Juan Pablo Vargas

Alajuelense

Born in Sarchí, Alajuela, Vargas came through the academy at Liga Deportiva Alajuelense and was promoted to the main squad by coach Óscar Ramírez on 30 May 2013, along with the other youth Ronald Matarrita and Steve Garita. He made his first team debut in the 2013 Costa Rican Cup on 7 July, coming on as a late substitute in a 2–1 away loss against UCR; four days later he scored his first professional goal, netting his team's last in a 3–1 home win against the same opponent. Vargas was mainly a backup option during the following years, only making his league debut on 18 February 2015 by starting in a 2–1 home loss against Limón. During the 2015–16 season, he only featured in five matches.

Herediano

Loan to Belén and transfer controversy

On 8 June 2016, Vargas signed a contract with Herediano, and was immediately loaned to Belén for the entire 2016–17 season. In September, former side Alajuelense complained about his transfer to Herediano, after his federative rights were assigned to Jacó Rays before his loan to Belén; Alajuelense and Herediano only reached an agreement in June 2017, after Alajuelense was assured 50% of a transfer to any foreign club. In December 2016, Vargas went on a trial at Ascenso MX side Lobos BUAP, but nothing came of it. He was an undisputed starter for Belén during the season, scoring four goals in 34 league appearances.

Breakthrough

In May 2017, Vargas returned to Herediano. A backup option during…

Vargas made his senior Costa Rica debut at the 2017 Copa Centroamericana, playing in a 3–0 win over Belize on 15 January 2017. He scored his first goal for the national team in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against the United States, netting the opener in a 2–0 victory on 30 March 2022. In November 2022, Vargas was named to Costa Rica's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He made his debut in the competition on 1 December, starting in a 4–2 loss to Germany where he scored the second goal for his country.

Club

As of 3 April 2026

International

As of 31 March 2026

Millonarios

Copa Colombia: 2022 Categoría Primera A: 2023 Apertura Superliga Colombiana: 2024