Top 10 Greatest Chilean Footballers Ranked by Achievements

South America is famous for its football passion, with nations like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile producing many stars. Chilean players are known for their aggressive style and have won multiple Copa America titles while regularly appearing in FIFA World Cups. Though recent years have been challenging, with failed qualifications and aging squads, Chile's football history remains rich.

Below is a list of the top 10 Chilean footballers, ranked by club success, international achievements, and overall influence on the game.

• Rank: 1Player: Arturo VidalClubs: Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter MilanNotable Trophies: 5 Serie A titles, 3 Bundesliga titles, 2 Copa AmericasChilean Caps: 142
• Rank: 2Player: Alexis SanchezClubs: Arsenal, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Udinese, Manchester UnitedNotable Trophies: 2 Serie A titles, 2 Copa Americas, 2 FA CupsChilean Caps: 166
• Rank: 3Player: Iván ZamoranoClubs: Real Madrid, Inter Milan, CF AméricaNotable Trophies: Europa League, La Liga, Copa del ReyChilean Caps: 69
• Rank: 4Player: Marcelo SalasClubs: Lazio, Club Universidad de Chile, River Plate, JuventusNotable Trophies: 3 Serie A & Argentine League titles, 2 Chilean League titlesChilean Caps: 70
• Rank: 5Player: Claudio BravoClubs: Real Sociedad, Barcelona, Real Betis, Manchester CityNotable Trophies: 2 Premier League titles, La Liga, Chilean League, Copa America, UEFA Champions LeagueChilean Caps: 150
• Rank: 6Player: Leonel SanchezClubs: Club Universidad de Chile, CSD Colo-ColoNotable Trophies: 7 Chilean League titlesChilean Caps: 84
• Rank: 7Player: Eduardo VargasClubs: Atlético Mineiro, Tigres UNAL, Universidad de Chile, Gremio, Hoffenheim, Napoli, Valencia, QPRNotable Trophies: 2 Copa Americas, Chilean League, Mexican League, CONCACAF Champions LeagueChilean Caps: 114
• Rank: 8Player: Gary MedelClubs: Inter Milan, Bologna, Sevilla, Besiktas, Boca JuniorsNotable Trophies: 2 Copa AmericasChilean Caps: 161
• Rank: 9Player: David PizarroClubs: AS Roma, Udinese, Universidad de Chile, Inter MilanNotable Trophies: Premier League, Serie A, Copa America, Chilean LeagueChilean Caps: 46
• Rank: 10Player: Carlos CaszelyClubs: CSD Colo-Colo, RCD EspanyolNotable Trophies: 5 Chilean League titlesChilean Caps: 49

Profiles of Chile’s Top Players

• Carlos Caszely: Dominated Chilean football from the 1970s to mid-1980s, mostly with CSD Colo-Colo. Scored 208 goals there, becoming their top scorer and winning five league titles. Also played in Spain and scored 29 goals in 49 games for Chile.
• David Pizarro: A skillful midfielder who shone mainly in Italy with clubs like Roma, Udinese, and Inter Milan, also briefly played in England. Won league titles with Inter and Manchester City and collected 46 caps, contributing to Chile's 2015 Copa America win.
• Gary Medel: Known as a tough defensive midfielder, he has 161 appearances for Chile, placing second behind Alexis Sanchez. Played key roles in Chile’s 2015 and 2016 Copa America wins. Currently represents Boca Juniors after spells in Serie A, La Liga, and Turkey.
• Eduardo Vargas: A versatile attacker with 114 caps and 43 goals for Chile, still active. Played for top South American clubs and scored 127+ club career goals. He led scoring in Chile’s Copa America victories with 10 goals.
• Leonel Sanchez: Famous for his performance in the 1962 World Cup, finishing third with Chile and winning the Golden Boot with 4 goals. Known for his powerful left foot, he played mainly in Chile, winning seven league titles.
• Claudio Bravo: One of South America's best goalkeepers, retired in August 2024 at age 41. Held Chile’s goal for two decades, earning 150 caps and winning two Copa Americas plus major European trophies including the UEFA Champions League.
• Marcelo Salas: Celebrated for his time at Lazio and a prolific scorer in Italy, Argentina, and Chile. Scored 100 goals in 272 club appearances and 37 goals in 70 games for Chile, once the nation’s top scorer.
• Iván Zamorano: A legendary forward and the only Chilean to play for Real Madrid, where he scored 22 goals in 173 matches and won La Liga and Copa del Rey. Known for consistent goal-scoring at club and international levels.
• Alexis Sanchez: Chile’s most capped player with 166 appearances and all-time top scorer with 50 goals. Excelled at clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona, and Inter Milan. Known for speed, dribbling, and versatility upfront.
• Arturo Vidal: The top-ranked Chilean player, known for his energy, leadership, and adaptability in midfield. Has 142 caps with 34 goals and boasts five Serie A titles among other trophies. Still active playing in Chile after a long European career.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Chile’s best footballer? Arturo Vidal holds that title.
• Who is Chile’s all-time top scorer? Alexis Sanchez with 50 goals.
• Who has the most appearances for Chile? Alexis Sanchez, with 166 caps.
• How many European clubs has Arturo Vidal played for? Five: Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Inter Milan.
• Which Chilean played for Real Madrid? Iván Zamorano.