Wálter “Paté” Centeno is widely regarded as one of the most talented playmakers Costa Rica and CONCACAF have ever produced. A classic No.10 who often operated a bit deeper, he preferred to dictate the rhythm of the game rather than constantly attack the box. Very soft first touch, great body orientation when receiving the ball and excellent close control under pressure. His main weapons were his passing range and vision: short combinations between the lines, disguised through balls and long diagonal switches to the flanks, all done with a very calm, almost effortless style. He also excelled at protecting the ball and possessed a powerful mid-range shot, standing out for his combination of power and effect when taking free kicks and corners (he even scored several Olympic goals).

He became an idol at Saprissa, where he spent practically his whole career, winning multiple league titles and the 2005 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup, later helping the team to an historic third place at the FIFA Club World Cup. In between, he had a spell at AEK Athens, where he played Champions League football and famously scored and assisted away to Real Madrid and Roma. For the national team he was a long-time starter and creative reference, earning well over 100 caps and taking part in several World Cup qualifying campaigns and major tournaments like the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

Some notable assists
World-class assist to Wanchope against hosts Germany in the opening match of the 2006 World Cup
https://youtu.be/20HPCbjeVLE?si=QhrHcXdFZTIQDHIB
Assist against Real Madrid's "Galácticos" at Santiago Bernabéu in the UEFA Champions League group stage 03-04. He also scored the winning goal for AEK in that same match.
https://youtu.be/GuDEwW0xENc?si=jmDh-HzsOmEk6oAI&t=123
A backheel assist to Bryan Ruiz in the away game against the United States for the South Africa 2010 qualifiers.
https://youtu.be/2NkfkGk1QxI?si=EFQkihW7skPPTudp&t=51
Another backheel assist, this time to Alonso “El Mariachi" Solís.
https://youtu.be/ce_xW4DBXAk?si=ercJKQzAl2dw_8uO
Assist against Honduras in a 2006 World Cup qualifier
https://youtu.be/PSkTcjev9T8?si=hOlo7n79Jbq6EiWi&t=107
Long-range assist against Universidad Católica de Chile
https://youtu.be/6Z-a-_Lt8qw?si=rAHV9wDioDdmX6yR&t=4
Header assist to Armando Alonso in the away game against Suriname for the 2010 qualifiers
https://youtu.be/rRnvS2AfcWc?si=4MghbAEZpA-A1Ep2&t=3899
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Bs9UomFtq/

One of the several Olympic goals he scored
https://youtu.be/IxgPXoq1vMg?si=_x1Ly1oBXddrxq5c
Another Olympic goal, this time at the legendary Estadio Centenario in Uruguay, against Nacional.
https://youtu.be/OMYTEm0NMcE?si=OMG6zMqhSZcPl46K
He scored at least one more against Herediano in october 2006, but I haven't found the footage.

Top 10 goals of his career
https://youtu.be/ML_uugpduIs?si=tU1gF-YbDWaBbVZb&t=107
Great goals at the 2007 Gold Cup
https://youtu.be/xYdFrcQ8GTM?si=4-hHsBKyTAM3r3zm