Yeltsin Tejeda
A tireless and technical midfield engine who has been the consistent heartbeat of Costa Rica's national team for over a decade.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Costa Rican footballer·Birthday: March 17·Millennials
Biography
Yeltsin Tejeda's name, inspired by the Russian president, hints at the global stage he was destined for. Growing up in Costa Rica, his football education came through the respected academy of Saprissa, where his intelligence and tenacity in defensive midfield began to shine. His professional career has been defined by loyalty and leadership, primarily with Herediano, the club he captains and has led to domestic titles. On the international stage, Tejeda has been indispensable. He announced himself during Costa Rica's magical 2014 World Cup run, starting every match as the team reached the quarterfinals. A player who does the essential, often unglamorous work of breaking up opposition attacks and recycling possession, he has remained a first-choice pick through multiple World Cup cycles. His career path, choosing consistent play in Costa Rica over uncertain moves abroad, underscores a player motivated by legacy and national pride, becoming a symbol of the technical grit that defines Costa Rican football.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Yeltsin was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Yeltsin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Yeltsin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Started all five matches for Costa Rica in their historic run to the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
- Captained his club side, Herediano, to the Costa Rican Primera División title in the 2019 Verano season.
- Earned over 80 caps for the Costa Rican national team, representing them in multiple World Cup cycles.
- Named in the Costa Rican league's Best XI on multiple occasions for his performances with Herediano.
Did You Know?
He was named after Boris Yeltsin, the first President of the Russian Federation.
He made his debut for the Costa Rican national team in 2011 at the age of 19.
He has spent the majority of his club career with two teams: Saprissa and Herediano.
He played every minute of Costa Rica's group stage matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“In midfield, you must see the whole field before the pass arrives.”
