Benjamín Mayorga

Who is Benjamín Mayorga?

Benjamín Mayorga Mora, otherwise known as "El Indio" or simply as "Mincho", was a Costa Rican soccer player in the 1980s and 1990s. He played most of his career in Deportivo Saprissa. "Mincho" became the most recognizable representative for the Native American race in Costa Rica, due to his Briri origin.

Mayorga began playing football for Municipal Turrialba, and joined A.D. Belén in the Primera Division at age 17. He won four national championships, as well as two CONCACAF Champions Cup titles with Saprissa. He played for the Costa Rican national squad during the late 80s and the 90s, becoming the only 100% pure Indian-blooded international player in the world during that period of time. He collected over 20 caps for the 'Tico's' and played his final international in a FIFA World Cup qualification match against Jamaica on 11 May 1997.

After his retirement in the late 90s, Mincho has pursued a coaching career with several teams in Costa Rica, and has continued to carry with much pride his Indian representation in Costa Rica's society, even in the political arena.