You’ve probably heard of the "Pura Vida" lifestyle. It’s that laid-back, eco-conscious vibe that defines Costa Rica. But honestly, the country is exporting way more than just organic coffee and surf lessons lately. There’s a specific crop of celebrities of Costa Rica who are currently dominating global sports, Hollywood, and even aerospace engineering.
We’re not just talking about local fame here. We are talking about people who have shifted the needle in their respective industries. If you think this tiny Central American nation is only about rainforests, you’re missing the actual human power coming out of San José and Limón.
Keylor Navas and the Goalposts of History
Most people start and end their list with Keylor Navas. Can you blame them? The guy basically rewritten what it means to be a Latin American goalkeeper. After a legendary run at Real Madrid where he scooped up three consecutive Champions League titles—a feat that still feels a bit surreal—Navas has continued to stay relevant.
As of early 2026, Navas is still defying the "expiration date" usually slapped on athletes in their late 30s. He’s currently holding it down in Mexico’s Liga MX with UNAM Pumas, having signed a deal that keeps him active through the summer of 2026. Despite constant rumors about a quiet retirement back home in Pérez Zeledón, he’s still diving across the grass like he’s twenty.
What most people get wrong about Navas is the idea that he was just "lucky" to be at Madrid. No. He was the backbone of a dynasty. Even now, his influence on the Costa Rican national team (La Sele) remains a heavy shadow for any young keeper trying to fill his gloves.
The Hollywood Connection: Harry Shum Jr.
Here is a fun fact that usually catches people off guard: Harry Shum Jr. is a Tico.
Born in Limón, the port city on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Shum lived there until he was six. While he’s widely known for Glee and Crazy Rich Asians, he often credits his early years in Costa Rica for his multilingual start—he actually spoke Spanish as his first language before learning Cantonese and English.
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Currently, you’ve likely seen him as Dr. Benson "Blue" Kwan on Grey’s Anatomy. He’s been a series regular since season 19, and as the show moves through 2026, his character has become a fan favorite. It’s a weirdly cool trajectory—from the dance floors of Step Up to the surgical theaters of ABC’s longest-running drama. He represents a very modern version of Costa Rican identity: global, multifaceted, and remarkably versatile.
Maribel Guardia: The Eternal Icon
If you step into any household in Costa Rica or Mexico and mention Maribel Guardia, be prepared for a long conversation. She is essentially the "Queen of the Ticos" abroad.
Maribel’s career is a masterclass in longevity. She won Miss Costa Rica back in 1978 and somehow, in 2026, she is still a leading lady in the world of telenovelas. She’s currently starring in the 2025-2026 production Cómplices, playing the role of Roberta.
What’s impressive isn't just the acting; it’s the brand. She has millions of followers on social media who look to her for fitness advice and ageless style. She’s navigated personal tragedy—losing her son Julián Figueroa in 2023—with a level of grace that deeply endeared her to the public even more. She isn't just a celebrity; she's a cultural institution.
Space, Hydrogen, and Franklin Chang-Díaz
Not all celebrities of Costa Rica wear jerseys or makeup. Some wear spacesuits.
Franklin Chang-Díaz is a name that every school kid in Costa Rica knows by heart. He tied the world record for the most spaceflights (seven!) during his career at NASA. But honestly, what he’s doing right now in 2026 is arguably more important for the planet than his time in orbit.
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His company, Ad Astra Rocket, is currently finalizing a massive commercial hydrogen plant in the Guanacaste region. It’s set to be fully operational by mid-2026.
- It aims to produce 430kg of hydrogen daily.
- The goal is to power a fleet of zero-emission trucks and buses.
- He’s basically trying to turn Costa Rica into the "blueprint" for a post-fossil-fuel Latin America.
Chang-Díaz often says, "We are all astronauts on a failing spaceship (Earth)." He’s 75 now, but he’s still working harder than most 30-year-olds to fix the "life-support system" of our planet.
The Music of Debi Nova
Then there is Debi Nova. She was the first Costa Rican ever nominated for a Grammy, and she’s spent 2025 and 2026 touring her latest project, Todo Puede Convertirse en Canción.
She has this incredible knack for blending high-concept pop with very traditional Latin rhythms. If you haven’t heard her 2025 singles like "Holograma" or "Se Va," you’re missing out on the current sound of the Central American music scene. She doesn't just sing; she’s a multi-instrumentalist who has played for the likes of Sergio Mendes and Britney Spears.
Why the Influencer Wave Matters
Social media has created a new tier of celebrities of Costa Rica. You have people like Melissa Mora and Karina Ramos (a former Miss Universe contestant) who have built massive empires in the lifestyle and fashion space.
Mora, in particular, is a polarizing figure but an undeniable business powerhouse. With nearly a million followers, she has transitioned from modeling to music and entrepreneurship, proving that the Costa Rican market is big enough to sustain "social-first" stars who can rival traditional TV actors.
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What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That Costa Rican talent is "small scale."
For a long time, there was this "crab in a bucket" mentality where people thought you had to leave the country to be "someone." While many of these stars did find fame in Los Angeles or Mexico City, they are increasingly using their platforms to reinvest in the country. Whether it’s Navas's real estate ventures or Chang-Díaz’s green energy plants, the celebrity culture here is becoming deeply tied to national development.
Actionable Steps for Following Costa Rican Talent
If you want to keep up with the real movers and shakers in the region, don't just look at the Hollywood headlines.
- Follow the Sports Pivot: Watch the Liga MX standings for Keylor Navas's final professional chapters.
- Track Green Tech: Keep an eye on the Ad Astra Rocket Company updates for the mid-2026 launch of the Guanacaste hydrogen project; it's a massive deal for sustainable travel.
- Stream the "New" Sound: Check out Spotify’s "Top 50 Costa Rica" to hear how artists like Debi Nova and upcoming indie acts are shifting away from generic reggaetón into more experimental "Tico" sounds.
The landscape of Costa Rican fame is changing. It's moving away from just "Miss Universe" and "Soccer" into "Aerospace" and "Hollywood A-List." It's a fun time to be watching.
To stay truly updated on the latest shifts in Costa Rican entertainment and sports, monitor the official feeds of Teletica and La Nación, which remain the primary sources for verified news on the country's biggest stars. Following the individual Instagram accounts of figures like Harry Shum Jr. or Debi Nova provides a more direct look at their international projects as they bridge the gap between San José and the rest of the world.