Carlos Alvarado Villalobos


Carlos Alvarado Villalobos was a Costa Rican footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He also represented Costa Rica at international level.

Club career

Known as "Aguilucho", he was born in Santa Bárbara, Heredia, Alvarado played as a goalkeeper. He began his career with L.D. Alajuelense, making his Costa Rican Primera División debut in 1945. Alvarado spent most of his career with Alajuelense, winning six Primera División titles in the process. There, he earned the nickname "Aguilucho" for the aggressive manner in which he attacked opponents trying to score. He would play 159 league games for Liga.
Alvarado began playing professional football with Mexican Primera División side Club América in 1947. He returned to Alajuelense after one season, and would spend three months in Colombia with América de Cali during 1950.
Alvarado's most memorable game was a 1951 match against Boca Juniors. In the 90th minute, Alvarado blocked a penalty shot that would have given Boca the win. Costa Rican president Otilio Ulate Blanco gave Alvarado his watch, which he stopped at the moment Alvarado blocked the shot.
During his career, Alvarado turned down offers to play for Italy's Genoa C.F.C. and Argentina's Boca Juniors.

International career

Alvarado made 25 appearances for the Costa Rica national football team, making his debut in 1946. He helped Costa Rica win the CCCF Championship three times.