Kendall Waston
Who was Kendall Waston?
Central defender who captained the Costa Rica national team and played in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. He has played for clubs in MLS and Liga MX.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Kendall Waston (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Kendall Jamaal Waston Manley was born on January 1, 1988, in Limón Province, Costa Rica. A versatile footballer who usually plays as a centre-back but can also be a forward, Waston became one of Costa Rica's most well-known international players during the 2010s. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, his physical presence made him a strong threat in both defense and attack throughout his career.
Waston started his professional career in Costa Rican football before moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) in North America. He joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2014, where he quickly became an important defensive player and eventually the captain. His performances in MLS led to his selection for the Costa Rican national team for major international tournaments. During his time with Vancouver, Waston became known for his leadership and ability to score important goals from set pieces.
His international career peaked when he was selected to represent Costa Rica in two consecutive FIFA World Cups. At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Waston was part of the Costa Rican team that surprised many by reaching the quarter-finals, beating Uruguay and Italy in the group stage before knocking out Greece on penalties in the Round of 16. He returned to the World Cup in 2018 in Russia, where he had been made captain of the national team, showing his growth as a leader.
After his successful time in MLS, Waston moved to Liga MX, Mexico's top professional league, continuing his career in one of North America's most competitive football settings. His experience in different leagues in the region gave him valuable experience that he brought back to Costa Rican football. Eventually, Waston returned to Costa Rica to play for Deportivo Saprissa, one of the country's most successful clubs, where he continued to contribute both as a player and as a seasoned voice in the dressing room. His journey from the Costa Rican domestic league to international fame shows the path many Central American players have taken to gain recognition worldwide.
Before Fame
Growing up in Limón Province on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Waston honed his football skills in an area known for its talented athletes in different sports. The province has always had a mix of people with strong traditions in sports like football and athletics. As a youngster, Waston was noticeable for his height and athletic ability, but his journey to professional football demanded hard work and determination, especially in a country where young players had limited opportunities.
The early 2000s was a time of growth for Costa Rican football, with the national team starting to gain recognition as a strong presence in the region and several players moving to European leagues. This climate inspired young players like Waston, showing them that international success was within reach for Costa Rican footballers. His growth as a player happened alongside increased investment in youth football programs and better coaching throughout the country, which helped develop the generation that later succeeded in the World Cup.
Key Achievements
- Captained Costa Rica national team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
- Participated in Costa Rica's historic quarter-final run at the 2014 FIFA World Cup
- Named Vancouver Whitecaps FC captain and led the team for multiple MLS seasons
- Won multiple Liga FPD championships with Deportivo Saprissa
- Earned over 60 caps for the Costa Rica national team between 2013 and 2022
Did You Know?
- 01.He scored a memorable header against the United States in a crucial World Cup qualifier at the Red Bull Arena in 2017
- 02.Waston was named Vancouver Whitecaps FC captain in 2016, becoming one of the few Costa Rican players to captain an MLS team
- 03.He played both as a centre-back and striker during his time with FC Cincinnati, showcasing his versatility in attack
- 04.Waston's goal celebration often included pointing to the sky in tribute to family members
- 05.He was part of the Costa Rican squad that won the 2014 CONCACAF Championship, which served as World Cup qualification