Costa Rican forward Warren Madrigal has taken a major step in his career by signing with Nashville Soccer Club in Major League Soccer. The 21-year-old, who grew up in the ranks of Deportivo Saprissa, completes a permanent transfer to the U.S. team after five years with the purple squad.
Madrigal debuted for Saprissa on August 15, 2020, at just 16 years old. He played 100 matches for the club, scoring 19 goals and adding nine assists. During his time there, he helped secure four national championships and one Super Cup. His path included a loan to Sporting FC in 2022, where he gained more experience in the Primera División.
In 2024, Madrigal moved to Europe on loan with Valencia CF’s reserve team, Mestalla. He appeared in 18 games, netting eight goals, and even earned a spot in one first-team match in the Copa del Rey. Back with Saprissa, he faced a setback with an ACL injury during the 2025 Gold Cup while representing Costa Rica. He bounced back strong, reclaiming his starting role under coach Vladimir Quesada and showing improved form in the closing stages of the local season.
On the international front, Madrigal earned his first call-up to the Costa Rica senior team in June 2023. He has since played 26 matches, scoring six goals across competitions like the Concacaf Nations League, Copa América, Gold Cup, and World Cup qualifiers. His speed and ability to finish chances have made him a regular pick for the national side.
Nashville SC signed Madrigal through the 2028-29 season, with an option for 2029-30. He occupies an international roster slot and awaits his visa and transfer certificate. Club officials see him as a player who can add pace and creativity to their attack. Mike Jacobs, Nashville’s president of soccer operations and general manager, noted that Madrigal excels at creating and converting opportunities.
At Nashville, Madrigal joins a squad that claimed the 2025 U.S. Open Cup. He will team up with stars like Hany Mukhtar, the 2022 MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner, and forward Sam Surridge, who tallied 24 goals last season. Fellow Costa Rican Randall Leal already plays there, along with Central American talents like Hondurans Andy Nájar and Bryan Acosta. The team plays a quick, transition-heavy style that suits Madrigal’s strengths, offering him consistent minutes and less pressure than at Saprissa.
Saprissa released a statement thanking Madrigal for his efforts and wishing him success in this new chapter. The move strengthens the club’s finances while opening doors for the young forward.
This transfer marks another export for Costa Rican soccer, following players like Alonso Martínez, who scored 17 goals for New York City FC in 2025. Madrigal’s shift to MLS highlights the growing presence of ticos in the league, providing them with higher visibility and development opportunities. As Nashville gears up for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, Madrigal aims to make his mark in Music City.
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