Ronald Matarrita

Early Life and Background

Rónald Alberto Matarrita Ulate is a talented Costa Rican professional footballer known for his role as a left-back. His journey in football began at a young age, representing his country at various youth levels, including the under-17 and under-20 teams, showcasing his potential early on.

Club Career

Matarrita's professional career took off when he joined Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in 2013, where he played until 2016. During his time there, he contributed to the team's success, winning the Costa Rican Primera División in the 2013–14 season. In January 2016, he made a significant move to Major League Soccer, signing with New York City FC. His debut came shortly after, and he quickly made an impact, scoring his first goal in a match against Seattle Sounders FC and earning the title of Defensive Player of the Year for NYCFC in 2016.

After a successful stint in New York, Matarrita was traded to FC Cincinnati in December 2020. However, his time there was short-lived, as he was released following the 2022 season. In June 2023, he signed a three-year contract with Super League Greece club Aris, marking a new chapter in his career.

International Career

On the international stage, Matarrita has represented Costa Rica across various age levels, making his senior debut in 2015 against Brazil. He scored his first senior international goal in a World Cup qualifying match against Panama in 2016. Although he was called up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, an unfortunate hamstring injury ruled him out just days before the tournament began. Matarrita continues to be a vital player for the Costa Rican national team, contributing his skills and experience on the field.