Woodrow Wilson West – Photo courtesy: Verdes FC / Wilton Ixtecoc
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belizean football icon Woodrow Wilson West (born September 19, 1985) has pushed back firmly against talk of retirement, declaring that he still feels strong, hungry, and far from finished. The veteran goalkeeper made the statement in a strong social media post on Monday, December 15, just two days after lifting his 18th semi-pro championship with Verdes FC.
West, who also serves as the starting goalkeeper for the Belize Men’s National Team, has built one of the most decorated careers in Belizean football history. His journey spans more than 20 years and includes stints with clubs across Belize, Panama, and Honduras.
Woodrow Wilson West with news Site Erei in 2002 – Photo courtesy: Woodrow West
A Career Across Borders
West’s semi-pro path began in the early 2000s with New Site Erie, followed by spells with Revolutionary Conquerors, Wagiya, and the Eagles from Orange Walk—a team he represented during the era when Belize’s semi-pro league was divided in 2003. With Eagles FC, he even competed in CONCACAF, including the memorable period when southern club Boca faced Olimpia in regional play.
His first international move came with Atlético Chiriquí in Panama. He later returned home to join the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and the Belmopan Bandits, winning multiple titles before heading abroad again.
In Honduras, West suited up for Honduras Progreso, where he won the 2015 Apertura Honduran National League Championship, and later for Olancho FC, continuing to build his reputation as one of Central America’s most reliable and experienced goalkeepers.
Since joining Verdes FC, West has added eight finals appearances and six championships to his résumé, becoming a cornerstone of the club’s modern era.
A Record Few Can Match
In his post, West listed the milestones that define his legacy:
- Only goalkeeper to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in his debut semi-pro season
- Most shutouts in Belizean semi-pro football
- Most championships by a goalkeeper
- Most goals scored by a goalkeeper in semi-pro history
- 22 finals from 2005–2025, winning 18 and finishing runner-up 4 times
“These aren’t opinions. These are facts. These are receipts,” he wrote.
Woodrow Wilson West (right) at the Central American Cup in 2012 along with Charlie Slusher (left) and Shane Orio Moody (center) when he was moving up to replace Shane in the Belize Men’s National Team. File Photo
His Toughest Season Yet
West admitted that the 2024–2025 season was one of the most challenging of his career. Despite fighting hard to help Verdes qualify for CONCACAF, he found himself sidelined when the tournament arrived. Argentine goalkeeper Nahuel Paz was preferred for the CONCACAF fixtures, leaving West in an unfamiliar position — watching from the bench.
Instead of stepping back, West said he used the moment as motivation. He pushed himself in training, stayed disciplined, and worked to prove to the coaching staff that he still belonged in the starting XI.
His persistence paid off.
The coaches eventually restored him as the starter, and although Paz continued to receive some matches, West reclaimed the No. 1 spot and led Verdes through the remainder of the season — ultimately lifting yet another championship trophy.
Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo
West also revealed that he looks up to Cristiano Ronaldo, who, like him, was born in 1985. He said Ronaldo’s longevity, discipline, and commitment to training and nutrition motivate him to maintain the same standards.
He credits his own strict routine — consistent training, proper recovery, and disciplined eating — for the way he still feels physically strong and mentally sharp.
“I still feel I can perform at that level. I take care of myself. I do my gym, I take care of my body. I do my checkups, everything. So, I feel good to play ball,” West told Breaking Belize News.
Woodrow Wilson West in November in a match against Progresso FC at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen – Photo courtesy: Verdes FC / Wilton Ixtecoc
“No One Decides When I Retire Except Me”
West’s message was direct, defiant, unequivocal as he addressed growing public speculation about his future:
“I do not feel done.
I do not feel old.
I feel strong.
I feel hungry.
I feel like I still have more saves to make, more titles to chase, and more moments to give this game.
No one decides when I retire, except me.”
He added that neither politics, pressure, nor discomfort from others would dictate the end of his career.
A Legacy Still in Motion
At 40, West remains one of Belize’s most consistent performers, both domestically and internationally. His leadership, longevity, and unmatched list of achievements have firmly established him as one of the greatest footballers the country has ever produced.
And as he made clear, his story isn’t over.
“When I walk away, it will be because I am ready and not because someone else is.
Until then, I stand. I defend. I compete.
This is my story — and it’s still being written.”
Woodrow Wilson West with the Belize Men’s National team against Honduras – File Photo
The post Belize’s top goalkeeper Woodrow West declares: “No one decides when I retire, except me.” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Woodrow Wilson West – Photo courtesy: Verdes FC / Wilton Ixtecoc By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belizean football icon Woodrow Wilson West (born September 19, 1985) has pushed back firmly against talk of retirement, declaring that he still feels strong, hungry, and far from finished. The veteran goalkeeper made the statement in a strong social media post
The post Belize’s top goalkeeper Woodrow West declares: “No one decides when I retire, except me.” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
