Manfred Ugalde Costa Rican footballer Date of Birth: 25.05.2002

1. Childhood and Early Career
2. Professional Debut and Success with Deportivo Saprissa
3. International Recognition and European Adventures
4. Breakthrough with FC Twente and Transfer to Spartak Moscow
5. National Team Career
6. Personal Life

Childhood and Early Career

On May 25, 2002, Manfred Alonso Ugalde Arce, known as Manfred Ugalde, was born in Heredia, Costa Rica. He began playing soccer at the age of 10 at Rodrigo Hernández Vargas School in Barva. By the time he turned 14, Ugalde had joined the youth academy of Deportivo Saprissa after leaving Herediano.

Professional Debut and Success with Deportivo Saprissa

Ugalde's talent emerged in 2016 while playing in junior tournaments for Deportivo Saprissa. At just 15 years old, he debuted for the Costa Rican U23 national team in the qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. On January 13, 2019, Ugalde made his senior debut for Saprissa in the Costa Rican championship. In his first appearance, he scored the equalizer in the 79th minute against Limón, becoming the second-youngest player to score for Saprissa. In the CONCACAF Nations League, Ugalde made history as the tournament's youngest goalscorer. By the end of 2019, Ugalde was named the league's Young Player of the Year.

International Recognition and European Adventures

In 2020, Ugalde faced a setback when he was suspended for four matches after violating game rules. During this unexpected break, he traveled to Belgium for a training stint with Club Brugge. Upon returning to Saprissa, Ugalde continued his impressive goal-scoring form. He joined Belgian club Lommel SK in June 2020 and made his league debut in August. In the 2020/2021 season, Ugalde scored 11 goals in 22 appearances. In the summer of 2021, he moved on loan to Dutch club FC Twente. He made his Eredivisie debut in August and scored his first goal in October, rescuing his team from defeat. Ugalde's impressive performances helped Twente acquire his services from Lommel in July 2023.

Breakthrough with FC Twente and Transfer to Spartak Moscow

In the 2023/2024 season, Ugalde continued to display his exceptional talent. He scored seven goals and provided six assists in 18 Eredivisie matches. His standout performances earned him a place in the Dutch top-flight's Team of the Month in October 2023. In January 2024, Twente sold Ugalde to Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow for €13 million, significantly above his market value. Ugalde made his debut for Spartak in March and scored his first goal for the club in the Russian Cup a month later.

National Team Career

Ugalde made his Costa Rican senior team debut in a friendly against the United States in 2020. He participated in qualifying matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in 2021 but briefly left the squad due to comments from coach Luis Fernando Suarez. After Suarez's departure, Ugalde returned to the team and scored a goal in a friendly against Saudi Arabia in September 2023. He was selected for the 2024 Copa America squad and continues to be a vital part of the national team.

Personal Life

Ugalde is active on social media, sharing updates on his professional achievements and glimpses into his personal life. He is in a relationship with Josselyn Vargas. His height is 172 cm, which has occasionally sparked criticism but has not hindered his on-field success.