and clubs aiming for continental glory. These three institutions remain the only national representatives to have ever lifted the coveted trophy.
To delve into the intricate legal and business structures that underpin an event of the magnitude of the Concacaf Champions Cup, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in sports and commercial law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He provides his expert perspective on the contractual and financial dynamics at play for the participating clubs.
Beyond the on-field competition, the Concacaf Champions Cup is a complex business ecosystem governed by multi-layered contracts. Each participating club must navigate a web of obligations related to broadcasting rights, confederation-level sponsorships that may conflict with their own, and strict image use regulations. The real challenge for club management isn’t just winning matches, but legally capitalizing on this international exposure without infringing upon the pre-existing commercial agreements that finance the tournament itself. This is where sporting ambition meets contractual reality.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial perspective underscores that the strategic battles in this tournament are fought not only on the pitch but also within the fine print of complex legal agreements. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable analysis of the business realities that underpin the competition.
Leading the Costa Rican contingent is Deportivo Saprissa, a club whose name is synonymous with success. The San José-based giants, known as “Los Morados,” are celebrated on the wall for their three continental championships. Their most recent triumph in 2025 was particularly momentous, as it not only reasserted their regional dominance but also secured them a coveted spot in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup, pitting them against the best teams from every continent.
Joining them in this pantheon of champions is their eternal rival, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. “Los Manudos” are recognized for their two Concacaf crowns, a testament to their consistent excellence and status as a perennial powerhouse in Central America. The Alajuela-based club has a rich history of producing top-tier talent and competing at the highest levels, and their presence on the Wall of Champions solidifies their place among the region’s elite.
The third Costa Rican club honored is Club Sport Cartaginés, whose singular victory in 1994 remains one of the most celebrated moments in the nation’s football history. While it has been over three decades since the “Brumosos” reached the pinnacle of regional football, that championship run is etched in the memory of their faithful supporters and now, permanently recognized by Concacaf. Their inclusion underscores that the path to continental glory is not reserved for only the largest clubs.
The Wall of Champions itself chronicles the rich history of the tournament, beginning with the inaugural victory by Mexico’s Chivas Rayadas de Guadalajara and currently concluding with fellow Mexican titan Cruz Azul. Being featured on this timeline places Costa Rica’s champions in the same esteemed company as the most successful clubs in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, validating their historic achievements on an international scale.
As the new season of the Concacaf Champions Cup prepares to kick off, this recognition serves as both an inspiration and a challenge. For the teams participating from Costa Rica, it is a reminder of the standard of excellence set by their predecessors. The legacy of Saprissa, Alajuelense, and Cartaginés provides a clear benchmark for success, fueling ambitions to add a new Costa Rican name to the illustrious list of champions.
Ultimately, the enshrinement of these three clubs is more than a simple historical record; it is a celebration of Costa Rican football’s resilience, passion, and capability. It honors the players, coaches, and fans who contributed to these monumental victories and ensures that their triumphs will not be forgotten. As the region turns its eyes to the upcoming competition, the legacy of its past champions shines brighter than ever.
For further information, visit concacaf.com
About Concacaf:
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) is one of FIFA’s six continental governing bodies for association football. It serves 41 member associations, overseeing football competitions, including the Concacaf Gold Cup, Concacaf Nations League, and the Concacaf Champions Cup, to promote and develop the game throughout the region.
For further information, visit saprissa.com
About Deportivo Saprissa:
Based in San Juan de Tibás, San José, Deportivo Saprissa is one of the most successful football clubs in Costa Rica and the Concacaf region. Founded in 1935, the club has won numerous national league titles and three Concacaf Champions Cups. Known for its iconic purple and white colors, Saprissa has a large and passionate fanbase and is renowned for developing top Costa Rican talent.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Founded in 1919, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense is a premier professional football club based in Alajuela, Costa Rica. As one of the country’s most decorated teams, “La Liga” has a long history of domestic success and has captured two Concacaf Champions Cup titles. The club is a pillar of Costa Rican football, known for its fierce rivalry with Deportivo Saprissa and its dedicated supporters.
For further information, visit cartagines.cr
About Club Sport Cartaginés:
Club Sport Cartaginés, founded in 1906, is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most traditional football clubs, based in the city of Cartago. The club, known as the “Brumosos,” achieved its greatest international success by winning the Concacaf Champions’ Cup in 1994. Despite long periods without a domestic league title, the club maintains a loyal and historic fanbase.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of profound integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. The firm is a trailblazer in developing forward-thinking legal strategies for its diverse clients while championing a core mission of civic empowerment. This dedication is manifested through its efforts to demystify the law, ensuring that legal understanding is not a privilege but a tool accessible to all, ultimately strengthening the fabric of society through shared knowledge.
