15 Greatest Chile Players in Football History [Ranked]

South America is renowned for producing some of the world’s most gifted footballers. While Brazil and Argentina dominate the spotlight with their rich footballing history and international success, Chile has also made its mark on the global stage, developing players who have excelled at the highest level for both club and country.

Chile’s footballing legacy includes hosting the 1962 World Cup, where they secured a third-place finish—their best performance in the tournament to date. More recently, they achieved back-to-back Copa América triumphs in 2015 and 2016, cementing their place among the continent’s elite.

One of the most recognizable names in modern Chilean football is Arturo Vidal. The dynamic midfielder has played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. He features among the top 15 greatest Chilean players of all time, alongside other legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

15. Sergio Livingstone

Career span: 1938-1959

Sergio Livingstone's talent between the posts made him one of South America's finest goalkeepers of the mid-20th century. His influence extended beyond the pitch, as he later became a highly respected journalist. Nicknamed El Sapo (The Toad) due to his distinctive goalkeeping posture, Livingstone spent the majority of his 21-year club career with CD Universidad Católica in Santiago.

However, it was on the international stage where he truly made his mark. Representing Chile in seven Copa América tournaments and one World Cup, he enjoyed a remarkable 13-year career with the national team, earning 52 caps. His legacy in Chilean football is so profound that a street in Santiago bears his name, a testament to the lasting impact he left on the sport in his homeland.

14. Charles Aranguiz

Career span: 2006-Present

Best known for his time at Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, Charles Aránguiz embodied the modern South American midfielder—small in stature but relentless in the tackle. FIFA once described him as "a crafty, tigerish midfielder of the highest order," praising his ability to win and distribute possession, pick out key passes, and find the back of the net.

Aránguiz was close to joining Leicester City in the summer of 2015, but despite the lure of a higher salary, he turned down the move, citing his desire to play in the Champions League rather than joining what he saw as a smaller club. On the international stage, he earned over 100 caps for Chile, featuring under the legendary Marcelo Bielsa and playing a key role in the nation's most successful era.

13. Mauricio Isla

Career span: 2007-Present

A key figure in Udinese's thrilling side of the 2010s—featuring stars like Antonio Di Natale and fellow Chilean Alexis Sánchez—Mauricio Isla embodied the high-energy, attacking style that defined Chilean football. A dynamic full-back who thrived in a wing-back role, Isla played with relentless intensity, often operating in a three-man defense for both Udinese and the Chilean national team.

His standout performances in Serie A earned him a move to Juventus, but he struggled to replicate his Udinese form at the Turin giants. He later had a brief spell in the Premier League with QPR on loan. However, his greatest accomplishment remains his remarkable international career, amassing an astonishing 144 caps for Chile and playing a crucial role in their golden era.

12. David Pizarro

Career span: 1997-2018

Standing at just 5'6", David Pizarro was the epitome of a pocket dynamo—technically gifted, versatile, and capable of playing anywhere across midfield or even as a right-back. He enjoyed an illustrious club career, winning a Serie A title with Inter Milan and three Coppa Italia trophies with AS Roma. His international legacy was cemented in 2015 when he played a key role in Chile’s historic Copa América triumph.

That winners' medal came after an extraordinary eight-year absence from the national team. Following Chile’s failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, Pizarro abruptly retired from international duty, citing multiple frustrations. However, ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, he made a dramatic return under Jorge Sampaoli, helping steer Chile to one of its greatest footballing achievements.

11. Matias Fernandez

Career span: 2004-2022

Matías Fernández was one of the most gifted South American footballers of his generation. While consistency wasn’t always his strongest suit, his technical brilliance was undeniable. A natural playmaker, he possessed a sublime touch and was renowned for his dead-ball mastery, frequently curling free-kicks into the top corner—a trait that endeared him to fans wherever he played.

Best known for his stints at Villarreal and Fiorentina, Fernández was crowned South American Footballer of the Year in 2006, a testament to his immense talent. He also played a role in Chile’s Copa América triumph in 2015. While his 74 international caps were a respectable tally, there remains a sense that he could have left an even greater mark on the game, given his exceptional ability.

10. Gary Medel

Career Span: 2007-Present

Gary Medel is a versatile and battle-hardened defender who currently plies his trade for Argentine Primera División side Boca Juniors. Capable of operating both as a centre-back and a defensive midfielder, the Chilean has enjoyed a well-traveled career across multiple top leagues.

Medel began his journey at Universidad Católica before going on to represent clubs such as Boca Juniors, Sevilla, Cardiff City, Inter Milan, and Beşiktaş. In 2019, he returned to Italy to join Bologna. A stalwart of the Chilean national team, he has amassed over 160 caps since his debut in 2007, featuring in two World Cups, five Copa América tournaments, and the Confederations Cup.

A key figure in Chile’s golden generation, Medel played an instrumental role in the nation's back-to-back Copa América triumphs in 2015 and 2016, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament for his performances in the former. He was also part of the squads that finished fourth in the 2019 Copa América and as runners-up in the 2017 Confederations Cup.

9. Jaime Pizarro

Career Span: 1982-2000

Jaime Pizarro hung up his boots in 2000 after earning 53 caps for the Chilean national team between 1987 and 1993. A key figure in the squad, he played in the 1987 Copa América final, marking a significant milestone in his international career.

At club level, Pizarro spent the majority of his playing days at Colo-Colo, where he enjoyed success both as a player and later as a coach. His final international appearance came during the 1993 Copa América against Peru.

Pizarro's lone goal for Chile came in a 1989 friendly against Uruguay in Montevideo, a match that ended in a 2-2 draw. Following his playing career, he also had a brief stint as assistant manager of the national team.

8. Francisco Valdes

Career Span: 1961-1981

Francisco Valdés stands as one of Chile’s most decorated midfielders and remains the all-time top scorer in the Chilean league, netting an impressive 215 goals. His record surpasses Pedro González’s tally of 212 goals, cementing his place in domestic football history.

Valdés spent his entire career in Chile’s first division, scoring 179 goals in 353 matches in the national championship. He also found the net once in the Copa Libertadores and remains the tournament's top-scoring Chilean midfielder with 20 goals in just 44 appearances.

On the international stage, Valdés earned 50 caps for Chile, contributing nine goals for his country.

7. Elias Figueroa

Career Span: 1962-1983

Elías Figueroa was a phenomenal defender who enjoyed a long and illustrious career, starring for several clubs across South America. He played for his hometown club Santiago Wanderers before making his mark at Brazilian giants Internacional and Uruguayan powerhouse Peñarol. His impact at these clubs was immense, winning multiple titles in the 1970s and earning three consecutive South American Footballer of the Year awards from 1974 to 1976—a testament to his dominance.

On the international stage, Figueroa earned 47 caps for Chile and represented his nation in three World Cups (1966, 1974, and 1982). Known for his exceptional athleticism and impeccable tackling, he was a defensive maestro who thrived under pressure. His legacy was further cemented when he was named Chile’s Footballer of the 20th Century and included in FIFA’s prestigious FIFA 100 list in 2003.

6. George Robledo

Career Span: 1946-1961

George Robledo was a prolific striker best known for his time at Newcastle United, where he made history as the first non-British registered foreign player to finish as the top scorer in England. His goal-scoring prowess helped Newcastle secure domestic success, cementing his place as a club legend.

Despite a language barrier—having grown up in England and not speaking Spanish—Robledo was called up to represent Chile at the 1950 World Cup. He made his debut in the opening match against England and later scored in Chile’s 5-2 victory over the United States. He also featured in the national squad for the 1955 and 1957 South American Championships, further contributing to Chilean football history.

5. Claudio Bravo

Career Span: 2003-2024

Claudio Bravo, with 150 appearances for Chile, is the third-most capped player in the nation’s history, trailing only Alexis Sánchez and Gary Medel. Renowned for his sharp reflexes and commanding presence between the posts, Bravo has cemented his legacy as a Chilean football icon. As captain, he played a pivotal role in leading his country to back-to-back Copa América triumphs in 2015 and 2016.

His club career saw him rise to prominence at Real Sociedad before earning a move to Barcelona in 2014. In his debut season at Camp Nou, he won the treble and claimed the prestigious Zamora Trophy. Later, he joined Manchester City, adding multiple domestic titles to his collection during his four-year stint in the Premier League. On the international stage, Bravo represented Chile at two World Cups, one Confederations Cup, and six Copa América tournaments.

4. Marcelo Salas

Career Span:1994-2009

Marcelo Salas was a mesmerizing talent who had the ability to electrify crowds with his skill and clinical finishing. A lethal left-footed striker, he primarily operated as a number nine and enjoyed a glittering career across Argentina and Italy, winning titles at every club he represented. His most successful years came at Lazio and Juventus.

At Lazio, Salas played a pivotal role in the club’s Serie A triumph during the 1999-2000 season, cementing his status as one of the best forwards of his era. His brilliance was further acknowledged when he was named South American Player of the Year in 1997. On the international stage, he remains Chile’s second-highest all-time goal scorer, with 37 goals in 70 appearances—only behind Alexis Sánchez. Salas also shined at the 1998 World Cup in France, netting four goals in as many matches, and represented Chile in two Copa América tournaments.

3. Ivan Zamorano

Career Span: 1986-2003

Iván Zamorano is widely regarded as one of Chile’s greatest-ever strikers. Renowned for his clinical finishing and aerial dominance, he remains one of the most iconic figures in Chilean football history. A key player for the national team, Zamorano represented Chile at the 1998 World Cup and featured in four Copa América tournaments.

At club level, he thrived at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Sevilla. His goal-scoring prowess was evident during the 1994-95 season, when he won the Pichichi Trophy after netting 28 goals for Real Madrid. He later won the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan, further solidifying his legacy. His strength, relentless work rate, and exceptional ability in the air made him a nightmare for defenders. Recognized among the world's elite, Zamorano earned a place in the FIFA 100, a prestigious list of the greatest footballers of all time.

2. Arturo Vidal

Career Span: 2006-Present

Arturo Vidal embodies the qualities of a complete modern-day midfielder. Known for his relentless tackling, aggressive interceptions, and boundless energy, he was one of the finest box-to-box players during his prime. Since making his international debut in 2007, Vidal earned 142 caps for Chile, featuring in multiple major tournaments, including the Copa América in 2011, 2015, and 2019.

A pivotal figure in Chile’s golden generation, he played a crucial role in their back-to-back Copa América triumphs in 2015 and 2016. His international résumé also includes appearances at the Copa América Centenario, the 2017 Confederations Cup, and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. At club level, Vidal enjoyed immense success, winning nine league titles across Europe with clubs such as Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. His dominance was recognized with selections in the Bundesliga and Serie A Teams of the Year, as well as being named the 2016 Chilean Player of the Year.

1. Alexis Sanchez

Career Span: 2005- Present

Alexis Sánchez is widely regarded as the greatest Chilean footballer of all time, thanks to his remarkable success with the national team and his impressive individual achievements. A dynamic and versatile forward, Sánchez possesses quick feet, exceptional dribbling skills, and clinical finishing, making him a constant attacking threat across the frontline.

His club career saw him excel at some of Europe's biggest teams, including Barcelona, Arsenal, and Inter Milan. His peak years came at Arsenal, where he netted 80 goals and won two FA Cups, earning the 2015 PFA Fans' Player of the Year award. On the international stage, Sánchez played a crucial role in Chile's back-to-back Copa América victories, winning the Golden Ball in the 2016 edition as the tournament’s best player.

Further cementing his legendary status, Sánchez holds the record for the most appearances in Chile’s history, solidifying his place as one of South America’s finest footballing talents.