THE COSTA RICAN SHEARER
Victor Nunez was born in the Dominican Republic, but his life changed aged nine when his mother married a Costa Rican.
Now the forward nicknamed ‘El Mambo’ is the leading scorer in the history of Costa Rica’s top flight, netting 230 times for eight teams.
If Nunez’s transfers – particularly between the country’s three biggest clubs, Deportivo Saprissa, Alajuelense and Herediano – mean that not everyone in Costa Rica adores him, everyone knows his name, at least.
“At first there was anger, especially from Saprissist as when I left, because I started my career there,” Nunez tells FFT. “But things are calmer now. Neither they nor the Alajuelense fans are very happy now as I’m playing with Herediano, but it’s no problem.”
Nunez is idolised by supporters of his current club, and Costa Ricans took him to their hearts after he decided to represent the Central American country at international level.
“Back home the people just play baseball,” Nunez says. “The Dominican Republic is famous for its tropical rhythms, like mambo. Fans here gave me the name ‘El Mambo’ because they weren’t used to seeing a Dominican player. But I don’t dance much!
“I may not be Messi or Ronaldo, but people here appreciate me when they see me on the street. I’m always asked for autographs and photos – 10 or 15 every time I go out in public.”
Yet Nunez still reflects on several missed opportunities to move to Europe.
“A few years ago I had a trial in Norway, and the coach of Italian side Varese saw me out there,” he says. “He offered me a contract, but I had to travel immediately to Italy. I wanted to go to Costa Rica first to see my son. They didn’t like that, so I missed out on the opportunity. Then I had the chance to go and play in Belgium, but one of the board members of the team I was with didn’t tell me about the offer, because he wanted me to stay at the club. I wasn’t very happy when I found out.”
Europe’s loss was Costa Rica’s gain. Nunez is 35 now but he intends to keep adding to his record goal tally for some time yet.
“I feel I can keep on playing for a couple of years,” he says. “When I stop scoring goals, that will be the moment to stop playing.”
“I may not be Messi or Ronaldo but people here appreciate me when they see me on the street”