Soccer History

Defining Legends: The Five Best Chilean Soccer Players Ever

In this article we highlight five of the best Chilean soccer players of all time.

Chile's journey in the world of soccer began in the 1800s, when it was introduced by English sailors and saw the establishment of its first official soccer club in 1892. This early adoption has since nurtured some of the best Chilean soccer players, who've left their marks on both national and international stages. With a heritage punctuated by nine World Cup appearances and two Copa América victories in 2015 and 2016, Chilean soccer, known globally for "La Roja", has cultivated an enviable legacy.

This article aims to shine a light on the five best Chilean soccer players ever, individuals who've not only excelled in representing Chile soccer but have also become legends in their own right.

Arturo Vidal

Arturo Erasmo Vidal Pardo, born in 1987 in San Joaquín, Chile, stands as a central figure in the golden generation of Chilean soccer. Known for his aggressive and tenacious style, Vidal has been a pivotal midfielder for clubs across Europe and the Chile national team. His career milestones include:

Club Achievements:
- Started at Colo-Colo, winning three Chilean Primera División titles.
- Played for Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and currently Inter Milan.
- Notable titles include four Serie A titles with Juventus and two Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich.
International Success:
- Over 140 caps for Chile, scoring 34 goals.
- Key player in Chile's 2015 and 2016 Copa América victories.
- Competed in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Individual Honors:
- Bundesliga Team of the Season (2010–11, 2015–16).
- Juventus Player of the Year (2012–13).
- Chilean Footballer of the Year (2016).

Vidal's dynamic presence on the field and his contributions to both his national team and various top-tier European clubs underscore his status as one of the best Chilean soccer players of all time.

Iván Zamorano

Iván Zamorano, born in Santiago in 1967, is celebrated as one of the iconic figures in Chilean soccer history. His career highlights include significant achievements both at the club and international levels, making him a standout among the best Chilean soccer players ever.

Club Career Achievements:

Colo-Colo: Zamorano began his ascent in professional soccer with Colo-Colo, where he won the Chilean First Division in 1986 and the prestigious Copa Libertadores in 1991.
European Clubs: His European journey blossomed at Sevilla FC, scoring 55 goals in 130 appearances. Zamorano then moved to Real Madrid, where he won the Spanish La Liga title in 1997. He scored a total of 41 goals in 104 appearances for Inter Milan during his time there, and the club won the UEFA Cup in 1998.

International Career:

Chile National Team: Zamorano earned 69 caps and scored 34 goals for the Chilean national team. He played in the 1998 World Cup and four Copa América tournaments, being a crucial part of the team that won the Copa América in 1991.

Zamorano's ability to score with both his feet and his head, which made him a formidable forward during his career, enhances his legacy. His physical style of play and relentless pursuit of goals left an indelible mark on the teams he played for and the fans who watched him.

Marcelo Salas

Marcelo Salas, often hailed as "El Matador" due to his formidable goal-scoring prowess, began his illustrious career with Universidad de Chile, leading them to two Primera División titles in 1994 and 1995. His journey from a local hero to an international star saw him move to River Plate in Argentina, where his talent continued to flourish, winning multiple league titles and the Supercopa Libertadores.

Club Career Highlights:

River Plate: contributed significantly to winning the Torneo Apertura (1996, 1997, 2004) and the Torneo Clausura (1997, 2004).
Lazio: His transfer to Lazio for a then-record fee underscored his value, bringing home the Supercoppa Italiana, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and Serie A titles.
Juventus: continued success with two Serie A titles and a Supercoppa Italiana.

Internationally, Salas was a beacon for Chilean soccer, captaining the national team and becoming its top scorer with 37 goals in 70 appearances. His remarkable performance at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he was the third-best scorer, solidified his legacy as a Chilean soccer icon. Salas’ career not only reflects his scoring ability but also his role in elevating Chilean soccer on the global stage.

Alexis Sánchez

Alexis Sánchez, born in 1988 in Tocopilla, Chile, has carved out a stellar reputation as one of the best Chilean soccer players, known for his dynamic and versatile playing style. Sánchez's journey through the ranks of world soccer began at a young age with Cobreloa, swiftly moving through top clubs like Udinese, Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Olympique de Marseille, and Inter Milan.

Club and International Career:

Early Career: He debuted at 15 for Cobreloa, moving to Udinese and then to Barcelona, where he played alongside Lionel Messi.
Arsenal and Beyond: joined Arsenal in 2014 for around £35 million, becoming a fan favorite and later experiencing varied success at Manchester United and Inter Milan. Recently, he has been revitalizing his form at Marseille.
Chilean National Team: A central figure in Chile's golden generation, Sánchez has earned 162 caps and scored 51 goals. He played pivotal roles in Chile's 2015 Copa América victory and their strong 2014 World Cup performance.

Key Achievements and Attributes:

Versatility: capable of playing across the front line, known for his energy, speed, and technical skills.
Club Titles: Accumulated six league titles across Chile, Spain, England, and Italy.
Notable Strengths: direct free-kicks, strong passing, and dribbling.

Off the Pitch:

Personal Life: Known for his love of dogs and music, he owns two Golden Retrievers and shows his piano skills on social media.
Philanthropy and Investments: Invests in properties across Barcelona, the UK, Milan, and Chile, and recently acquired a Miami beachfront condo.

Sánchez's career reflects not just his soccer prowess but also his resilience and adaptability, making him a revered figure in Chilean and global soccer.

Elias Figueroa

Elias Figueroa, born in Valparaíso, Chile, is celebrated as one of the finest defenders in the history of soccer. His career, marked by elegance and effectiveness on the field, spanned from 1963 to 1982, seeing him play across South America and the United States.

Club Career Highlights:

Santiago Wanderers & Peñarol: He started his professional career at Santiago Wanderers before moving to Peñarol, where he won the Uruguayan Primera División three times consecutively from 1967 to 1969.
Internacional & Return to Chile: At Internacional in Brazil, he claimed the Campeonato Gaúcho five times and the prestigious Campeonato Brasileiro twice. Later, he returned to Chile, winning the Copa Chile and the Chilean Primera División with Palestino.

International Career:

Chile National Team: Figueroa earned 47 caps and scored three goals, captaining the team through three FIFA World Cups (1966, 1974, 1982). His leadership in the 1974 World Cup led to him being named the tournament's best central defender.

Awards and Recognition:

Multiple Accolades: Figueroa was named South American Footballer of the Year three times (1974, 1975, and 1976) and received the Bola de Ouro twice. His style, often compared to Franz Beckenbauer's, was distinct for its precision and defensive intelligence.

Figueroa's legacy as 'Don Elías' remains a testament to his skill and sportsmanship, influencing generations in Chilean and international soccer.

Chile's legacy in the sport. The stories of these five best Chilean soccer players ever serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of Chilean soccer, promising that the future holds yet more legends in the making. Their contributions are a beacon for aspiring talents and a reminder of the profound influence individuals can have on their sport and nation.