José Francisco Porras (born November 8, 1970), currently's Deportivo Saprissa's and Costa Rica national football team's goalkeeper and captain, is considered in his home country to be an example of security and leadership in the field. Playing for different teams in Costa Rica during the 90's, Porras had to spend also some years in Saprissa's bench before having his opportunity to shine. He was always considered a good goalkeeper and a prospect, even playing for Costa Rica's national squad in the under-20 Football World Youth Championship held in Saudi Arabia. But because of the fact that star goalkeeper for Saprissa and Costa Rica Erick Lonnis was in the pinnacle of his career, Porras had to patiently wait for his chance in the bench.
After Lonnis retirement, few people thought he could step up, but being a quite hard worker as he had always been, Porras managed to do the impossible, and in less than a year took over the job, and made Costa Rican and Saprissa's fans forget about their recently retired hero. Porras is considered to be a living example of what hard work, patience and perseverance rewards you if you don't ever give up. With Saprissa he has already won three national championships, a UNCAF Cup and a CONCACAF Champions Cup title. With Costa Rica's national team, he won a UNCAF Cup and is expected to play in the 2006 World Cup . Currently, with his team, he participated in the FIFA Club World Championship Toyota Cup, where Saprissa finished third behind São Paulo Futebol Clube and Liverpool F.C..
