Costa Rica is home to little more than five million people, this country has given the world a staggering number of internationally recognized names—making it a hub of famous people born in Costa Rica across sport, politics, science and entertainment. The country’s choice to disband its army in 1948 and invest in education and health care laid the groundwork for cultivating world-class talent.
Among the most internationally known are Oscar Arias Sanchez, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and former president; Franklin Chang Diaz, a NASA astronaut; and Keylor Navas, who played goalkeeper for Real Madrid. This blog categorizes Costa Rica famous people by category and what made them famous.
Costa Rican Politicians and Leaders
1. Oscar Arias Sanchez
Once president of Costa Rica and a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering the Central American Peace Accords. Oscar Arias Sanchez is also the recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism and over 50 honorary doctorates.
2. Laura Chinchilla
Laura Chinchilla, who became Costa Rica’s first female president, teaches public policy and advocates for environmental causes.
3. Christiana Figueres
She became Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (2010–2016) and a lead architect of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
Famous Costa Rican Athletes
4. Keylor Navas
Known as the greatest ever goalkeeper in CONCACAF history, he won three straight UEFA Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, earned over 100 international caps for Costa Rica. Keylor Navas also took the national team to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2014.
5. Paulo Wanchope
Paulo Wanchope played striker for top European teams and scored 45 goals over 73 international appearances, good enough to make him Costa Rica’s second all-time scorer.
6. Claudia Poll
She brought home Costa Rica’s first and only Olympic gold medal in swimming and once held a world record in the 200m freestyle.
7. Nery Brenes
Nery Brenes competed as a 400m (indoor and outdoor) for Costa Rica at the Olympics & World Indoor Championships.
8. Joel Campbell
He played as a forward for Arsenal FC and became a star player during Costa Rica’s World Cup run before moving to Major League Soccer clubs.
Famous Costa Rican Scientists
9. Franklin Chang Díaz
A physicist and former NASA astronaut who became one of the most flown humans in history, completing seven spaceflights on Space Shuttle missions. He is the second Latin American to fly in space and founded Ad Astra Rocket Company, where he works on advanced plasma propulsion technology.
10. Clodomiro Picado Twight
The snakebite antivenom research that Clodomiro Picado Twight started gave a road map for the development of current Latin American antivenoms, securing his place among Costa Rica famous people in history.
Celebrity Costa Rican Actors and Entertainers
11. Harry Shum Jr.
Harry Shum Jr. is best known for starring on Glee and Shadowhunters, winning a People’s Choice Award as well as multiple nominations for SAG awards.
12. Giannina Facio
Giannina Facio, who has appeared in such films as Kingdom of Heaven and Body of Lies, is married to director Ridley Scott.
13. Maribel Guardia
Maribel Guardia is a Costa Rican–Mexican actress, singer and TV host who became popular for her main roles in Mexican soap operas.
14. Daniel Zovatto
Best known for his work in horror films, such as It Follows and Don’t Breathe.
Popular Costa Rican Artists and Musicians
15. Debi Nova
Debi Nova is a Latin Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who has worked with Sean Paul, Ricky Martin, Black Eyed Peas and Sergio Mendes.
16. Chavela Vargas
Chavela Vargas transformed into a feminist icon and became an iconic interpreter of Mexican rancheras; she won a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
17. Francisco Amighetti
Francisco Amighetti is known for his paintings and engravings that portray aspects of Costa Rican identity and social themes.
Costa Rican National Hero
18. Juan Santamaría
Known as a hero who gained fame for throwing torches to set fire to William Walker’s fort during the Battle of Rivas in 1856, preventing colonization, he is honored every April 11 on Juan Santamaría Day.
Wrapping Up
Costa Rica is known for many famous people born who have made their mark in their respected fields. The country’s small population has not prevented the development of an education and public welfare infrastructure that has nurtured talent with reach well beyond its borders.
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