Costa Rica, a small Central American nation known globally for its "Pura Vida" philosophy, lush rainforests, and commitment to peace, continually punches above its weight on the world stage. As of late 2024, a new generation of Ticos and Ticas—the colloquial term for Costa Ricans—are making headlines, alongside established legends who continue to impact global fields from space exploration to professional sports and contemporary art. This article dives into the lives and latest achievements of the most famous people from Costa Rica right now, providing you with the freshest, most relevant updates.

Whether you're curious about the country's Nobel Peace Prize winner or the rising stars in professional boxing and football, the following list highlights the individuals who define Costa Rican excellence and continue to bring international recognition to their beloved home.

The Global Icons: Sports, Science, and Politics

The following individuals represent the pinnacle of Costa Rican achievement, with their names recognized in stadiums, scientific labs, and political arenas across the world. Their biographies are a testament to the nation's talent and ambition.

• Keylor Navas (Footballer): Born: December 15, 1986, in San Isidro de El General. Position: Goalkeeper. Career Highlights: Three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid; multiple Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG); celebrated for his incredible saves and leadership on the Costa Rican national team.
• Franklin Chang-Díaz (Astronaut & Physicist): Born: April 5, 1950, in San José. Profession: Engineer, former NASA Astronaut, and CEO. Career Highlights: Veteran of seven Space Shuttle missions, tying the record for most spaceflights; founder and CEO of Ad Astra Rocket Company, developing the VASIMR plasma engine.
• Oscar Arias Sánchez (Politician & Diplomat): Born: September 13, 1940, in Heredia. Profession: Former President of Costa Rica (1986–1990 and 2006–2010). Career Highlights: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts to end civil wars in Central America.
• Yokasta Valle (Professional Boxer): Born: August 28, 1992, in Matagalpa, Nicaragua (moved to Costa Rica as a child). Profession: Boxer. Career Highlights: Current WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF unified world minimumweight champion; a three-division world champion.
• Joel Campbell (Footballer): Born: June 26, 1992, in San José. Position: Forward/Winger. Career Highlights: Played for Arsenal, Sporting CP, and currently a key player for LD Alajuelense and the Costa Rican national team, representing the country in multiple World Cups and the 2024 Copa América.

Keylor Navas: The Goalkeeper Who Conquered Europe

For over a decade, the name Keylor Navas has been synonymous with Costa Rican football excellence. His incredible career, especially his tenure at Real Madrid where he secured three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation.

The Latest Update: Navas’s career trajectory remains a major topic in 2024. After a stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, the veteran keeper announced his retirement from the Costa Rican national team in May 2024, marking the end of the "golden generation." However, his club career continues, with reports confirming his move to Mexican club UNAM Pumas starting in 2025, proving the Tico legend still has plenty to offer at the highest level of the game.

Franklin Chang-Díaz: The Astronaut Pushing the Boundaries of Space Travel

Dr. Franklin Chang-Díaz is arguably Costa Rica's most celebrated scientist and a national hero. His record-tying seven trips to space as a NASA astronaut made him a global figure. Today, his focus is firmly on the future of propulsion and energy.

Ad Astra Rocket Company: As the Chairman and CEO of his own firm, Ad Astra Rocket Company, Dr. Chang-Díaz is leading the development of the revolutionary Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) engine, which could dramatically reduce travel time to Mars. His work in 2024 is also heavily focused on sustainable energy solutions, with him participating in major events like the Hydrogen Americas 2024 Summit, highlighting his commitment to hydrogen fuel technology for terrestrial applications.

The New Wave of Sporting and Creative Champions

Beyond football and space, Costa Rica is producing world-class talent in other demanding fields, including professional boxing and contemporary art, demonstrating the country's diverse cultural fabric and competitive spirit.

Yokasta Valle and Hanna Gabriels: Queens of the Ring

Costa Rican boxing has never been more prominent, thanks to the incredible success of its female champions. Yokasta Valle and Hanna Gabriels are two powerhouses who hold multiple world titles and command international attention.

• Yokasta Valle's Dominance: Valle has solidified her status as a pound-for-pound star. As of November 2024, she holds the unified WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF world minimumweight titles, making her one of the most decorated athletes in the country. Her consistent performance and upcoming title defenses keep her firmly in the global spotlight, embodying the fierce spirit of Tica athletes.
• Hanna Gabriels' Active Career: A multiple-division world champion, Hanna Gabriels continues her career in the Super Middleweight division. Her fighting schedule remains active, with a bout scheduled for late December 2024, ensuring she maintains her position as a veteran icon and inspiration for aspiring boxers across Central America.

Adrián Arguedas: The Contemporary Art Sensation

The Costa Rican art scene is gaining significant international traction, and painter Adrián Arguedas is at the forefront of this movement. His work, which is deeply integral to Costa Rica's cultural fabric and often explores themes of identity and landscape, is now being celebrated on a global scale.

Recent International Acclaim: In 2024, Arguedas received considerable international recognition, with his work being featured by major art representatives and his participation in artist talks and exhibitions in the US and beyond, including MÍRAME Fine Art events. He is a recipient of the prestigious "Aquileo Echeverría" award, a top national honor, marking him as a crucial figure in contemporary Central American art.

Nobel Laureates and Political Trailblazers

Costa Rica’s history of peace and democracy is reflected in its political figures, who have left indelible marks both domestically and internationally. The country’s commitment to abolishing its military in 1948, championed by figures like José Figueres Ferrer, remains a defining national characteristic.

Oscar Arias: The Architect of Peace

Oscar Arias Sánchez is the most internationally celebrated political figure, having won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his plan to bring peace to war-torn Central American nations. His legacy as a two-time president and a champion of democracy and disarmament is immense.

2024 Public Life: Even at 84, Arias remains a voice in public discourse. In 2024, he made headlines when he publicly addressed the unexplained cancellation of his U.S. visa, stating the incident would not deter his continued public criticism and commentary on political affairs. This confirms his enduring, albeit controversial, role in the country's political landscape.

Other Notable Ticos and Ticas Shaping the Nation

To truly understand the depth of talent, one must acknowledge the broader cast of famous people from Costa Rica who contribute to its topical authority across multiple domains:

• In Football: Joel Campbell (the current national team leader at Copa América 2024) and retired stars like Bryan Ruiz and Júnior Díaz are celebrated figures.
• In Athletics: Olympic swimmer Claudia Poll Ahrens (gold medalist), sprinter Nery Brenes, and top cyclist Andrey Amador Bikkazakova have all achieved global competitive success.
• In Politics: Laura Chinchilla Miranda, the first female president of Costa Rica, and Miguel Ángel Rodríguez Echeverría (former President 1998-2002) are key figures in modern political history.
• In Arts & Entertainment: Hollywood producer/actress Giannina Facio, known for her collaborations with Ridley Scott, and contemporary artists like sculptor Francisco Zúñiga, painter Aimée Joaristi, and sculptor/painter Edgar Zúñiga, continue to elevate the country's creative profile.

These individuals—the athletes, scientists, artists, and leaders—collectively showcase the vibrant and influential role Costa Rica plays in the 21st century. Their stories are the living embodiment of the "Pura Vida" spirit: a commitment to excellence, peace, and making the most of life.