Keylor Navas To Join UNAM Pumas After Brief Stint In Argentina With Newell’s Old Boys

In a move that has stirred the Latin American football scene, legendary Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas is set to continue his storied career in Mexico. Following a brief six-month spell with Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys, the 38-year-old is reportedly on the verge of joining Liga MX side UNAM Pumas, adding yet another chapter to a career that has spanned nearly two decades and seen success at the highest levels of club football.

Although Pumas has not made an official announcement yet, Newell’s Old Boys confirmed on Monday that they had agreed to the transfer, receiving $2 million in the deal. The Rosario-based club, where Navas had signed a two-year contract in January 2025, released a strongly worded statement emphasizing team unity, implicitly referencing the goalkeeper’s early departure.

While the statement stopped short of direct criticism, the underlying tone suggested some frustration at how quickly the situation had turned. Navas had missed the first two league matches of the Argentine season—first due to illness, and then because he asked to be benched. That decision likely fueled internal tensions and hastened his exit from the club.

A Journey Through Football’s Elite

Keylor Navas’ name is etched into the modern history of football. From humble beginnings in Costa Rica to Champions League glory with Real Madrid, Navas has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and resilient goalkeepers of his generation.

He began his professional career in 2005 with Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica, where he quickly rose to prominence. His performances caught the eye of scouts in Europe, and by 2009, he was on his way to Spain, joining Albacete in the Segunda División. His real breakthrough, however, came at Levante, where his reflexes and shot-stopping ability earned him the league’s best goalkeeper honors and, in 2014, a dream move to Real Madrid.

At Madrid, Navas was not just a squad member—he was a central figure in one of the most dominant eras in club history. He helped Los Blancos to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2015–2018, along with a La Liga crown and a Spanish Super Cup. Though often underrated compared to his more high-profile teammates, his contributions were indispensable.

A Complex Parisian Chapter

In 2019, Navas joined Paris Saint-Germain, embarking on a new chapter in Ligue 1. His first few seasons with PSG were successful, and he played a critical role in the club reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2020. Over four years, he helped PSG win two French league titles and several domestic cups, although competition for the starting role—especially after the arrival of Italian star Gianluigi Donnarumma—complicated his standing within the squad.

By the end of his PSG tenure in 2023, Navas had largely become a backup option, making only a handful of appearances. His desire for more consistent playing time and a continued passion for the game led him to Newell’s Old Boys, a move that many saw as the beginning of his South American farewell tour.

Newell’s Experiment Cut Short

When Navas signed a two-year deal with Newell’s in January 2025, fans of the Argentine club were excited by the arrival of such a high-profile name. It was a signing that mirrored Newell’s desire to regain relevance in the Argentine Primera División and build around experienced leaders. For the club, which boasts a rich history and once nurtured a young Lionel Messi, the move was as symbolic as it was strategic.

But things quickly unraveled. Navas’s absence from the squad for the season opener raised eyebrows. Though the club cited illness as the cause, his request to be left out of the following game triggered speculation about his motivation and commitment. The sudden offer from UNAM Pumas—reportedly received two weeks ago—added fuel to the fire, and it became increasingly clear that the Costa Rican would not stay in Rosario for long.

Why Pumas?

Navas’ move to Pumas marks a significant moment for the Mexican side, both in terms of stature and ambition. Pumas, one of Mexico’s most popular and historic clubs, has been rebuilding its squad with a mix of youth and experienced players in hopes of challenging the Liga MX elite. Signing a player of Navas’ pedigree sends a clear message: the club is ready to compete at a higher level.

The Mexican league has been growing steadily in reputation, attracting notable international talent in recent years. For Navas, the move offers both a competitive environment and a strong football culture, along with perhaps a more manageable media spotlight than Europe or Argentina.

Additionally, Mexico’s proximity to Costa Rica may also have played a part in Navas’ decision. With his international career winding down and retirement potentially on the horizon, playing closer to home could offer both personal and professional comfort.

A Veteran’s New Mission

Now 38, Navas enters the twilight of his career, but his arrival in Mexico is far from a swan song. He brings with him leadership, experience, and a winning mentality that could prove invaluable for a team like Pumas, especially with younger players looking for guidance. His presence is expected to significantly boost the club’s profile, both on and off the pitch.

Moreover, Navas remains physically fit and mentally sharp, having maintained his form even during spells of inactivity in Europe. Pumas fans will hope that the Costa Rican icon still has a few stunning saves left in his gloves.

Legacy in Progress

Navas’ legacy as one of Central America’s greatest footballers is already secure. A three-time Champions League winner, a World Cup veteran, and the first Costa Rican to succeed so prominently in European club football, he has broken numerous barriers.

His international exploits with Costa Rica, including the heroic 2014 FIFA World Cup run where he helped the team reach the quarterfinals, cemented his status as a national hero. Throughout his career, he has consistently carried the weight of expectations and has done so with humility and resilience.

Now, with the move to UNAM Pumas, he embarks on one final adventure. Whether it results in more silverware or simply a graceful exit from professional football, Keylor Navas continues to inspire both fans and fellow athletes with his enduring passion for the game.

Conclusion

In an era when many players opt for quiet retirements or less demanding roles, Keylor Navas is making a bold choice—yet again. By joining UNAM Pumas, he signals that he’s not done competing. The move might be surprising to some, given his short time in Argentina, but it fits the mold of a player who has always chosen new challenges over comfort zones.

As the Mexican league welcomes a player of Navas’ caliber, one thing is certain: fans across Latin America will be watching closely. And if history is any guide, Keylor Navas may yet have more brilliance to offer from between the posts.