Costa Rican footballer (1968–2022)
In this
Spanish name, the first or paternal
surname is
Astúa and the second or maternal family name is
Araya.
Javier Astúa Araya (6 November 1968 – 4 January 2022) was a Costa Rican professional footballer who played as a forward.
Club career
Born in Quepos,[1] Astúa played several years for Municipal Puntarenas and played two matches for Mexican outfit Morelia in September 1992.[2] He had a frustrating four-month stint at Chilean side Palestino,[3] before returning to Costa Rica where he joined Alajuelense. He later played for San Carlos, who released him in November 1995 after an injury-hit spell.[4] In March 2006, he was released by Herediano.[5] He finished his career at Carmelita before more injury cut short his career.
He was twice the Costa Rica Premier Division top goalscorer, in 1992 and 1994.[6]
International career
Astúa made his debut for Costa Rica in an April 1992 friendly against El Salvador and earned a total of 13 caps, scoring seven goals. He has represented his country in four FIFA World Cup qualification matches[7] and played at the 1993 UNCAF Nations Cup.[8]
He played his final international game in January 1994 against Norway.
Later life and death
Astúa was married and had a daughter and a son,[1] who was manager of Third Division side Jicaral in 2013.[9] He died on 4 January 2022, at the age of 53.[10]
Career statistics
- Scores and results list Costa Rica's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Astúa goal.
References
External links