Keylor Navas in trouble: Trials in three countries and an uncertain Future

The renowned goalkeeper Keylor Navas, currently in the ranks of Newell's Old Boys, has built a brilliant football career, but his trajectory off the field has been marked by a series of legal controversies that have led him to face justice in various countries.

Costa Rica: A failed business and a millionaire demand

In his native Costa Rica, Navas and his wife were denounced in 2020 for a dispute related to the Electro Body Center electrostimulation franchise. The business, which did not prosper as they expected, ended up in court with a lawsuit of 150,000 dollars by the buyers, who alleged technical problems with the system.

France: Accusations of labor exploitation

During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Navas was denounced by a worker who accused him of keeping him in conditions of "modern slavery". According to the complaint, the employee worked without a contract, housed in an unhealthy basement without windows. The victim's defense provided a video where Navas is heard responding to the worker's protests: "here we do not work with French laws" and "without a French contract, I pay you in cash, we work according to my rules".

Spain: Debts and litigation with representatives

In Spain, Navas was condemned in 2024 to pay 250,000 euros plus interest for breaching a contract with his lifelong agent, Ricardo Cabañas. The court of 1ª Instance number 34 of Madrid ruled in favor of Breathe Football, Cabañas' company, which claimed the payment of the last year of the contract. Navas appealed the sentence, but still has another open case in Madrid with his former representative.

Costa Rica: A trial for threats in the sports field

In addition to economic and labor conflicts, Navas also faced a trial in Costa Rica for sports issues. Several leaders of the Costa Rican Federation accused him of threatening to let himself lose matches if they did not dismiss the coach Jorge Luis Pinto. The coach declared that the president of the federation informed him that if Navas continued in the national team, the players would lose matches on purpose to have him fired. Pinto finally left his position after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

A history of controversies

The series of legal incidents starring Keylor Navas in different countries reveals a pattern of conflicts that transcends his performance on the field. From commercial disputes to accusations of labor exploitation and problems with representatives, the goalkeeper has faced various situations that have called into question his conduct off the field.

The focus on Newell's and his future

Meanwhile, Navas is focused on his present football in Newell's Old Boys, where he seeks to regain his best level and contribute to the team. However, his history of legal controversies remains a recurring theme in the media and among fans.