Former Fulham star Bryan Ruiz named Costa Rica head coach on permanent basis with mission to reach 2030 World Cup
The Costa Rican Football Federation (FCRF) has officially appointed legendary former captain Bryan Ruiz as the permanent manager of the men's national team following an impressive interim spell in the dugout. The 41-year-old ex-Fulham playmaker has been tasked with guiding his country back to the World Cup finals in 2030.
The Costa Rican Football Federation Executive Committee finalised contract terms to hand their former skipper the permanent reins with a mandate to qualify for the 2030 global showpiece.
The appointment marks Ruiz's first permanent senior managerial role, having previously worked in the youth setup and as an assistant at Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, where he only oversaw two first-team games on an emergency basis.
During his playing days, the left-footed attacking midfielder represented Twente, PSV Eindhoven, Fulham, Sporting CP and Santos before retiring at Alajuelense in 2022.
He appeared 107 times for Fulham between 2011-2015 and scored 13 goals.