CS Cartagines

Club Sport Cartaginés, commonly known as CS Cartaginés, is a renowned football club based in Cartago, Costa Rica. Established in 1906, it is one of the oldest football clubs in the country and Central America. The club is recognized for its rich history, passionate fan base, and significant contributions to Costa Rican football.

CS Cartaginés plays its home matches at the Estadio Jose Rafael "Fello" Meza Ivankovich, a stadium with a seating capacity of over 13,500 spectators. The stadium, named after one of the club's legendary players, has been the club's fortress and a symbol of its enduring legacy.

Throughout its history, CS Cartaginés has experienced periods of success and hardship. The club has won the Costa Rican Primera División, the top tier of Costa Rican football, three times. Their most recent championship came in the 1940 season. Despite the long championship drought, the club has remained competitive, often finishing in the top half of the league table.

CS Cartaginés has also made its mark in international competitions. The club has competed in the CONCACAF Champions League, the premier club competition in North and Central America, on several occasions. Their best performance came in the 1994 edition when they reached the final.

The club's blue and white striped jerseys are iconic in Costa Rican football. The colors represent the city of Cartago, with blue symbolizing loyalty and white symbolizing purity. The club's crest features a football, a laurel wreath, and the club's initials, symbolizing its commitment to football and its aspiration for success.

Over the years, CS Cartaginés has nurtured and developed numerous talented players who have gone on to represent Costa Rica at the international level. The club's youth academy is known for its commitment to developing young talent and has been a vital part of the club's sustainability.

Despite the ups and downs, the club's passionate fans, known as "brumosos," have remained loyal. They are known for their fervor and unwavering support, creating an electric atmosphere at home games. The club's rivalry with LD Alajuelense, Deportivo Saprissa, and Club Sport Herediano, known as the "Classic Costa Rican," adds an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the Costa Rican football scene.

In recent years, CS Cartaginés has focused on becoming a more community-oriented club. They have initiated various social responsibility programs, aiming to use football as a tool to bring about positive social change.

In summary, CS Cartaginés is a club steeped in history and tradition. Despite the challenges, it has remained a pillar of Costa Rican football, contributing significantly to the sport's development in the country. The club's resilience, passionate fan base, and commitment to nurturing local talent are what make it a beloved institution in Costa Rican football.