Home » Championships »

ALL ABOUT THE FIRST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP (COSTA RICA)

The Costa Rican First Division, also known as Liga Promerica for commercial reasons, is the heart of Costa Rican football. It's a tournament steeped in history, passion, and fierce rivalries that keep the country glued to the pitch year after year. From its beginnings in 1921 to the present day, this league has been the cradle of great players, epic moments, and clubs that have defined eras. In this article, we'll tell you everything about the Costa Rican First Division championship: its origins, how it has evolved, which clubs dominate the record books, interesting statistics, and what makes this league so special for football fans in Central America.

2025-12-05

Beginning and Evolution of the Championship

Organized football in Costa Rica officially began in 1921 with the creation of the National First Division Championship. At that time, only six teams participated, and the first champion was Club Sport Herediano. From those humble beginnings, the league grew both in the number of teams and in the level of competition.

Throughout the 20th century, the tournament went through several formats: long leagues, short tournaments, regional divisions, and even final hexagonal tournaments. In 2007, the short tournament system (Apertura and Clausura) was adopted, in the style of many Latin American leagues. This formula keeps the excitement alive, allowing for two champions per year and more opportunities for teams to win the title. Since 2019, the tournament has been played under the "Liga Promerica" brand, although its essence remains intact: total commitment on every match day, packed stadiums, and a special connection between the clubs and their communities. Furthermore, efforts have been made to further professionalize the league, improving refereeing, infrastructure, and international visibility.

Historical Milestones of the League

1921: Founding of the championship with six teams.
1930s-1960s: Dominance of the Big Three: Saprissa, Herediano, and Alajuelense.
1993: Saprissa wins its first international title (UNCAF Interclub Cup).
2005: Saprissa reaches the Club World Cup semifinals.
2023: Implementation VAR officially in final phase.

Historic Clubs and Most Titles Won

The Costa Rican First Division has historically been dominated by three clubs that form the base of the "power triangle": Deportivo Saprissa, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, and Club Sport Herediano. These teams not only have the most titles, but also the largest fan bases, the most imposing stadiums, and a rivalry that divides the entire country.

Deportivo Saprissa, known as "the Purple Monster," is the most successful club in Costa Rican football, with more than 35 national titles and several international trophies. Their attacking style, prolific youth academy, and mystique in finals have made them an icon.

Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, or "La Liga," is their eternal rival. They also boast over 30 titles and have proudly represented the country in CONCACAF. Their youth academy, fighting spirit, and legacy keep them as a constant contender.

Herediano, though sometimes quieter, is just as dangerous. Founded in 1921, they were the first national champions and are always fighting at the top. In recent years, it has achieved important titles and maintains a loyal fanbase.

Clubs with the most national titles

Deportivo Saprissa – 38 titles
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense – 31 titles
Club Sport Herediano – 29 titles
Club Sport Cartaginés – 4 titles
Pérez Zeledón – 1 title

There are also clubs with endearing histories like Cartaginés (the The oldest club in the country), Santos de Guápiles, San Carlos, and Puntarenas FC, which have had great seasons and bring parity to the championship. All of them make each tournament unpredictable and exciting.

In competitive football, game strategies are essential because they combine technique, stamina, and tactics. They allow teams to measure their performance against others, encourage individual and collective improvement, and keep alive the passion for continuous improvement. These strategies drive discipline, commitment, and the evolution of football at both the professional and amateur levels, strengthening team spirit and the love for the world's most popular sport.

Statistics, Format, and Interesting Facts

The current format of the First Division is based on short tournaments (Apertura and Clausura), each with a regular round-robin phase, followed by a final four or semifinals and final, depending on the year. If the same team wins both phases, it is automatically crowned champion. Otherwise, there is a grand national final to determine the overall champion.

Each season also determines relegation based on the cumulative table, which keeps teams in constant tension, whether for the title or to avoid relegation. Furthermore, the top spots guarantee participation in international tournaments such as the Central American Cup or the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Interesting Facts and Memorable Records

The all-time leading scorer is Errol Daniels, with 196 goals in the 60s and 70s.
Saprissa is the only Costa Rican club to have played in a Club World Cup (2005).
Cartaginés broke an 81-year title drought by winning the championship in 2022.
The oldest clásico in the country is Cartaginés vs. Herediano, since 1921.
The final with the largest audience was the 2014 final between Saprissa and Alajuelense, with more than 35,000 fans.

Another interesting detail: many stadiums are located in areas with varied climates, from the high altitude of San José to the coastal heat of Puntarenas, which creates real tactical and physical challenges for visiting teams.

Costa Rica's First Division has adapted to modern times without losing its essence. With live broadcasts, a presence on social media, and an increasingly higher level of competition, it remains a tournament that resonates throughout the country. Costa Rican football has identity, passion, and a league that continues to grow.