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Celso BorgesCosta Rican footballer, midfielder
Date of Birth: 27.05.1988
Country:  Costa Rica |
Content:
- Celso Borges: From Costa Rican Prodigy to European Star
- Breakout Season and European Recognition
- Move to Norway and European Debut
- Return to the Tippeligaen and European Interest
- Swedish Success with AIK
- Personal Life
Celso Borges: From Costa Rican Prodigy to European Star
Early Life and Career at SaprissaBorn in Costa Rica, Celso Borges Mora started his football journey at the esteemed Saprissa Academy. In 2006, coach Hernán Medford promoted him to the senior team. Borges made his debut on January 15 of the same year against Ramonense, briefly appearing after Ronald Gomez's match-winning goal.
Breakout Season and European Recognition
The World Soccer magazine recognized Borges as one of the world's 50 most talented young players in 2006. He led Saprissa to five Costa Rican league titles and reached the final of the North American Champions League. In 2008, Borges was named Costa Rican Primera Player of the Year, attracting interest from European clubs like Blackburn Rovers.
Move to Norway and European Debut
In January 2009, Frederikshavn FK announced an agreement with Borges to join their club after his Saprissa contract expired. However, the Norwegian club paid a transfer fee to acquire him in April. Borges debuted in the Tippeligaen on April 20 against Viking, featuring in the starting lineup but not making a significant impact.
In his fourth game, Borges scored his first goal in Europe, doubling Frederikshavn's lead against Tromso in a 3-0 home victory. He also scored in the club's Europa League qualifier against Lech Poznan. Despite Borges' contributions, Frederikshavn finished 14th in the league and faced relegation playoffs against Sarpsborg 08.
Return to the Tippeligaen and European Interest
After relegation to the Norwegian First Division, Borges played 26 games and scored 14 goals, helping his team secure promotion back to the Tippeligaen. He scored the winning goal in his first game back in the top flight against Aalesund. Throughout 2011, Borges drew interest from several European clubs, prompting him to announce he would not renew his contract expiring on December 31.
Swedish Success with AIK
On January 1, 2012, Borges joined Swedish side AIK as a free agent. He made his debut on April 1 against Mjallby and scored the winning goal in the following round against Kalmar.
Personal Life
Borges comes from a footballing family. His father, Alexandre Guimaraes, was a prominent Costa Rican international who later managed the national team at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He currently coaches Tianjin Teda in China.
