Over the course of the history of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a number of players who have played for the club at one point or another have also represented their country at the FIFA World Cup. As we approach the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, we will feature players of years’ past who made it to soccer’s pinnacle event.
CHRISTIAN BOLAÑOS
One of the most accomplished players from his native Costa Rica, Christian Bolaños has played with seven clubs since starting his professional career with Deportivo Saprissa in 2001. His journey has included stops in Denmark with Odense Boldklub and FC Copenhagen, as well as IK Start in Norway, CS Cartaginés back in Costa Rica, and Al Gharafa in Qatar.
For club
Bolaños played two years in Vancouver from 2016 to 2017. In total he scored five goals and recorded 16 assists in 51 career MLS matches, including three playoff appearances.
For country
The talented Tico is now the only man to have made three FIFA World Cups for his country, first appearing in 2006, then helping lead Costa Rica to an incredible run to the quarterfinals in 2014, and now entering the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
In total Bola has made 81 appearances for his country, scoring six goals. He tied for the team lead with four goals during qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
FUN FACT: Bolaños won the Bronze Ball with Saprissa as the third best player at the 2005 FIFA Club World Championship.
