They haven’t built a statue of Kendall Waston in Costa Rica just yet, but this is pretty close.

Costa Rica’s home kit for the 2018 FIFA World Cup was unveiled on Wednesday with the installation of a Waston mannequin in each of the country’s provinces.

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC captain has become a mainstay on the Ticos’ back line, appearing in 24 matches. And he gained celebrity status in his home country last October, when he scored the dramatic stoppage-time goal that clinched Costa Rica’s World Cup berth.

It’s a moment that propelled Waston to stardom – and this is just the latest example.

Waston, a two-time Whitecaps FC BMO Player of the Year and MLS Best XI selection, is currently away with the Costa Rican national team for a pair of friendlies vs. Scotland and Tunisia in preparation for the World Cup. Costa Rica will open the World Cup on June 17 against Serbia before facing Brazil on June 22 and closing out the group stage on June 27 against Switzerland.

Meanwhile, Whitecaps FC return to BC Place this Saturday against LA Galaxy (7 p.m. PT kickoff on TSN1 and TSN 1040 radio - limited tickets available).