In the latest edition of Q&A, we sit down with Costa Rican midfielder Christian Bolaños, a two-time FIFA World Cup veteran who led Vancouver Whitecaps FC with eight assists last season.
Who’s your all-time favourite soccer player?
My idol all my life was Maradona. I saw the videos of him when I was young. He was amazing. For me, he’s the best player.
What’s the last thing you read?
Everything about football. Newspapers, articles, and that sort of stuff.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
My father and mom always told me to follow my dreams.
How would your friends/family describe you in one word?
Happy.
What’s the best moment of your career so far?
I have many, but if I had to pick one it would have to be when I played my first professional game.
Even though you’ve played in World Cups?
Of course those were very important moments, but I’d still have to go with my first professional game. It was in Costa Rica. I was 17 years old. I played with the biggest club in Costa Rica, Saprissa. It was amazing for me.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I don’t understand…
Something embarrassing you enjoy. If you like Justin Bieber or something like that…
Justin Bieber is good!
What’s your favourite sports team?
Real Madrid.
Why?
It’s a great team and also because right now my friend plays there (Keylor Navas).
Which of your teammates would you vote for president/prime minister?
Cole Seiler.
Why?
[Laughs] He’s a funny guy!
Why were you named Christian?
I don’t know why but my mom wanted me to be a girl. She even put a dress on me as a baby!
When was the last time you cried?
Late last year I lost a friend and old teammate named Gabriel Badilla. He previously had an operation on his heart, but he started running again and collapsed. It was very sad.
What’s one thing you’d like to improve about yourself?
I always say to be a better person to everyone. I think that’s important.
