Claudio Jara

Claudio Miguel Jara Granados (born 6 May 1959) is a former Costa Rican football striker who played more than a decade for Herediano and participated in the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals.

Club career Born in Heredia, Jara began playing football with local side Herediano. He made his debut in 1982, and became Herediano's all-time leading goal-scorer, with 98 league goals during his 11 years with the club. He totalled 375 matches for the club. He spent 15 seasons playing in the Costa Rican Primera División with Herediano, Alajuelense, Guanacasteca and Carmelita. In 1992, Jara left Herediano to sign with Alajuelense. A six-month spell with Colombian side Atlético Bucaramanga followed.

In 1994, he returned to Heredia, but quickly moved to El Salvador to play one season with Alianza. Next, he returned to Costa Rica and played for Guanacasteca and Carmelita, retiring from football after suffering a serious knee injury in 1996.

International career He was part of the national team squad, that played in the 1990 FIFA World Cup held in Italy and featured in all four games played. The striker made his debut for the Ticos in 1983 and collected 46 caps, scoring 11 goals.

He played his final international on 17 December 1994 against Saudi Arabia.

Managerial career After he retired from playing football, Jara became a football coach. He was appointed manager of Sagrada Familia in January 2010.

Personal life His brother Geovanny Jara played 422 matches for Herediano and also played for the national team.