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Liga FPD
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 | |
| Founded | 13 June 1921 |
|---|---|
| Country | Costa Rica |
| Confederation | CONCACAF |
| Number of clubs | 12 |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Relegation to | Liga de Ascenso |
| Domestic cup | Costa Rican Cup |
| International cup(s) | Regional CONCACAF Central American Cup Continental CONCACAF Champions Cup |
| Current champions | Herediano (31st title) (2025 Clausura) |
| Most championships | Saprissa (40 titles) |
| Broadcaster(s) | FUTV Tigo Sports TD+ |
| Website | unafut |
| Current: 2025–26 Liga FPD season | |
The Primera División of Costa Rica, commonly known as Liga de Fútbol de Primera División (Liga FPD),[1] and Liga Promerica for sponsorship reasons,[2] is the top professional association football division in Costa Rica. It is administered by the Unión de Clubes de Fútbol de la Primera División (UNAFUT).[3] The league consists of 12 teams, with the last-placed team relegated to the Liga de Ascenso.
The league was founded in 1921,[3] with Herediano crowned as the first champions.[4] Saprissa is the most successful club having won the championship a record 40 times. Together with Herediano (31 titles) and Alajuelense (30 titles) they have dominated the league.
Competition format
[edit]
The Liga FPD features a format in which two separate tournaments are held over the course of one particular season. The Torneo de Apertura (Spanish for "Opening Tournament") lasts from July to December, while the Torneo de Clausura (Spanish for "Closing Tournament") lasts from January to May. From 2007 to 2017, these were known respectively as Torneo de Invierno ("Winter Tournament") and Torneo de Verano ("Summer Tournament"), based on the Costa Rican seasons, with the Invierno tournament played during the rainy season and the Verano tournament played during the dry season.
A separate tournament is played on stages. The first stage follows the usual double round-robin format. During the course of a tournament, each club plays every other club twice, once at home and once away, for a total of 22 matchdays. Teams receive three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. Teams are ranked by total points, with the top-four clubs at the end of the stage qualifying to the second stage. The second stage consists of a quadrangular in which the best four teams qualified will face each other twice again, adding 6 additional matchdays. If the top team of the first stage also wins the quadrangular, the club will be crowned as champions; otherwise, a double-legged final will be played between the winners of the first stage and the winners of the quadrangular to determine the champion.
Promotion and relegation
[edit]A system of promotion and relegation exists between the Primera División and the Segunda División. In spite of having two champions during a regular season, the Liga FPD only relegates one team per season based on the aggregate performance in both Apertura and Clausura tournaments. The last-placed team in the aggregate table is relegated to the Liga de Ascenso.
Qualifying for CONCACAF competitions
[edit]The top teams in the Liga FPD qualify to the CONCACAF Champions League. Starting in the 2017–18 season, the CONCACAF Champions League will be separated into two stages. The first stage is CONCACAF League, which consists of sixteen teams from Central America and the Caribbean, in which the winner qualifies to the second stage, the Champions League, joining other fifteen teams. Because of this format, the qualification criteria in the Liga FPD are:
- If one team wins both the Apertura and Clausura tournaments
- The double champion will qualify directly to the second stage of the Champions League
- The two non-champion teams with the best aggregate record at the end of the season will qualify to the CONCACAF League
- If two teams are crowned champions over the season
- The champion with the best aggregate record will qualify directly to the second stage of the Champions League
- The champion with the worst aggregate record will qualify to the CONCACAF League
- The non-champion team with the best aggregate record will qualify to the CONCACAF League
History
[edit]
On 13 June 1921, the Costa Rican Football Federation was created. With its creation, the need of a tournament also emerged, along with the establishment of a national team, as a result of Costa Rica being invited to the 1921 Juegos del Centenario in Guatemala.[5]
The first season of the Costa Rican Primera División was played in 1921 with seven teams: Alajuelense, Cartaginés, Herediano, La Libertad, Sociedad Gimnástica Española, Sociedad Gimnástica Limonense and La Unión de Tres Ríos. La Libertad and Gimnástica Limonense played the first ever match of the Liga FPD, with La Libertad emerging victorious with a lone goal scored by Rafael Madrigal. Herediano were crowned as champions.[5]
In 1999, the Costa Rican Football Federation created the UNAFUT (acronym of Unión de Clubes de Fútbol de la Primera División), an entity designed for the organization and administration of the Primera División tournament and its youth leagues (known as Alto Rendimiento).[3]
On 9 January 2014, UNAFUT decided to rename the tournament to Liga FPD, in order to give more identity to the league.[6]
The main rivalry in the league is El Clásico, played by Alajuelense and Saprissa, as both teams are the most successful in the league and both share the vast majority of followers throughout the country. Since their first encounter at the old national stadium on 12 October 1949, the two teams have faced each other in over 300 matches, with the winning balance in favor of Saprissa.[7]
Clubs 2025-26
[edit]
Location of clubs in 2025-26 season
Location of clubs in San José province
| Team | Location | Stadium | Capacity | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alajuelense | Alajuela, Alajuela | Alejandro Morera Soto | 17,895 | 1919 |
| Cartaginés | Cartago, Cartago | José Rafael "Fello" Meza | 13,500 | 1906 |
| Herediano | Heredia, Heredia | Eladio Rosabal Cordero[9] | 8,068 | 1921 |
| Guadelupe | Guadelupe, San José | "Colleya" Fonseca | 4,500 | 2017 |
| Liberia | Liberia, Guanacaste | Edgardo Baltodano | 6,500 | 1977 |
| Pérez Zeledón | San Isidro de El General, San José | Estadio Municipal | 3,259 | 1991 |
| Puntarenas F.C. | Puntarenas, Puntarenas | Estadio Lito Pérez | 4,105 | 2004 |
| San Carlos | Ciudad Quesada, Alajuela | Carlos Ugalde Álvarez | 4,080 | 1965 |
| Saprissa | San Juan de Tibás, San José | Ricardo Saprissa | 23,112 | 1935 |
| Sporting F.C. | Pavas, San José | Ernesto Rohrmoser | 3,000 | 2016 |
Champions
[edit]Performance by club
[edit]| Club | Winners | Runners-up | Winning years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saprissa | 40
|
21
|
1952, 1953, 1957, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1982, 1988, 1989, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1997–98, 1998–99, 2003–04, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007 Invierno, 2008 Verano, 2008 Invierno, 2010 Verano, 2014 Verano, 2014 Invierno, 2015 Invierno, 2016 Invierno, 2018 Clausura, 2020 Clausura, 2021 Clausura, 2022 Apertura, 2023 Clausura, 2023 Apertura, 2024 Clausura |
| Herediano | 31
|
25
|
1921, 1922, 1924, 1927, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1935, 1937, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1955, 1961 Asofútbol, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1985, 1987, 1992–93, 2012 Verano, 2013 Verano, 2015 Verano, 2016 Verano, 2017 Verano, 2018 Apertura, 2019 Apertura, 2021 Apertura, 2024 Apertura, 2025 Clausura |
| Alajuelense | 30
|
31
|
1928, 1939, 1941, 1945, 1949, 1950, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1970, 1971, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2010 Invierno, 2011 Verano, 2011 Invierno, 2012 Invierno, 2013 Invierno, 2020 Apertura |
| La Libertad | 6
|
6
|
1925, 1926, 1929, 1934, 1942, 1946 |
| Cartaginés | 4
|
11
|
1923, 1936, 1940, 2022 Clausura |
| Orión | 2
|
7
|
1938, 1944 |
| Municipal Puntarenas | 1
|
3
|
1986 |
| San Carlos | 1
|
2
|
2019 Clausura |
| Uruguay de Coronado | 1
|
1
|
1963 |
| Pérez Zeledón | 1
|
1
|
2017 Apertura |
| Universidad de Costa Rica | 1
|
0
|
1943 |
| Carmelita | 1
|
0
|
1961 Fedefútbol |
| Liberia Mía | 1
|
0
|
2009 Verano |
| Brujas | 1
|
0
|
2009 Invierno |
Player records
[edit]Top scorers
[edit]| Rank | Nat. | Player | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 
|
Victor Núñez Rodríguez | 246 |
| 2 |
|
Errol Daniels | 196 |
| 3 |
|
Jonathan McDonald | 183 |
| 4 |
|
Roy Sáenz | 168 |
| 5 |
|
Álvaro Saborio | 167 |
| 6 |
|
Leonel Hernández | 164 |
| 7 |
|
Guillermo Guardia | 149 |
| 8 |
|
Evaristo Coronado | 148 |
| 9 |
|
Alejandro Alpízar | 147 |
| 9 |
|
Erick Scott | 147 |
| 11 |
|
Juan Ulloa | 140 |
| 12 |
|
Vicente Wanchope | 133 |
Most appearances
[edit]
| Rank | Nat. | Player | Years | Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Marvin Obando | 1979–2000 | 685 |
| 2 |
|
Julio Fuller | 1975–1994 | 684 |
| 3 |
|
Enrique Díaz | 1977–1996 | 676 |
| 4 |
|
Danny Fonseca | 1999–2018 | 656 |
| 5 |
|
Allen Guevara | 2008– | 625 |
| 6 |
|
Félix Montoya | 1999–2019 | 619 |
| 7 |
|
Óscar Granados | 2004–2022 | 608 |
| 8 |
|
Marvin Angulo | 2006– | 606 |
| 9 |
|
Luis Diego Arnáez | 1987–2005 | 579 |
| 10 |
|
Keilor Soto | 2001–2021 | 576 |
| 11 |
|
Mauricio Montero | 1980–1990 | 557 |
| 12 |
|
Wílmer López | 1992–2009 | 550 |
| 13 |
|
Óscar Ramírez | 1983–1999 | 542 |
| 14 |
|
Evaristo Coronado | 1981–1995 | 536 |
| 15 |
|
Luis Quirós | 1986–2000 | 531 |
References
[edit]- ^ Molina Salas, José Pablo. "Legacy Irazú es el balón oficial presentado por Voit para la Liga FPD". unafut.com (in European Spanish). Archived from the original on 22 July 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
- ^ "Liga Promerica será el nuevo concepto del fútbol de la primera división". unafut.com. Archived from the original on 11 September 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
- ^ a b c "¿Quiénes Somos?". unafut.com (in European Spanish). Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
- ^ "Primera División". unafut.com (in European Spanish). Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
- ^ a b Coto, Gerardo. "1921". UNAFUT.com. UNAFUT. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
- ^ Vargas, Gabriel (10 January 2014). "Fission es el balón que se usará en el torneo de Verano 2014". La Nación (in Spanish). Retrieved 25 May 2017.
- ^ "Una rivalidad que divide a los ticos". FIFA.com (in European Spanish). FIFA. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on January 1, 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2017.
- ^ "Calendario Torneo Apertura 2023". www.unafut.org. UNAFUT, Genius Sports Group. Retrieved 9 Jan 2024.
- ^ Herediano is temporarily playing at Estadio "Colleya" Fonseca in Guadalupe, San José while their home stadium undergoes renovation [8]
- ^ "Primera División". www.unafut.com (in European Spanish). UNAFUT. Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
- ^ "Club de los 100". www.unafut.com (in European Spanish). UNAFUT. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
- ^ "Jugadores con más partidos de campeonato nacional". unafut.com (in European Spanish). UNAFUT. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2017.
External links
[edit]- (in Spanish) UNAFUT – Primera División de Costa Rica
- (in Spanish) Federación Costarricense de Fútbol (Football Federation of Costa Rica)
- (in English) Costa Rica – List of Champions and Runners Up, RSSSF.com
- (in English) Primera División summary Soccerway
- (in English) Primera Division, standings, results & fixtures at Donnael.com
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Liga FPD
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
League Organization
Founding and Governance
The Liga FPD, originally established as the Primera División de Costa Rica, was founded on June 13, 1921, by the Costa Rican Football Federation (FEDEFUTBOL), which organized the inaugural tournament among seven clubs to meet the need for a national competition following the federation's creation.[4] Initially operating as an amateur league, it marked the formal beginning of organized top-tier football in the country, with Herediano claiming the first championship.[5] Governance of the league has evolved under FEDEFUTBOL's oversight, with day-to-day administration delegated to the Unión de Clubes de Fútbol de la Primera División (UNAFUT), a non-profit association formed by the 12 first-division clubs and recognized as the professional league entity since 1999.[6] UNAFUT's structure includes a General Assembly as the supreme decision-making body, comprising representatives from each affiliated club, and an Executive Committee (Consejo Director) of five elected members responsible for operational management, including financial and competitive affairs.[7] FEDEFUTBOL retains ultimate authority, approving key regulations and ensuring alignment with FIFA standards, while UNAFUT holds rights to organize domestic competitions.[8] League administration follows specific rules outlined in UNAFUT's statutes and competition norms, where the General Assembly approves major changes such as tournament formats, often delegating implementation to the Executive Committee, provided they comply with FEDEFUTBOL's guidelines.[7] Dispute resolutions are handled internally through UNAFUT's jurisdictional bodies, including the Competition Committee for match-related issues and the Disciplinary Tribunal for sanctions, with appeals escalating to FEDEFUTBOL's National Chamber of Dispute Resolution or, ultimately, the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.[7][8] This framework emphasizes non-judicial resolution, prohibiting recourse to ordinary courts for football-related matters. The league's initial amateur status began transitioning toward professionalism in 1961 amid a federation split, when five major clubs formed the short-lived Asociación de Fútbol Profesional (ASOFUTBOL) to organize a superior league, though operations soon reunified under FEDEFUTBOL, paving the way for paid player contracts and modern structures.[9]Sponsorship and Naming Rights
The Liga de Fútbol de Primera División, commonly abbreviated as Liga FPD, has seen its naming evolve through sponsorship agreements that reflect the growing commercialization of Costa Rican professional football. Established in 1921 as the Primera División de Costa Rica under the auspices of the Costa Rican Football Federation, the competition transitioned to a fully professional format in 1942 and was rebranded as the Campeonato Nacional de Fútbol to signify this shift. In 2014, the league's organizing body, the Unión de Clubes de Fútbol de la Primera División (UNAFUT), adopted the Liga FPD name to foster a distinct brand identity separate from the federation's oversight.[10] Sponsorship-driven naming began in earnest in the late 2010s, with the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons branded as the Campeonato Banco Popular under a deal with Banco Popular, a prominent Costa Rican financial institution. This marked an early effort to leverage corporate partnerships for league visibility and funding. The current primary sponsorship commenced with the 2019–20 season, renaming the league Liga Promerica in partnership with Banco Promerica, which provides premium support including branding on official materials, match balls, and promotional campaigns. The agreement was initially set for multiple years, renewed in 2021 to extend through June 2025, and further prolonged in September 2024 to 2030, representing the longest such commitment in the league's history and underscoring Promerica's role in elevating the competition's profile.[11][12][13] These sponsorships have profoundly influenced the league's financial landscape, distributing funds to the 12 participating clubs for operational costs, youth development, and facility upgrades, which has helped mitigate economic volatility in Costa Rican football. For instance, the Promerica partnership allocates resources for fan engagement initiatives and digital enhancements, indirectly boosting attendance and media rights values while stabilizing club budgets amid fluctuating gate receipts. Major financial entities like Banco Nacional have complemented these efforts through ancillary sponsorships tied to broadcasting partnerships, such as supporting televised matches on networks like Teletica and Sky HD, which have expanded national viewership and generated additional revenue streams for the league. Overall, such commercial ties have been instrumental in professionalizing the Liga FPD, enabling sustainable growth and competitive balance among teams.[11][14]Competition Format
Tournament Structure
The Liga FPD season is structured as two distinct short tournaments: the Apertura, spanning July to December, and the Clausura, running from January to May. For the 2025–26 season, each tournament features 10 teams participating in a regular phase.[15][16][17] The regular phase follows a double round-robin format, with each team playing every other team twice—once at home and once away—resulting in 18 matches per team across 18 rounds. The top four teams from this phase qualify for the playoffs to determine the tournament champion.[18] Playoffs are conducted in a knockout format consisting of semifinals and finals, both played over home-and-away legs, with the higher-seeded team hosting the return leg. The semifinals pit the first-place team against the fourth and the second against the third. If the regular phase leader differs from the playoff winner, a Gran Final match-up between them, also in home-and-away legs, crowns the overall tournament champion. In case of aggregate ties in any playoff leg, teams proceed to 30 minutes of extra time (two 15-minute halves); if still level, a penalty shootout resolves the outcome.[18][19] Tie-breaking rules for the regular phase standings are applied sequentially: overall goal difference, total goals scored, points from head-to-head matches, head-to-head goal difference, head-to-head goals scored, and, as a last resort, a random draw conducted by UNAFUT.[19]Promotion and Relegation
The promotion and relegation system between the Liga FPD and the Liga de Ascenso ensures vertical mobility, with one team descending from the top tier and one ascending from the second tier each season to foster competitiveness and reward consistent performance.[13] For the 2025–26 season, the league temporarily features 10 teams due to the disqualification of A.D. Guanacasteca and Santos de Guápiles. Relegation is determined by the aggregate table, which combines points from the 18 matches of the Apertura and the 18 matches of the Clausura, totaling 36 games per team. The club with the lowest cumulative points at the end of the Clausura is automatically relegated to the Liga de Ascenso, emphasizing season-long consistency over isolated tournament results. This approach has been in place since the adoption of the short-tournament format, helping to prevent one poor phase from solely dictating a team's fate while still penalizing overall underperformance. For instance, in the 2020–21 season, Municipal Grecia was relegated after accumulating just 41 points across the full campaign, finishing last in the aggregate standings with a notably weak Clausura (10 points from 22 games).[13][20] Promotion from the Liga de Ascenso is awarded to the overall champion, decided through its parallel Apertura and Clausura structure. The winners of each short tournament advance to playoffs; if different clubs claim the titles, they contest a final match, with the victor earning direct entry to the Liga FPD for the next season. A repeat champion from both tournaments secures automatic promotion without additional play. This playoff system, operational since the league's modernization, guarantees that promoted teams have proven themselves in high-stakes competition within the second tier. For the 2025–26 season, Guadalupe was promoted following their prior relegation in 2023.[21][22]Qualification for International Competitions
The winners of the Liga FPD's Apertura and Clausura tournaments qualify directly for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, providing the primary pathway for top-performing clubs to continental competition.[23] Costa Rica is allocated up to four spots in the tournament each season, with priority given to these champions; additional berths are awarded to the Clausura runner-up and the leader of the season's aggregate table if they have not already qualified through championship success.[23] For clubs finishing outside the top positions, the CONCACAF Central American Cup offers an alternative route to international play, typically filled by mid-table teams based on their overall league performance.[24] In the 2025 edition, four Liga FPD clubs—LD Alajuelense, CS Herediano, Deportivo Saprissa, and CS Cartaginés—participated after securing spots via strong showings in the 2024–25 aggregate table, excluding those already bound for the Champions Cup.[24] Success in this tournament further feeds into the Champions Cup, as its four semifinalists automatically advance to the next edition, creating layered opportunities for Liga FPD sides.[25]History
Origins and Early Years (1921–1960)
The Liga de Fútbol, the precursor to the modern Liga FPD, was established on June 13, 1921, as Costa Rica's first national football championship, prompted by an invitation from Guatemala to participate in the Centenary Games and necessitating a structured domestic competition.[26] Seven clubs formed the inaugural league: CS Herediano, SG Española, CS La Libertad, CS Cartaginés, SG Limonense, CS La Unión (from Tres Ríos), and LD Alajuelense, all representing the amateur ethos prevalent in early 20th-century Central American football.[26] The season began on July 3, 1921, with SG Limonense hosting CS La Libertad in the first match, a 0–1 victory for the visitors, marking the start of organized top-level play in the country.[26] CS Herediano emerged as the first champions, finishing with 9 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in an 11-match campaign, scoring 37 goals while conceding 12 to secure 19 points, underscoring the league's immediate competitive intensity despite its amateur status.[26] The early format consisted of a single annual tournament played over a calendar year, typically involving a round-robin schedule among a small number of teams, reflecting the regional amateur model seen in neighboring countries like Guatemala and El Salvador, where football was governed by national federations without paid players.[5] This structure emphasized community-based participation, with matches often held on rudimentary fields in the Central Valley, and the league's growth was gradual, expanding to include occasional new entrants while maintaining its non-professional character.[27] A pivotal early event was the league's direct contribution to the formation of Costa Rica's amateur national team, which debuted internationally on September 14, 1921, just months after the domestic league's launch, defeating El Salvador 7–0 in the Centenary Games in Guatemala City; players were drawn primarily from the founding clubs, establishing the league as the primary talent pool for representative sides. Herediano's dominance in the 1920s, winning five titles between 1921 and 1930, further solidified the league's role in nurturing national talent, as seen in subsequent Central American competitions.[5] Throughout the 1921–1960 period, the league faced significant challenges, including regional disparities that limited participation—most teams hailed from the densely populated Central Valley (San José, Alajuela, Cartago), while outliers like SG Limonense from the Caribbean coast struggled with long travel distances on poor roads, often resulting in forfeited or postponed matches.[26] The absence of professional infrastructure was evident in inconsistent scheduling, with no seasons played in 1954 and 1956 due to organizational and financial hurdles, and reliance on volunteer officials and basic venues that hindered broader development.[5] Despite these obstacles, the amateur era fostered rivalries among clubs like Herediano (11 titles), Alajuelense (7 titles), and emerging powers such as Saprissa (3 titles by 1960), laying the groundwork for Costa Rica's football identity without monetary incentives until the shift toward professionalism in the early 1960s.[5]Expansion and Professional Era (1961–2000)
The transition to a fully professional era in Costa Rican football began in 1961, marked by the first commercial player transfers, including notable deals between Orión FC and Deportivo Saprissa, which introduced mercantilization and shifted the league from amateur roots to a more structured professional framework.[28] That year, the Primera División featured eight teams in the FEDEFUTBOL tournament, including Herediano, Saprissa, Cartaginés, Alajuelense, El Carmen FC, Uruguay de Coronado, Orión FC, and Gimnástica Española, amid a brief schism with a parallel five-team Asofutbol league that was resolved by 1962.[9] This professionalization aligned with broader governance under the Federación Costarricense de Fútbol, enabling greater investment and competitiveness, though the annual single-round-robin format persisted initially. Throughout the 1970s, the league expanded structurally, with the number of teams growing to nine by 1970 and stabilizing around ten in subsequent years, incorporating regional clubs to broaden participation beyond the central valley.[29] Deportivo Saprissa dominated this decade, securing seven consecutive titles from 1972 to 1978, a record streak that underscored their organizational strength and talent development, while Alajuelense claimed back-to-back wins in 1970 and 1971.[5] These expansions reflected efforts to professionalize operations, including improved player contracts and scouting, setting the stage for sustained growth in attendance and media interest. In the 1980s and 1990s, rivalry intensified among the "Big Three"—Saprissa, Alajuelense, and Herediano— with Alajuelense winning four titles in the 1980s (1980, 1983, 1984, and a shared 1989/90 season) and Saprissa adding three (1982, 1988/89, 1989/90), though Herediano and underdog Municipal Puntarenas interrupted with three and one, respectively.[5] The 1990s saw further consolidation, with Alajuelense securing five titles (1990/91, 1991/92, 1995/96, 1996/97, 1999/00) and Saprissa four (1993/94, 1994/95, 1997/98, 1998/99), amid the promotion of teams like Limonense in 1994, which formalized a more rigorous relegation system based on cumulative points to ensure competitive balance and prevent financial instability.[28] Infrastructure advanced significantly, highlighted by the 1972 opening of Estadio Ricardo Saprissa (capacity 24,000), Saprissa's dedicated home that boosted fan engagement, and renovations to Alajuelense's Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in the 1980s–1990s, alongside upgrades to San José's Estadio Nacional de La Sabana for better facilities and safety.[28]Modern Developments (2001–Present)
In the early 2000s, the Costa Rican Primera División underwent significant structural changes to enhance competitiveness and fan engagement. By the 2007–08 season, the league fully adopted the Apertura and Clausura split-season format, dividing the calendar year into two independent tournaments that culminate in separate championships. This shift allowed for more frequent title opportunities, with each half-season featuring a regular phase followed by playoffs among the top teams, resulting in two champions annually rather than a single long-season winner. The 2010s marked a period of globalization for the league, driven by increased player exports to higher-profile competitions abroad. Costa Rican talents, often scouted from Liga FPD clubs, began securing contracts in Major League Soccer (MLS) and European leagues, elevating the domestic competition's reputation and quality. For instance, the influx of MLS opportunities revolutionized the Costa Rican transfer market, with at least 11 players from the national pool moving to MLS teams by 2016, fostering technical improvements and financial stability back home through transfer fees and returning experienced players. This trend peaked during the decade, as evidenced by the national team's strong performances in international tournaments, crediting MLS-influenced rosters for their success.[30][31] The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the 2020 season profoundly, suspending the Clausura tournament on March 17 after Costa Rica declared a national emergency. The league adapted by becoming the first in the Americas to resume play on May 20, implementing strict bio-secure protocols including regular testing, no spectators, and enhanced hygiene measures. Format adjustments included allowing five substitutions per match to account for player fatigue amid the condensed schedule, enabling the season to conclude without further major interruptions.[32][33] In 2021, the league rebranded under sponsorship as Liga Promérica, reflecting a push for greater commercial visibility while maintaining its core structure. Concurrently, efforts to integrate and bolster women's football intensified, aligning with broader federation initiatives, including the establishment of the professional Liga Femenina de Fútbol in 2018 to develop female talent parallel to the men's league. By 2025, these included Costa Rica's participation in a joint bid with the United States, Mexico, and Jamaica to host the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup, aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and grassroots programs for female players. This commitment was underscored by the women's national team's gold medal at the 2025 Central American Games, highlighting improved integration between domestic leagues and international ambitions.[34][35]Participating Clubs
Current Teams (2025–26 Season)
The 2025–26 Liga FPD season features 10 teams, a reduction from the traditional 12 due to the disqualification of AD Guanacasteca and Santos de Guápiles for administrative reasons. The participating clubs are listed below with their home stadiums, nicknames, and kit suppliers as of November 2025.| Team | Nickname | Home Stadium (Capacity) | Kit Supplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD Alajuelense | Manudos | Estadio Alejandro Morera Fernández (17,895) | Umbro |
| Deportivo Saprissa | Morados | Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá (23,112) | Joma |
| CS Herediano | Floristas | Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero (8,310) | Admiral |
| CS Cartaginés | Brumosos | Estadio Fello Meza (11,500) | Kelme |
| AD Municipal Liberia | Pamperos | Estadio Edgardo Baltodano Briceño (7,000) | Joma |
| Municipal Pérez Zeledón | Guerreros | Estadio Municipal Pérez Zeledón (6,000) | Marathon |
| AD San Carlos | Toros | Estadio Carlos Ugalde Álvarez (5,600) | Kappa |
| Sporting San José | Tigres | Estadio José Luis Castrillo (4,000) | Erreà |
| Puntarenas FC | Chas | Estadio Miguel Ángel Lotina (3,000) | Masita |
| Guadalupe FC | Guadalupanos | Estadio Colleya Fernández (4,500) | Joma |
Notable Former Clubs
Since its inception in 1921, the Primera División de Costa Rica—now known as Liga FPD—has seen a total of 51 clubs participate across its tournaments, with numerous teams exiting through relegation, financial difficulties, or outright dissolution, contributing to the league's evolving landscape.[36] One of the most impactful former clubs was Club Sport La Libertad, a founding member of the league in 1921 alongside Herediano, Alajuelense, and Cartaginés, which captured the 1942 national championship before dissolving in the mid-20th century due to organizational challenges.[37][38] Its early presence helped establish competitive balance in the league's formative years, fostering regional rivalries in San José. Similarly, Orión FC, active from the 1930s to the 1950s, secured the 1944 title and played a key role in promoting youth development, but ceased operations amid post-war economic strains, leaving a legacy of tactical innovation during the amateur era.[38][39] In more recent decades, Brujas FC emerged as a surprise powerhouse, winning the 2009 Apertura championship under coach Humberto Vargas and qualifying for the CONCACAF Champions League, where it showcased Costa Rican talent internationally before financial mismanagement led to its dissolution in 2017.[38] Likewise, Liberia Mía, founded in 2003 as a revival of local Guanacaste football, claimed the 2012 Invierno title and produced national team players like Yeltsin Tejeda, but folded in 2014 after repeated ownership disputes and failure to meet federation financial requirements.[38] These clubs' departures via relegation mechanics—often involving aggregate performance over Apertura and Clausura phases—highlighted the league's promotion-relegation system's role in maintaining competitiveness.[40] Municipal Liberia, established in 1977, experienced multiple stints in the top flight, including promotions in 1993 and 2021, but faced relegation in 2017 due to poor aggregate standings, underscoring its regional significance in representing Guanacaste before returning.[41] AD Guanacasteca, founded in 1973, had brief top-division appearances in the 1978–79 and early 2000s seasons, achieving promotion through second-division triumphs in 1975, 1985, 1995, and 2002, yet was relegated shortly after each due to infrastructural and financial limitations, contributing to the province's football identity before its latest return in 2022.[42][43] Clubs like these, despite their exits, enriched Liga FPD's history by producing talents and securing titles that elevated Costa Rican football's profile in CONCACAF.Champions and Achievements
List of Champions
The Liga FPD, Costa Rica's top-tier football league, has crowned champions annually since 1921, with some seasons not contested due to organizational issues. Prior to the 2007/08 season, titles were awarded through full-year tournaments or aggregates, often culminating in playoffs; since then, the league has operated on a split-season format with separate Apertura (fall) and Clausura (spring) champions determined by playoffs. The following table lists all champions and runners-up chronologically, based on official records up to the 2024/25 Clausura as of May 2025; the 2025/26 Apertura was ongoing as of November 2025 and had no champion declared.[5]| Season | Tournament | Champion | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1921 | Full year | Herediano | Gimnástica Española |
| 1922 | Full year | Herediano | La Libertad |
| 1923 | Full year | Cartaginés | La Libertad |
| 1924 | Full year | Herediano | Cartaginés |
| 1925 | Full year | La Libertad | Herediano |
| 1926 | Full year | La Libertad | Cartaginés |
| 1927 | Full year | Herediano | La Libertad |
| 1928 | Full year | Alajuelense | Gimnástica Española |
| 1929 | Full year | La Libertad | Alajuelense |
| 1930 | Full year | Herediano | Gimnástica Española |
| 1931 | Full year | Herediano | Orión |
| 1932 | Full year | Herediano | La Libertad |
| 1933 | Full year | Herediano | Gimnástica Española |
| 1934 | Full year | La Libertad | Alajuela Junior |
| 1935 | Full year | Herediano | Alajuela Junior |
| 1936 | Full year | Cartaginés | La Libertad |
| 1937 | Full year | Herediano | Gimnástica Española |
| 1938 | Full year | Orión | Gimnástica Española |
| 1939 | Full year | Alajuelense | Herediano |
| 1940 | Full year | Cartaginés | Orión |
| 1941 | Full year | Alajuelense | La Libertad |
| 1942 | Full year | La Libertad | Gimnástica Española |
| 1943 | Full year | Universidad de Costa Rica | Alajuelense |
| 1944 | Full year | Orión | Herediano |
| 1945 | Full year | Alajuelense | Orión |
| 1946 | Full year | La Libertad | Herediano |
| 1947 | Full year | Herediano | La Libertad |
| 1948 | Full year | Herediano | Alajuelense |
| 1949 | Full year | Alajuelense | Orión |
| 1950 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 1951 | Full year | Herediano | Orión |
| 1952 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1953 | Full year | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 1954 | - | Not played | - |
| 1955 | Full year | Herediano | Saprissa |
| 1956 | - | Not played | - |
| 1957 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1958 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 1959 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 1960 | Full year | Alajuelense | Herediano |
| 1961 | Full year (Asofútbol) | Herediano | Saprissa |
| 1961 | Full year (Federación) | Carmelita | Uruguay |
| 1962 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1963 | Full year | Uruguay | Saprissa |
| 1964 | Full year | Saprissa | Orión |
| 1965 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1966 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 1967 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1968 | Full year | Saprissa | Cartaginés |
| 1969 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1970 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 1971 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 1972 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1973 | Full year | Saprissa | Cartaginés |
| 1974 | Full year | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 1975 | Full year | Saprissa | Cartaginés |
| 1976 | Full year | Saprissa | Barrio México |
| 1977 | Full year | Saprissa | Cartaginés |
| 1978 | Full year | Herediano | Municipal Puntarenas |
| 1979 | Full year | Herediano | Cartaginés |
| 1980 | Full year | Alajuelense | Herediano |
| 1981 | Full year | Herediano | Limonense |
| 1982 | Full year | Saprissa | Municipal Puntarenas |
| 1983 | Full year | Alajuelense | Municipal Puntarenas |
| 1984 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 1985 | Full year | Herediano | Alajuelense |
| 1986/87 | Full year | Municipal Puntarenas | Alajuelense |
| 1987/88 | Full year | Herediano | Cartaginés |
| 1988/89 | Full year | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 1989/90 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1990/91 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 1991/92 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 1992/93 | Full year | Herediano | Cartaginés |
| 1993/94 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1994/95 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1995/96 | Full year | Alajuelense | Cartaginés |
| 1996/97 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 1997/98 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1998/99 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 1999/00 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 2000/01 | Full year | Alajuelense | Herediano |
| 2001/02 | Full year | Alajuelense | Santos de Guápiles |
| 2002/03 | Full year | Alajuelense | Saprissa |
| 2003/04 | Full year | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 2004/05 | Full year | Alajuelense | Pérez Zeledón |
| 2005/06 | Full year | Saprissa | Puntarenas FC |
| 2006/07 | Full year | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 2007/08 | Apertura | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 2007/08 | Clausura | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 2008/09 | Apertura | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 2008/09 | Clausura | Liberia | Herediano |
| 2009/10 | Apertura | Brujas | Puntarenas FC |
| 2009/10 | Clausura | Saprissa | San Carlos |
| 2010/11 | Apertura | Alajuelense | Herediano |
| 2010/11 | Clausura | Alajuelense | San Carlos |
| 2011/12 | Apertura | Alajuelense | Herediano |
| 2011/12 | Clausura | Herediano | Santos de Guápiles |
| 2012/13 | Apertura | Alajuelense | Herediano |
| 2012/13 | Clausura | Herediano | Cartaginés |
| 2013/14 | Apertura | Alajuelense | Herediano |
| 2013/14 | Clausura | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 2014/15 | Apertura | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 2014/15 | Clausura | Herediano | Alajuelense |
| 2015/16 | Apertura | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 2015/16 | Clausura | Herediano | Alajuelense |
| 2016/17 | Apertura | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 2016/17 | Clausura | Herediano | Saprissa |
| 2017/18 | Apertura | Pérez Zeledón | Herediano |
| 2017/18 | Clausura | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 2018/19 | Apertura | Herediano | Saprissa |
| 2018/19 | Clausura | San Carlos | Saprissa |
| 2019/20 | Apertura | Herediano | Alajuelense |
| 2019/20 | Clausura | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 2020/21 | Apertura | Alajuelense | Herediano |
| 2020/21 | Clausura | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 2021/22 | Apertura | Herediano | Saprissa |
| 2021/22 | Clausura | Cartaginés | Alajuelense |
| 2022/23 | Apertura | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 2022/23 | Clausura | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 2023/24 | Apertura | Saprissa | Herediano |
| 2023/24 | Clausura | Saprissa | Alajuelense |
| 2024/25 | Apertura | Herediano | Alajuelense |
| 2024/25 | Clausura | Herediano | Alajuelense |
Titles by Club
Deportivo Saprissa holds the record for the most Liga FPD titles with 40 championships as of the 2024/25 season, followed closely by CS Herediano with 31 and LD Alajuelense with 30.[5] These three clubs, known collectively as the "Big Three," have dominated the competition since its inception in 1921, collectively accounting for 101 of the approximately 121 titles awarded across the league's history.[5] This disparity underscores the league's competitive hierarchy, where success has been concentrated among these established powerhouses, limiting opportunities for other clubs to claim the crown.| Club | Total Titles | Pre-Professional Era (1921–1960) | Professional Era (1961–Present) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deportivo Saprissa | 40 | 3 | 37 |
| LD Alajuelense | 30 | 9 | 21 |
| CS Herediano | 31 | 14 | 17 |
Records and Statistics
Club Performance Metrics
Deportivo Saprissa, LD Alajuelense, and CS Herediano dominate the all-time performance metrics in Liga FPD, reflecting their status as the league's most successful clubs. Up to June 2007, LD Alajuelense topped the historical table with 3,181 points from 2,207 matches, achieving 1,169 wins, 522 draws, and 516 losses, for a win percentage of approximately 53%. The club scored 4,107 goals while conceding 2,494, yielding a points-per-game average of 1.44. Deportivo Saprissa ranked second with 2,877 points from 1,932 matches, including 1,035 wins, 509 draws, and 388 losses, resulting in a win percentage of about 53.5% and a points-per-game rate of 1.49; they netted 3,504 goals against 1,842 conceded, highlighting a robust defensive record. CS Herediano placed third with 2,746 points from 2,159 matches, recording 971 wins, 555 draws, and 633 losses for a 45% win rate and 1.27 points per game, with 3,615 goals scored and 2,732 conceded.[46] These metrics underscore the clubs' enduring competitiveness, with Saprissa's goal difference of +1,662 up to 2007 exemplifying their balanced attack and defense. Post-2007 developments have further solidified Saprissa's lead, as they secured 11 additional championships by 2025, boosting their overall win rate in recent eras to around 60% in select seasons. Alajuelense and Herediano have maintained strong records, with average points per game exceeding 1.5 in multiple campaigns, though their goal concession rates have varied, averaging 1.1 to 1.3 per match historically. Representative examples include Saprissa's approximately 1.8 goals scored per game up to 2007, compared to Herediano's 1.7, illustrating offensive disparities among the elite.[5][47] Home and away records further highlight disparities, with major clubs excelling domestically. Saprissa boasts one of the league's strongest home performances, including extended unbeaten streaks at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá; for instance, they maintained an unbeaten run of 16 league games in 2014, contributing to their title push. Alajuelense similarly shows a higher win rate at home (around 60% in recent analyses) versus away (40-50%), while Herediano's away form has historically lagged, with losses comprising over 35% of road matches up to 2007. These patterns emphasize the importance of home advantage in Liga FPD, where crowd support amplifies performance.[48] Relegation and promotion occur annually between Liga FPD and the Segunda División, with the bottom-ranked team typically descending based on cumulative standings across Apertura and Clausura phases. Since the league's inception in 1921, promotion has introduced 20+ clubs to the top flight, but frequencies vary; for example, teams like Puntarenas FC have experienced multiple relegations (at least three since 2000), while stable outfits like Municipal Pérez Zeledón have been promoted once and relegated twice in the modern era. The "big three" clubs have avoided relegation entirely, with zero instances since 1921, underscoring their foundational stability.[5] As of 2025, attendance metrics reflect varying fan base engagement, with league-wide averages hovering around 3,000-4,000 per match in recent seasons, driven by major derbies. Saprissa leads in draw, averaging over 10,000 spectators for high-profile home games at their 23,112-capacity stadium, supported by Costa Rica's largest football fan base estimated at hundreds of thousands. Alajuelense and Herediano follow with averages of 5,000-8,000, bolstered by dedicated supporters numbering in the tens of thousands each, though overall figures remain modest compared to global leagues due to the country's population and venue sizes.[49]Individual Player Records
The Liga FPD has witnessed remarkable individual achievements, particularly in goal-scoring milestones that underscore the league's competitive intensity. Errol Daniels set a notable benchmark with 25 goals during the 1970 season, a tally that highlighted his dominance as one of the league's premier finishers.[50] Similarly, Juan Ulloa established himself as a historical icon by scoring 140 goals across his career, achieving the highest goal-scoring average (0.82 goals per game) among Costa Rican players in the Primera División.[51] Assists and creative contributions have also been celebrated, though league-wide records emphasize recent seasons where players like Mariano Néstor Torres led with 4 assists in the 2025/26 campaign, demonstrating the evolving role of playmakers in building attacks.[52] Goalkeepers' clean sheets reflect defensive excellence, with Kevin Briceño recording 7 in the 2025/26 season for AD Municipal Liberia, tying for the highest in that term and exemplifying sustained shutouts in a high-scoring league.[53] Hat-tricks remain a highlight of individual flair, with Costa Rican players achieving 15 such performances across competitions since 2000, often turning matches in the Liga FPD's fast-paced environment.[54] Foreign players, especially Brazilian imports during the 2010s, brought technical prowess and tactical innovation to the league, enhancing team dynamics and contributing to title challenges for clubs like Herediano and Alajuelense.[16] Since 2000, the league's award system has formalized recognition of excellence through the Balón de Oro for MVP and the Best Young Player honor, spotlighting emerging talents. Jurguens Montenegro earned the Best Young Player award for the Clausura 2020, marking his breakthrough with Cartaginés after a standout season.[55]All-Time Top Scorers
The all-time leading goalscorer in Liga FPD history is Víctor Núñez, a Costa Rican forward of Dominican descent, with 246 goals across his career spanning multiple clubs including Herediano and Carmelita.[56] His prolific output, particularly in the 2000s and 2010s, established him as a benchmark for longevity and consistency in the league.[56] Following closely is Errol Daniels, another Costa Rican icon from the 1960s and 1970s, who tallied 196 goals primarily for Alajuelense, known for his explosive pace and finishing in an era of fewer matches per season.[56] The table below lists the top 10 all-time scorers as of late 2025, based on verified league records excluding cup competitions.[56]| Rank | Player | Nationality | Goals | Primary Clubs/Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Víctor Núñez | Costa Rica/DR | 246 | Herediano (2000s–2010s) |
| 2 | Errol Daniels | Costa Rica | 196 | Alajuelense (1960s–1970s) |
| 3 | Jonathan McDonald | Costa Rica | 185 | Alajuelense, San Carlos (2000s–present) |
| 4 | Roy Sáenz | Costa Rica | 168 | Alajuelense (1980s–2000s) |
| 5 | Álvaro Saborío | Costa Rica | 167 | Saprissa, Herediano (1990s–2010s) |
| 6 | Leonel Hernández | Costa Rica | 164 | Cartaginés (1970s–1980s) |
| 7 | Guillermo Guardia | Costa Rica | 149 | Alajuelense (1970s–1980s) |
| 8 | Evaristo Coronado | Costa Rica | 148 | Saprissa (1980s–1990s) |
| 9 | Alejandro Alpízar | Costa Rica | 147 | Alajuelense (1980s–1990s) |
| 10 | Érick Scott | Costa Rica | 147 | Herediano, Limón (1990s–2010s) |
Most Appearances
The all-time record for most appearances in Liga FPD is held by Marvin Obando, a versatile forward who amassed 685 games across seven clubs from 1979 to 2000, showcasing remarkable longevity in an era of fewer squad rotations.[61] Closely trailing him is defender Julio Fuller with 684 appearances over 20 seasons primarily with Limón and Cartaginés from 1976 to 1995, highlighting the durability often seen in defensive positions where consistent selection is prized.[62][63] The top rankings are dominated by one-club or long-term loyalists from powerhouse teams like Saprissa and Herediano, reflecting the stability that allowed players to accumulate high totals before the league's expansion and increased foreign imports in the 2000s. As of 2021, the top 10 list stood as follows, with numbers fixed for retired players:| Rank | Player | Appearances | Primary Clubs | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marvin Obando | 685 | Herediano, Saprissa | 1979–2000 |
| 2 | Julio Fuller | 684 | Limón, Cartaginés | 1976–1995 |
| 3 | Enrique Díaz | 676 | Limón, Saprissa | 1977–1996 |
| 4 | Danny Fonseca | 656 | Cartaginés, Brujas | 1998–2018 |
| 5 | Félix Montoya | 619 | Saprissa, Herediano | 2000–2019 |
| 6 | Óscar Granados | 600 | Cartaginés, Herediano | 2004–2022 |
| 7 | Luis Diego Arnáez | 579 | Alajuelense, Puntarenas | 1987–2005 |
| 8 | Keilor Soto | 568 | Herediano, Saprissa | 2001–2021 |
| 9 | Mauricio Montero | 557 | Alajuelense, Ramonense | 1993–2011 |
| 10 | Wílmer López | 550 | Alajuelense, Carmelita | 1994–2011 |