Soccer players that currently play in International and National clubs both in the female and male category, referees, assistants and coaches were taken into consideration for the CONCACAF awards 2016.

In the category of best player of the year the nominees are: Keylor Navas, Christian Bolaños and Bryan Ruiz each of them were also nominated in their respective positions as best goalkeeper, midfielder in the CONCACAF ideal eleven and forward in CONCACAF ideal eleven, respectively.

Christian Gamboa and Ronald Matarrita were also nominated to be in the ideal eleven. Joel Campbell is participating for the best goal of the year for the first goal scored to the USA in the elimination game that took place back in November 15.

Other Costa Rican figures include head coaches of the National male and female teams, Oscar Ramirez and Amelia Valverde. Valverde is currently accumulating 73% of the votes running against Jill Ellis head coach of the US female national team who has 17% of the votes.
“It is an honor to be nominated and a big commitment to continue to do things right, to set an example and feel deserving of the nomination. I wish a lot of luck to all the nominees and I want to invite everyone to vote, since it’s a nice way of recognizing the work done by the players , referees and coaches”, said Valverde.

In the female category, players Shirley Cruz and Karla Villalobos are competing for the best player of the year along with other 8 players. Cruz was also nominated along with Gloriana Villalobos as midfielders in the ideal eleven.

Dinnia Diaz is nominated as best goalkeeper and Raquel Rodriguez with Karla Villalobos also as forwards in the ideal team.
“I feel blessed to be nominated, it took me by surprise, I was not expecting it. I have been through a lot of hard situations, it’s been a complicated year health wise so I cried when I saw the nomination. I am looking forward to being part of another world cup and this nomination is a motivation to continue fighting for that”, stated Diaz.

Awards to the best referees and assistants in the female and male categories also have some Costa Rican candidates; referee Ricardo Montero, assistant Leonel Leal and lineswomen Kimberly Moreira.

The option to submit your vote will be open through January 8th in the CONCACAF official page.