Santiago van der Putten

Santiago Alberto van der Putten Campos (born 25 June 2004) is a Costa Rican footballer who currently plays as a central defender for Spanish side Betis Deportivo, on loan from Alajuelense.

Early life
van der Putten was born in the San Rafael District of Escazú to a Dutch father and Costa Rican mother.

Early career
van der Putten began his career with second division side Fútbol Consultants Edson Soto at the age of eleven. After realising it would give him a better chance of becoming a professional footballer, he moved to Liga FPD side Saprissa in early 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Costa Rica, van der Putten saw his career path accelerated, as the club could not afford to make new transfers, and he was promoted to the first team at the age of sixteen.

His agent also represented Honduran footballer Alberth Elis, who had signed for Boavista in September 2020, and van der Putten was given the opportunity to trial with the Portuguese club. After several weeks with the under-19 squad, he returned to Costa Rica without a contract being offered.

Alajuelense
He and his family had always been fans of Saprissa, and when fellow top-flight side Alajuelense approached him to join, he initially declined in favour of remaining with the San José-based club. However, after his return from Portugal, he decided that it would be best for his career and development if he joined Alajuelense, despite the protests of his mother. He made his professional debut in the Liga FPD on 16 May 2022, starting in a 2–0 loss to Santos de Guápiles.

Loan to Real Betis
On 19 August 2022, it was announced that van der Putten would join Spanish side Real Betis on loan, being assigned to the youth and reserve teams alongside compatriot Ricardo Peña. He featured for Betis in the Copa de Campeones youth competition, scoring in a 3–1 loss to Real Madrid in the 2023 final. In May 2023, it was reported that Real Betis were looking to extend van der Putten's loan for another season.

International career
van der Putten is eligible to represent both Costa Rica and the Netherlands at international level, and holds a Dutch passport. He has represented Costa Rica from under-15 to under-23 level, and captained the under-17 team.

Club

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