For over a decade, Joel Campbell was one of the defining figures in Costa Rican soccer. A key contributor in three consecutive FIFA World Cups and a constant attacking threat, Campbell was long seen as the face of the ‘Ticos’ offense. But heading into the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Costa Rica is turning the page.
Campbell was not selected for the national team roster by head coach Miguel “Piojo” Herrera, a decision that has sparked plenty of debate among fans and pundits alike.
The forward, currently playing for LDA in Costa Rica, has seen a decline in form and playing time over the past year — factors that reportedly influenced Herrera’s decision to leave him off the squad.
The absence of Campbell, once a guaranteed starter, marks a significant shift in Costa Rica’s national team strategy. While players like veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas were convinced to come out of retirement and lead the team, Campbell has quietly faded from the scene.
His exclusion suggests a commitment to younger, more active players in better form heading into a competitive Group A campaign against Suriname, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
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Not the only big name missing
Campbell’s omission isn’t the only surprise on the roster. Midfielder Celso Borges, Campbell’s teammate at LDA and a national team icon in his own right, also won’t feature in the tournament.
Borges officially retired from international soccer but remained a standout in Costa Rica’s domestic league, leading many to believe a return might be possible. Ultimately, Herrera opted to move forward without him.
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Despite the headlines, the absence of Campbell and Borges isn’t entirely shocking when considering the broader context: the 2025 Gold Cup overlaps with the FIFA Club World Cup.
Navas was also retired from the national team, but the coach managed to convince him to come back.
