Johan Venegas

  • Years with club: 2017
  • Position: Winger / Midfielder / Second Striker
  • Nationality: Costa Rican
  • Acquisition: Traded from Montreal Impact on December 13, 2016

Johan Venegas is a versatile Costa Rican international who was part of Minnesota United FC’s inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) roster in 2017. Acquired in a trade from the Montreal Impact, Venegas was expected to be a dynamic attacking player, capable of playing anywhere across the front line. Though highly decorated at the international level and a veteran of MLS, his time with the Loons was limited to one season before he was loaned out.

Key stats with Minnesota United (MLS):

  • MLS regular season appearances: 22 (12 starts)
  • Goals: 2
  • Assists: 4
  • Acquisition: Traded for defender Chris Duvall and General Allocation Money (GAM).
  • Departure: Loaned to Deportivo Saprissa for 2018; contract with MNUFC ended following the 2018 season.

Memorable moments:

  • Costa Rica international: Venegas is a long-serving member of the Costa Rica national team (known as Los Ticos), having played in multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
  • First MLS goals: He scored two goals for the Loons, including one in a 4-2 victory over Real Salt Lake and a crucial equalizer against the Houston Dynamo.
  • Subsequent Central American success: After his MLS tenure, he returned to Costa Rica and became one of the top players in the country, notably winning the CONCACAF League Golden Boot and Golden Ball in 2019.

Where is he now?:

  • Johan Venegas continues to play professional soccer in his home country, Costa Rica.
  • He is currently a forward/second striker for CS Cartaginés in the Costa Rican Primera División, a club he joined in July 2025.
  • Prior to Cartaginés, he had successful stints with major Costa Rican clubs like Deportivo Saprissa (two spells), LD Alajuelense (two spells), and AD Guanacasteca.