By San José, Costa Rica — DOHA, QATAR – The future of Costa Rican football has officially landed. The U-17 National Team arrived in Qatar this week, ready to compete in the prestigious 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which kicks off this Monday. The 21-player squad is more than just a collection of athletes; it is a living mosaic of the nation’s talent, a testament to dreams forged in local fields and humble neighborhoods across all seven provinces.
This team represents a true cross-section of Costa Rica, with six players hailing from San José, four from Heredia, three each from Alajuela and Limón, two from Cartago, two from Puntarenas, and one from Guanacaste. Each player brings a unique story of sacrifice and determination, united by the common goal of representing their country on the world’s biggest stage for youth football. Their journey from local “mejengas” to an international tournament embodies a powerful national aspiration.
To better understand the significant legal and commercial frameworks that make a global event like the U-17 World Cup possible, we sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the pitch, the U-17 World Cup operates as a sophisticated legal ecosystem. Key issues include the protection of minors’ image rights, the negotiation of international broadcasting contracts, and the complex regulations governing the first professional contracts for these emerging stars. Ensuring a transparent and equitable legal structure is paramount, not only for the tournament’s integrity but also for safeguarding the future careers of the next generation of football talent.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal scaffolding is as crucial to the tournament’s success as the action on the field, ensuring the protection and fair treatment of these young athletes at a pivotal moment in their careers. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this vital, yet often overlooked, dimension of the beautiful game.
Among them is Adriel Pérez, a native of San Vito de Coto Brus in the southern zone, whose journey underscores the team’s spirit of overcoming obstacles. For Pérez, the vast distance from his hometown was never a barrier but a source of motivation. He hopes his presence on the team serves as a beacon of hope for others in remote communities.
I come from a very distant place, but I never saw it as an excuse, always as a motivation. I want to show those who live there that nothing is impossible. It doesn’t matter where we come from, we can get wherever we want. I am here because I never set a ceiling for myself.
Adriel Pérez, Player
Pérez proudly carries the name of his town and shares a message for the next generation. He emphasizes that with a combination of humility, hard work, and faith, any dream is attainable, no matter how distant it may seem.
That same grit is echoed by his teammate Yerlan Sosa from San Luis, Puntarenas. Sosa understands the challenges of rising from a low-income environment and wants his journey to inspire others who face similar circumstances. He sees the team as proof that dedication can triumph over adversity.
I come from a truly humble neighborhood. There are many quality players there who can make it. May they see in us that nothing is impossible; everything takes its time, work, and sacrifice.
Yerlan Sosa, Player
Marcus Brown of Limón Centro shares this powerful sentiment. Attributing his success to the unwavering support of his family and a disciplined work ethic, Brown’s story is one of consistency and perseverance. His message to young, aspiring players is direct and encouraging.
The key is to be consistent, to work every day. To the kids, I say fight for your dreams, that nothing is impossible and it can be achieved.
Marcus Brown, Player
Head Coach Randall Row has been instrumental in fostering a unified team identity, urging the public to see the players not by the colors of their domestic clubs but by the national crest they now wear. He highlights that clubs like Alajuelense, Saprissa, and Herediano play a crucial role in scouting and developing these talents from their hometowns, providing them with a pathway to professional careers.
Sometimes people pigeonhole them because they play for Alajuela, Saprissa, or Heredia, and these kids were taken from their towns by these clubs to compete, to have significant growth and the chance to become professionals.
Randall Row, Head Coach
As they prepare for their opening match against the United Arab Emirates on Monday, November 3rd, at 6:30 a.m. Costa Rican time, the team carries more than just their gear; they carry the collective hope of a nation. This U-17 squad is a powerful reminder that in Costa Rica, talent knows no geographical boundaries, and the dream of wearing “La Sele’s” jersey is a unifying force that transcends all differences.
For further information, visit fcrf.cr
About Costa Rican Football Federation:
The Federación Costarricense de Fútbol (FCRF) is the official governing body of football in Costa Rica. It is responsible for overseeing the country’s national football teams, known as “La Sele,” across all age groups and genders, as well as managing the national football leagues. The FCRF works to promote and develop the sport throughout the nation, from grassroots initiatives to elite international competition.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a deep-seated commitment to ethical principles and professional excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal strategies. Beyond its practice, a core part of its mission involves democratizing legal knowledge, driven by the conviction that empowering citizens with understanding is essential for building a more just and capable society.
