MIAMI – The 2024 Concacaf Central American Cup has concluded, with LD Alajuelense defending its crown and lifting a second consecutive title. Many players delivered outstanding performances, yet these eleven stood out the most in their respective positions.
Here is a look at the 2024 Central American Cup Best XII:
Goalkeeper
Leonel Moreira, LD Alajuelense – Moreira was one of the top performers for the champions and was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. He was a key figure throughout the campaign, with 33 saves in 10 appearances, including six in the second leg of the final, while also posting two clean sheets.
Defenders
Ebert Martínez, Real Estelí FC – Martínez led the defensive line to help Real Estelí reach the final for a second consecutive year. He was a rock at the back throughout the campaign, featuring in all ten fixtures for the team and contributing 19 ball recoveries and 28 clearances while completing an impressive 91.55% of his passes.
Alexis Gamboa, LD Alajuelense – Gamboa was key defensively for Alajuelense to reclaim its title. The center-back featured in nine matches en route to winning the cup, pitching in with 12 ball recoveries and 19 clearances.
José Ardón, Antigua GFC – Ardón was a leader at the back for Antigua as the team reached the semifinals in the team’s debut campaign. In defense, the team captain recorded 14 ball recoveries and 31 clearances in eight appearances while also generating scoring chances with a 91.14% pass completion rate and in attack with three goals.
Midfielders
Celso Borges, LD Alajuelense – The Alajuelense captain was another crucial player who helped the Costa Rican club retain. The leading appearance maker in CCAC history with 19, featured in 9 of 10 matches this campaign. Borges was active in defense with 20 ball recoveries and five clearances while also being involved in the attack with a goal and an assist.
Iván Ochoa, Real Estelí FC – Ochoa was in stellar form as Real Estelí finished as runners-up, notably bagging a late brace in the second leg of the semifinals against Herediano to lead the team’s comeback to claim the series. The Mexican midfielder made nine appearances in the campaign, being active on both ends of the pitch while recording two goals, seven shots, and 17 ball recoveries, and being precise with a 90.63% pass completion rate.
Anderson Cardoso, LD Alajuelense – The Brazilian featured in all ten matches for the champions. Cardoso contributed five-goal contributions from two goals and three assists, totaling 17 shots. He also helped in defensive duties with three ball recoveries and three clearances.
Harold Medina, Real Estelí FC – Medina starred in the center of the pitch for Real Estelí. The midfielder made nine appearances, scoring twice, dishing out an assist, registering 11 ball recoveries, and completing 90.16% of his passes.
Byron Bonilla, Real Estelí FC – One of the most exciting players throughout the tournament, Bonilla was Real Estelí’s top contributor in attack with three goals and two assists. The versatile midfielder played in all ten fixtures for Real Estelí, always being active in attack and totaling 27 shots.
Forwards
Diego Campos, LD Alajuelense – Campos’ efforts saw him claim the Best Player Award, presented by Scotiabank, and the Top Scorer Award, presented by Aramco. Campos had seven goal contributions, six goals, and an assist. The Costa Rican forward started the 2024 edition by scoring five times in the group stage before adding another goal in the quarterfinals. He contributed to his team’s tally in four of 10 matches during the tournament and had multiple goal contributions on three occasions.
Javon East, Deportivo Saprissa – East shined in attack for Deportivo Saprissa in eight appearances this campaign. He led the frontline with four goals, two assists, and 18 shots, including two goals in the series against Comunicaciones in the play-in round to secure the team’s 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup berth.
