If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you might think Keylor Navas just vanished after his time at Paris Saint-Germain ended. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess to track. One minute he’s linked to Saudi Arabia, the next he’s supposedly retiring, but the reality is much more interesting. As of January 2026, Keylor Navas is currently guarding the net for Pumas UNAM in Mexico’s Liga MX.
He isn't just "there" to collect a paycheck, either. Since joining the university club in July 2025, Navas has become the backbone of a team desperate to end a long-standing title drought.
The Shock Move to Pumas UNAM
So, how did a guy with three Champions League medals end up in Mexico City? It wasn’t exactly a straight line. After leaving PSG in mid-2024, Navas spent a short, somewhat chaotic six months in Argentina with Newell’s Old Boys. He actually joined them as a free agent in January 2025. It was a "bombazo" for the Argentine league, but it didn't last long. By the summer of 2025, Pumas came knocking with a $2 million transfer offer and a project that promised a lot more than just survival.
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Navas signed a one-year deal with Pumas, which is set to expire on June 30, 2026.
Why Pumas? Well, for one, the competition in Liga MX has skyrocketed. Navas himself admitted that he chatted with his old Real Madrid buddy Sergio Ramos (who plays for Monterrey) and James Rodríguez (at León) before making the jump. They basically told him the league was growing fast and the infrastructure was solid. Plus, it puts him much closer to his family in Costa Rica. It’s a win-win.
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A Quick Breakdown of His Recent Journey:
- PSG: Left in June 2024 after his contract expired.
- Newell's Old Boys: Signed in January 2025; stayed for roughly six months.
- Pumas UNAM: Joined in July 2025; current contract runs through June 2026.
Navas and the Costa Rica National Team
This is where things get a little tricky for fans. You might remember him announcing his international retirement back in May 2024. He skipped the 2024 Copa América, and it felt like the end of an era.
But football is weird.
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After moving to Mexico, Navas actually reconsidered. He’s been involved in the Costa Rica national team setup for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In late 2025, he was back in goal for "Los Ticos" during crucial matches against Haiti and Honduras. Even at 39, he’s still the best option they have. It’s a classic "just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in" scenario.
What’s the Current Form Like?
If you watched the start of the Clausura 2026 tournament, you saw a bit of a mixed bag. Pumas opened their season with a 1-1 draw against Querétaro on January 11, 2026. Navas didn't have a ton to do, but the pressure is definitely mounting. Fans at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario are demanding a title, and when you have a legend in goal, the margin for error is basically zero.
Last season, during the Apertura 2025, Navas was actually statistically one of the best keepers in the league. Under coach Efraín Juárez, Pumas had the stingiest defense for a long stretch, conceding only four goals in his first seven matches. He’s still got the reflexes. Maybe he’s a half-step slower than his Madrid days, but his positioning is still elite.
Misconceptions About Retirement
There’s a common rumor that Navas is heading back to Saprissa to retire right now. While he’s said a thousand times that Saprissa is his home and he wants to finish there, he isn't there yet. His focus is entirely on Pumas for the next six months.
Could he go back to Costa Rica in July 2026? Probably.
But for now, if you’re looking for Keylor, check the Liga MX standings. He's currently navigating the high-altitude pressure of Mexico City, trying to lead the "Auriazules" to their first league trophy in over 14 years. It's a massive task for a 39-year-old, but if anyone can pull off a miracle, it's the guy who lived through the "Remontadas" at the Bernabéu.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Schedule: Pumas plays Tigres UANL this week (January 14/15, 2026). It’s a huge test for Navas against one of the league’s most aggressive offenses.
- Track the Contract: Keep an eye on March 2026. If Pumas doesn't offer an extension by then, the "back to Saprissa" or "MLS retirement" rumors will go into overdrive.
- Follow World Cup Qualifiers: Costa Rica’s next window is vital. Check if Navas is in the squad list, as his presence usually dictates their defensive strategy.
Navas isn't done. He's just in a different jungle now.