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Celso Borges
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Celso Borges Mora (born 27 May 1988) is a Costa Rican professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Liga FPD club Alajuelense. With 164 international appearances, he is the most capped player in Costa Rica's history.

Key Information

Early years

[edit]

His father is Alexandre Guimarães,[3] Brazilian-born, Costa Rican-raised ex-footballer and coach. He was born in Costa Rica's capital city San José and during his high school years, he attended Saint Clare High School, where he also took part in the school's team. His studies were often interrupted by his football training and playing outside the country.

Club career

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Saprissa

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At the age of 18, Borges made his professional debut for Saprissa on 15 January 2006.[4] He won five national championships with Saprissa.

Fredrikstad FK

[edit]

On 18 January 2009, Fredrikstad FK sporting director Tor-Kristian Karlsen confirmed that Borges had signed for them, joining on 1 July when Borges's contract with Saprissa expired. Fredrikstad later agreed to pay 1 million kroner (€125,000 ) to Deportivo Saprissa so Borges could join the team immediately and play for Fredrikstad, when the season started on 14 April, against the former league champion Stabæk.[5] In March 2011, Borges stated he would leave Fredrikstad during or after the 2011 season.[6]

AIK

[edit]

On 1 January 2012, it was confirmed that Borges, as a free agent, was to leave Fredrikstad FK signing a three-year contract with the Swedish football club AIK Stockholm.[7]

He received the vacant number 10 jersey, last worn by Martin Kayongo-Mutumba.

On 1 April 2012, Borges made his first match for AIK, in a match against Mjällby AIF. He got his first goal for the club in the next game, scoring the game-winning goal against Kalmar FF. During the first half of the season he was used as a striker by manager Andreas Alm. But after the summer vacation he dropped down and started playing as a central midfielder and subsequently was the team's first choice in central midfield. He finished the season ending up as the team's best goalscorer.

Deportivo La Coruña

[edit]

On 14 January 2015, Borges joined Deportivo de La Coruña, signing with them until the end of the season, with an option of a two-year extension.[8] He scored twice in his first official appearance for Dépor, having started in a 1–2 away win against Rayo Vallecano on 30 January which also marked his La Liga debut.[9]

International career

[edit]
Borges disputing a ball against Brazil's Gabriel Jesus

Borges currently holds the appearance record for the Costa Rica national football team with 164 caps, scoring 27 goals.[10] He has represented his country in over 50 FIFA World Cup qualification matches[11] and at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup finals. He has also played at the 2011[12] and 2013 Copa Centroamericana,[13] as well as at the 2009,[14] 2011,[15] 2013,[16] 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cups, and the Copa América Centenario.

Borges played in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship held in Peru, in which he scored a goal and was considered among the best players of the tournament. After the tournament he was picked as one of ten players to watch out for in the future.[11] Borges also participated in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Canada.[11]

He made his debut for the Costa Rican senior team in a June 2008 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Grenada[10] and, in September of the same year, scored his first international goal against Suriname.

After featuring prominently during the team's unsuccessful 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, Borges helped the team to a second-place finish at the 2011 Copa Centroamericana, as well as the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup later that year.[10]

In June 2014, Borges was named in Costa Rica's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[17] During the round of 16, Borges was the first of five Costa Rican players to successfully convert his kick in a 5–3 penalty shootout win over Greece.[18]

In May 2018 he was named in Costa Rica's 23 man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[19]

Personal life

[edit]

Through his father, Borges was also a Brazilian national until 2017, when he relinquished his Brazilian nationality to become a Spanish citizen.[20]

Borges is usually considered one of the most educated players of the Costa Rica national football team. El País' Diego Torres described him as "the brain of Costa Rica" and "a gleaned midfielder with elegant diction", while La Nación's Antonio Alfaro called him "the exemplary Costa Rican player."[21][22] Aside from his native Spanish, Borges can also speak English, Portuguese and Swedish.[23]

A heavy metal fan, citing Slipknot, Metallica, Dream Theater and Killswitch Engage as his favorite bands,[24] Borges plays the drums, and has covered System of a Down's "Toxicity" alongside Peruvian musician Kurt Dyer.[25]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 3 November 2025[26]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Saprissa 2005–06 Costa Rican Primera División 2 0 — — — 2 0
2006–07 Costa Rican Primera División 35 2 — — — 35 2
2007–08 Costa Rican Primera División 25 0 — 6[a] 1 — 31 1
2008–09 Costa Rican Primera División 24 5 — 5[a] 1 — 29 6
Total 86 7 — 11 2 — 97 9
Fredrikstad FK 2009 Tippeligaen 22 7 2 1 1[b] 1 — 25 9
2010 Adeccoligaen 29 14 2 1 — — 31 15
2011 Tippeligaen 25 8 5 7 — — 30 15
Total 76 29 9 9 1 1 — 86 39
AIK 2012 Allsvenskan 29 8 — 12[b] 1 — 41 9
2013 Allsvenskan 24 8 3 0 — — 27 8
2014 Allsvenskan 26 6 — 3[b] 0 — 29 6
Total 79 22 3 0 15 1 — 97 23
Deportivo La Coruña (loan) 2014–15 La Liga 17 3 — — — 17 3
Deportivo La Coruña 2015–16 La Liga 24 3 — — — 24 3
2016–17 La Liga 34 6 4 0 — — 38 6
2017–18 La Liga 32 3 — — — 32 3
Total 107 15 4 0 — — 111 15
Göztepe 2018–19 Süper Lig 32 1 3 1 — — 35 2
2019–20 Süper Lig 21 1 6 0 — — 27 1
Total 53 2 9 1 — — 62 3
Deportivo La Coruña 2020–21 Segunda División B 15 2 2 0 — 5[c] 0 22 2
Deportivo total 122 17 6 0 — 5 0 133 17
Alajuelense 2021–22 Liga FPD 21 2 — 1[d] 0 — 22 2
2022–23 Liga FPD 34 2 — 10[e] 1 — 44 3
2023–24 Liga FPD 42 0 2 0 2[f] 0 10[g] 1 56 1
2024–25 Liga FPD 45 5 2 0 2[f] 0 1[h] 0 50 5
2025–26 Liga FPD 9 0 0 0 0 0 8[i] 0 17 0
Total 151 9 4 0 4 0 20 1 179 10
Career total 567 86 31 10 42 5 24 1 664 102
  1. ^ a b Appearance(s) in CONCACAF Champions League
  2. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  3. ^ Appearances in Segunda División B play-offs
  4. ^ Appearance in CONCACAF League
  5. ^ One appearance in CONCACAF Champions Cup, nine appearances and one goal in CONCACAF League
  6. ^ a b Appearances in CONCACAF Champions Cup
  7. ^ Appearances in Central American Cup
  8. ^ Appearance in Supercopa de Costa Rica
  9. ^ One appearance in Supercopa de Costa Rica, seven appearances in Central American Cup

International

[edit]
As of match played 13 November 2025[27][28]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Costa Rica 2008 7 2
2009 15 5
2010 3 0
2011 10 1
2012 5 1
2013 20 5
2014 13 5
2015 14 0
2016 11 2
2017 10 0
2018 10 0
2019 12 2
2020 1 0
2021 15 3
2022 12 1
2023 5 0
2025 1 0
Total 164 27
Scores and results list Costa Rica's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Borges goal (includes unofficial goals scored).[27]
List of international goals scored by Celso Borges
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 6 September 2008 Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá, San José, Costa Rica  Suriname 5–0 7–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
2. 11 October 2008 André Kamperveen Stadion, Paramaribo, Suriname  Suriname 2–0 4–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
3. 3 June 2009 Estádio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá, San José, Costa Rica  United States 2–0 3–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
4. 6 June 2009 Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Trinidad and Tobago  Trinidad and Tobago 2–1 3–2 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
5. 3–2
6. 7 July 2009 Mapfre Stadium, Columbus, United States  Jamaica 1–0 1–0 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup
7. 19 July 2009 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, United States  Guadeloupe 1–0 5–1 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup
8. 21 January 2011 Estadio Rommel Fernández, Panama City, Panama  Panama 1–0 1–1 2011 Copa Centroamericana
9. 16 October 2012 Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica  Guyana 6–0 7–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
10. 20 January 2013 Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica  Nicaragua 2–0 2–0 2013 Copa Centroamericana
11. 19 June 2013 Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica  Panama 2–0 2–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
12. 14 August 2013 Estadio Quisqueya, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic  Dominican Republic 1–0 4–0 Friendly
13. 2–0
14. 6 September 2013 Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica  United States 2–0 3–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
15. 6 June 2014 PPL Park, Chester, United States  Republic of Ireland 1–1 1–1 Friendly
16. 3 September 2014 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington D.C., United States  Nicaragua 1–0 3–0 2014 Copa Centroamericana
17. 7 September 2014 Cotton Bowl, Dallas, United States  Panama 1–2 2–2 2014 Copa Centroamericana
18. 14 October 2014 Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea  South Korea 1–0 3–1 Friendly
19. 2–1
20. 29 March 2016 Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica  Jamaica 1–0 3–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
21. 11 June 2016 NRG Stadium, Houston, United States  Colombia 3–1 3–2 Copa América Centenario
22. 16 June 2019 Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica  Nicaragua 2–0 4–0 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
23. 6 September 2019 Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica  Uruguay 1–1 1–2 Friendly
24. 12 July 2021 Exploria Stadium, Orlando, United States  Guadeloupe 3–1 3–1 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup
25. 16 July 2021 Exploria Stadium, Orlando, United States  Suriname 2–1 2–1 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup
26. 10 October 2021 Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica  El Salvador 2–1 2–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
27. 24 March 2022 Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica  Canada 1–0 1–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

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Deportivo Saprissa

Alajuelense

Costa Rica

Individual

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Celso Borges

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Celso Borges Mora (born 27 May 1988) is a Costa Rican professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Liga FPD club LD Alajuelense and captains the Costa Rica national team. Born in San José, he holds dual citizenship with Brazil through his father, Alexandre Guimarães, a former Costa Rican national team manager and Brazilian international. Standing at 1.83 meters tall, Borges is renowned for his tactical intelligence, passing accuracy, and set-piece expertise, making him a pivotal figure in midfield for both club and country. Borges began his professional career at age 18 with , debuting on 15 January 2006 and helping the club secure five consecutive Costa Rican Primera División titles from 2006 to 2010. In January 2009, he transferred to in Norway's , where he played until 2011, scoring 15 goals in 47 league appearances. His European journey continued with in Sweden's (2012–2014), amassing 22 goals in 79 matches, followed by a four-year spell at Deportivo La in Spain's and (2015–2018), during which he featured in 107 games and netted 15 goals. After a brief return to Deportivo in 2020–2021, he joined Turkish side Göztepe (2018–2020), appearing in 53 league outings. Since signing with LD Alajuelense in September 2021 on a contract until 2025, Borges has been instrumental in winning two Primera División Apertura titles (2023, 2024) and three titles (2023, 2024, 2025). On the international stage, Borges earned his first cap for on 21 June 2008 in a 3–0 qualifying win over . He has since become the nation's most-capped player with 164 appearances and 27 goals as of November 2025, surpassing previous records held by teammates like . Borges represented at three FIFA —in 2014, where the team reached the quarterfinals; 2018; and 2022—along with eight CONCACAF Gold Cups (2009–2025), scoring five goals in the competition and holding the record for most appearances (25). His leadership and endurance have been key in qualifying campaigns and regional tournaments, including a runner-up finish at the .

Early life and youth career

Early life

Celso Borges was born on May 27, 1988, in San José, the capital city of Costa Rica. His father, Alexandre Guimarães, is a Brazilian-born footballer and coach who became a Costa Rican citizen, represented the national team at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, and later coached the team to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Borges' mother is Costa Rican, providing a blend of Brazilian and Costa Rican heritage in his family background. Growing up in , Borges was immersed in football from an early age due to his father's prominent career in the sport, which included professional playing and coaching roles that highlighted the game's importance in the household. This exposure fostered his initial passion for football, though his father emphasized personal choice over pressure, allowing Borges to develop an organic interest. During his childhood, Borges attended Sistema Educativo Saint Clare, where he completed his high school education and first engaged in organized school sports, including football, before transitioning to more structured training. His early non-professional experiences involved casual play and school activities that built foundational skills in the sport, setting the stage for his later involvement in club academies.

Youth career

Borges began his structured football development in the academy of , Costa Rica's most successful club, where he joined as a young player and progressed through its divisions menores. Supported by his father, Alexandre Guimarães—a former Costa Rican international and coach—Borges honed his midfield skills in the academy, benefiting from the club's renowned training environment that emphasized technical proficiency and tactical awareness. His consistent dedication and family guidance helped him avoid common pitfalls faced by young talents, allowing focused growth in Saprissa's competitive setup. By his late teens, Borges' standout performances in youth training and matches drew attention from senior coaches, leading to his integration into first-team sessions around age 17. This progression culminated in his professional debut for Saprissa's senior squad in January 2006 at age 17, marking the end of his youth phase and the start of his club career.

Club career

Saprissa

Borges made his professional debut for , his boyhood club, on January 15, 2006, at the age of 17, marking the start of his senior career in the . Having progressed through the club's youth ranks, he quickly established himself as a promising central known for his vision and passing ability. In , following consistent performances, Borges signed his first full professional contract with Saprissa, solidifying his role in the first team ahead of his eventual move to . During his tenure from 2006 to 2009, Borges featured regularly in key matches, contributing to Saprissa's attacking transitions and defensive solidity in midfield. He scored notable goals, including efforts in league play and the , where his long-range strikes helped the team advance in group stages during the 2008 edition. His versatility allowed him to play as a deep-lying , assisting in build-up play and occasionally contributing to set-piece goals, which were instrumental in high-stakes Clásico derbies against rivals Alajuelense. Borges' early achievements highlighted his potential, blending technical skill with physical presence in the competitive Costa Rican league environment. Borges played a pivotal role in Saprissa's domestic success, helping the club secure five consecutive Costa Rican Primera División titles from 2006 to 2008. These victories underscored Saprissa's dominance in the during his time there, with Borges often starting in title-deciding playoff matches. Over the course of his stint, he amassed 65 appearances and netted 10 goals across all competitions, providing essential context to his development as a professional footballer.

Fredrikstad FK

Borges joined Norwegian club in January 2009, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract after leaving , though he could not play until the summer opened on 1 July 2009 due to international regulations. The club paid a transfer fee of €125,000 to Saprissa to secure his services ahead of schedule. He made his debut for Fredrikstad on 12 July 2009 in a 1–1 draw against in the , entering as a substitute. During the 2009 Eliteserien season, Borges quickly established himself as a key , contributing to the team's attack despite Fredrikstad's ultimately unsuccessful campaign, which ended in relegation to the 1. divisjon with 14th place. In his partial debut season, he scored several goals, including notable strikes that highlighted his long-range shooting ability. Over his full tenure from 2009 to 2011, Borges made 80 appearances across all competitions, scoring 37 goals and providing assists that underscored his creative influence in midfield. The 2010 season in the 1. divisjon proved pivotal, as Borges played a central role in Fredrikstad's promotion back to the ; the team finished second and secured promotion via playoffs, defeating Hønefoss BK 8–1 on aggregate in November 2010. His goal-scoring form continued, with 11 goals in league play that year, helping stabilize the squad during the transitional period. In 2011, back in the top flight, Borges remained a starter, adding to his tally with consistent performances before announcing his departure in March 2011, citing a desire for new challenges; he left as a at the end of the year, joining in .

AIK

Celso Borges signed a three-year contract with as a from on 1 January 2012, marking his transition to one of Sweden's top clubs in the . His prior experience in provided a solid foundation for adapting to the competitive demands of Scandinavian football. Over his tenure, Borges became a key central midfielder, known for his vision, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring threat from midfield. Borges quickly integrated into the squad, making his debut on 1 April in a 0–0 draw against and scoring his first goal for the club three days later in a 1–0 victory over . In his three seasons with , he appeared in 97 matches across all competitions, scoring 23 goals and recording 16 assists, with a particularly strong record in the where he netted 22 goals in 79 outings. His contributions helped maintain consistent top-four finishes, including in , underscoring his role in the club's title challenges during a period of domestic rivalry. In 2014, following his standout performances at the , Borges featured prominently in 's campaign, playing 26 matches and scoring 6 goals while contributing to the team's fourth-place finish. He also played a vital part in the qualifiers, appearing in all three legs against Steaua București, where advanced past the first round before elimination in the play-offs. Borges added 3 more goals in cup competitions that year, highlighting his versatility and impact in high-stakes fixtures. Borges departed in January 2015, joining on loan for the remainder of the season, with the Spanish club holding an option to make the move permanent amid growing interest from Iberian teams. The transfer reflected his elevated profile after consistent performances in , where he had evolved into a reliable leader in midfield.

Deportivo La Coruña

Celso Borges joined on a free transfer from on January 14, 2015, signing a until the end of the season with an option for a two-year extension. His performances in had attracted attention from Spanish scouts seeking midfield reinforcement for the struggling club. Borges made an immediate impact, debuting in on January 30, 2015, against , where he scored twice—including one from a rebound and another in open play—to secure a 2–1 away victory that boosted Deportivo's relegation survival hopes. During his first stint from 2015 to 2018, Borges became a key figure in midfield, making 111 official appearances, including 107 in La Liga, and scoring 15 goals, many from set pieces such as free kicks that highlighted his dead-ball expertise. He contributed significantly to Deportivo's efforts in multiple relegation battles, helping the team avoid the drop in the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons through crucial goals and consistent performances in high-stakes matches. Borges often served as vice-captain, providing leadership in the dressing room during turbulent times, including the club's eventual relegation to Segunda División at the end of the 2017–18 campaign. Following his transfer to Göztepe in 2018, Borges returned to Deportivo on September 6, 2020, for the season amid the club's promotion push. In his second stint, he featured in 22 matches, scoring 2 goals, and offered experienced guidance to a squad aiming for a return to , though Deportivo ultimately finished third and lost in the promotion . Across both periods, Borges amassed approximately 133 appearances and 17 goals for the club, underscoring his enduring impact. Borges departed Deportivo as a at the end of his contract in August 2021, concluding his time with the Galician side after contributing to its resilience across top-flight and second-division campaigns.

Göztepe

In August 2018, Celso Borges joined Turkish club Göztepe on a permanent transfer from Deportivo La Coruña for a reported fee of €1.5 million, signing a three-year contract. As a central midfielder, Borges quickly adapted to the competitive demands of Turkish football, featuring regularly in the starting lineup and contributing to the team's midfield stability with his passing range and defensive work rate. Over two seasons, he made 62 appearances in the Süper Lig, scoring 3 goals and recording 1 assist, while helping Göztepe secure survival in the 2018–19 campaign by finishing 15th with 38 points, avoiding the relegation zone in a tightly contested bottom half of the table. In the following 2019–20 season, the team achieved a more comfortable mid-table position of 11th with 42 points, bolstered by Borges' consistent performances before the campaign was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Borges' tenure was not without challenges, including occasional fitness issues that limited his availability in key matches during the 2019–20 season. His time at Göztepe ended acrimoniously in August 2020 when the club announced his departure following a unilateral decision by Borges to rescind his contract, amid reported disputes over terms and playing time.

Alajuelense

In September 2021, Celso Borges joined LD Alajuelense on a free transfer after his contract with Deportivo La Coruña expired, marking his return to Costa Rican football after over a decade in . The move allowed the 33-year-old to bring his extensive international experience back home, where he immediately became a of the squad as captain, providing leadership and tactical acumen in the . Borges has been instrumental in Alajuelense's domestic successes, contributing to league titles in the 2023 Clausura, 2024 Apertura, and 2025 Clausura, as well as the 2024 Costa Rican Recopa. By November 2025, he had amassed 198 appearances across all competitions for the club, scoring 12 goals and delivering 32 assists, often dictating play from central midfield with his vision and composure. His veteran presence, honed during stints in , , , and , has helped elevate the team's defensive organization and transition play, fostering a winning mentality among younger teammates. Alajuelense qualified for the in 2023, 2024, and 2025 thanks in part to Borges' consistent performances, with the club advancing to the Round of 16 in 2023 before falling to LAFC on aggregate. In the 2025 season, as of November 10, Borges has featured in 9 matches, logging 2 assists without scoring, while maintaining his role as a reliable who averages high pass completion rates and key interceptions per game. His contract with Alajuelense runs until December 31, 2025, positioning him to potentially extend his influential tenure.

International career

Youth international career

Borges earned his first call-up to a youth national team at age 16, joining the under-17 squad ahead of the 2005 CONCACAF U-17 Championship qualifiers. He featured prominently in the 2005 U-17 Championship, appearing in five matches and scoring once in a 2-1 semifinal win over , which secured 's qualification for the U-17 World Championship in . In the global tournament, Borges played all four of 's matches, including the round of 16 extra-time loss to , and netted a goal in a 1-1 group-stage draw against ; his performances earned him recognition as one of the competition's standout talents. At age 18, Borges transitioned to the under-20 level and became a key midfielder in the 2007 U-20 Championship, where he scored the opener in a 2-0 group-stage victory over and helped finish second overall to qualify for the in . In the proper, he started all three group matches for , who recorded one win (2-0 over ) and two losses (0-1 each to and ), totaling 270 minutes played without scoring. His youth international involvement was somewhat limited thereafter, as his professional move to at 18 prioritized club commitments with , leading to a total of approximately 12 youth caps across the U-17 and U-20 s. By , Borges had transitioned into national setup.

Senior international career

Borges made his senior international debut for on June 21, , in a 3–0 qualifying victory over at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá in . He scored his first international less than three months later, on September 6, , in a 4–0 friendly win against . Over the course of his career, Borges has become a mainstay in the Costa Rican midfield, amassing 164 caps and 27 goals as of November 2025, making him the nation's most-capped player and one of its top scorers; several of his goals have come from free kicks, showcasing his set-piece proficiency. Borges featured prominently in Costa Rica's three consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances from 2014 to 2022. At the 2014 tournament in , he played in all five matches as Costa Rica advanced to the round of 16 for the first time since 1990, defeating 5–3 in a after a 1–1 draw, with Borges converting the opening penalty. The team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the on penalties. In 2018 in and 2022 in , Costa Rica exited in the group stage after three matches each, with Borges starting in all of them and providing defensive stability in midfield. In competitions, Borges has been instrumental in 's strong showings at the Gold Cup, where he has appeared in 29 matches and scored five goals. The team reached the semifinals in 2017 (losing 0–2 to the ) and 2019 (losing 1–1, 5–4 on penalties to ), marking their deepest runs in the tournament during his tenure. As an invited guest nation, also participated in the Copa América Centenario in 2016, where Borges featured in the group stage before a round-of-16 exit on penalties to . Borges has occasionally served as captain for , particularly in matches during the later stages of his career, including in the 2011 Gold Cup and various qualifiers. In 2024, Borges announced his retirement from the national team on March 15 but reversed the decision in September 2025, returning for the 2026 qualifying microcycle, including matches against and in November.

Personal life

Family and background

Celso Borges was born on May 27, 1988, in , to Alexandre , a former professional footballer who represented at the , and Lina Mora, who played a pivotal role in his upbringing by providing emotional support and encouraging his early interest in the sport despite the family's modest circumstances. Borges has maintained a close bond with his father, sharing a deep passion for football that has influenced his career; , who later became a successful coach, offered guidance on tactics and mental preparation, particularly during Borges' transitions between clubs and international duties. This father-son dynamic has been marked by mutual respect, with Borges often citing his father's achievements as a primary inspiration. Borges also shares a strong familial connection with his brother, Mauro Borges, with whom he enjoys activities like family meals, reflecting the supportive environment that helped shape his discipline and resilience in professional football. His mother, Lina Mora, remained largely out of the public eye during his rise but demonstrated her devotion by occasionally appearing in media to celebrate his milestones, underscoring the family's emphasis on privacy and unity amid his high-profile career. In his , Borges married Spanish model Marta Peralta in a private ceremony around 2020, following their engagement the previous year; the couple had no children and prioritized keeping their relationship low-key. They initiated a contentious divorce filing in early 2025, with proceedings ongoing as of 2025, during which Peralta requested protective measures against Borges and his , Alexandre , alleging and pressures to relocate from to . , Borges' club at the time, responded promptly to the public complaint by issuing a statement affirming their support for due process while emphasizing the club's commitment to handling internal matters responsibly. This episode highlighted strains in Borges' family dynamics but did not derail his professional focus.

Citizenship and interests

Borges holds citizenship by birth and originally possessed dual Brazilian-Costa Rican nationality through his father, Alexandre Guimarães, a Brazilian-born former footballer who naturalized in Costa Rica. In 2017, he relinquished his Brazilian citizenship to acquire Spanish nationality, a decision aimed at enhancing his career mobility within the by allowing him to register as an EU player rather than a non-EU foreigner in Spanish leagues. This move was particularly motivated by his contract with , where occupying a non-EU slot limited team options, while he retained his Costa Rican citizenship as a reflection of his deep loyalty to the country he has represented internationally since youth. Beyond football, Borges has demonstrated notable talent as a drummer and maintains music as a significant , particularly heavy metal and rock genres. In 2015, he showcased his skills by performing a cover of System of a Down's "," drumming alongside musician Kurt Dyer on guitar and vocals, in a video that highlighted his musical proficiency and drew attention to his off-pitch passions. He has cited American heavy rock as a major influence, occasionally integrating music into relaxation routines during his professional career. Borges engages in philanthropy in Costa Rica, supporting causes through participation in charitable events. In June 2017, he performed a lengthy set at a Hard Rock Cafe concert in San José, selecting his favorite songs to raise funds for a children's charity, with his father in attendance. He has also taken part in the annual "90 Minutos por la Vida" charity football match, a pre-season fundraiser benefiting health-related initiatives, where he notably executed skillful plays during the 2023 edition. Looking toward his post-playing career, Borges has expressed aspirations to pursue , drawing inspiration from his father's extensive experience as a successful manager in and internationally. This interest has manifested in his involvement with youth development programs during his playing days, reflecting a desire to contribute to football's growth in after retirement.

Career statistics

Club

As of 16 November 2025.
ClubLeagueAppearancesGoals
Primera División6510
Eliteserien / 1. divisjon8037
AIK Allsvenskan9723
Deportivo La Coruña La Liga / Segunda División13317
Göztepe Süper Lig623
LD Alajuelense Primera División19812
Career total635102

International

As of 14 November 2025.
National teamYearAppsGoals
2008–present16427

International goals

(Detailed list omitted for brevity; total 27 goals across competitions including 6 in World Cup qualifiers, 5 in Gold Cup.)

Honours

Club

Borges began his professional career at , where he contributed to four titles: the 2006/07, 2007/08 Apertura, 2007/08 Clausura, and 2008/09 Apertura. With LD Alajuelense, he won two titles: the 2021–22 Clausura and the 2022–23 Clausura. He also helped the club secure two Copa de Costa Rica trophies in 2023–24 and 2024–25, as well as two titles in 2023 and 2024. During his tenures in with clubs such as , , Deportivo La Coruña, and Göztepe, Borges did not win any major honours. No significant individual club awards, such as Player of the Year at Saprissa or fair play recognitions, are recorded for him.

International

Borges has been a key figure in 's international successes, contributing to three qualifications and participations in 2014, 2018, and 2022. In the 2014 tournament held in , he helped the team reach the quarter-finals, their best-ever performance, defeating in a before losing to the . In the 2018 edition in and 2022 in , advanced to the group stage, with Borges featuring prominently in both campaigns. With the Costa Rica national team, Borges participated in multiple editions of the , achieving semi-final appearances in 2009 and 2013. In 2009, the team lost to on penalties in the semi-finals after a 1-1 draw. In 2013, they fell to the 1-0 in the semi-finals en route to the final won by the hosts. Costa Rica also reached the quarter-finals in 2011 (losing to on penalties), 2015 (defeated by ), 2017 (eliminated by the ), and 2019 (lost to ). As an invited guest to the in , Borges contributed to 's third-place finish in Group A with three points from a 2-0 win over , though the team did not advance to the knockout stage. In regional competitions, he was part of the Costa Rica squads that finished as runners-up in the 2009 UNCAF Nations Cup and won the in 2013. Individually, Borges holds the record for most appearances for with 163 caps as of November 2025. He was also Costa Rica's leading scorer during the qualifiers, netting six goals in 15 matches, including a brace in a 3-1 victory over the .
TournamentAchievementYear(s)
Participation (Quarter-finals in 2014)2014, 2018, 2022
Semi-finals2009, 2013
Quarter-finals2011, 2015, 2017, 2019
Copa América (invited)Group stage (3rd in Group A)2011
Winner2013

References

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