Chilean · Tocopilla, Chile · Born 19 December 1988Chilean forward who became Chile's all-time leading goalscorer and won back-to-back Copa América titles, known for his pace, dribbling and versatility
Alexis Alejandro Sánchez Sánchez was born in Tocopilla, Chile in 1988 and grew up in extreme poverty. Barcelona signed him from Udinese and he won the La Liga title and Copa del Rey. Arsenal paid £35 million for him in 2014. His three and a half Arsenal seasons were the most entertaining individual period by any player in the club's recent history — his combination of pace, dribbling, finishing with both feet and absolute intensity in every minute he played produced a consistent brilliance that made him the best player in the Premier League on his day. He won back-to-back Copa Américas with Chile in 2015 and 2016 — continental titles Chile had never won. His move to Manchester United in January 2018 was catastrophic — one of the Premier League era's most discussed individual declines, attributed to the absence of the specific conditions at Arsenal that had enabled his excellence. He won the Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010 as a fringe player. He became the most decorated Chilean footballer in history.
Leading Chile to their first major international trophies
How They Played
Pacey winger with exceptional dribbling, work rate and ability to play across the front line
Lasting Impact
Chile's all-time leading goalscorer and most successful player
Career Honours
- Copa América 2x (Chile 2015,2016)
- Champions League (2010)
- FA Cup 2x
- Copa Libertadores
- Copa América 2015
- Copa América 2016
- Champions League 2010
- FA Cup 2014
- FA Cup 2015
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobreloa | 2005–2005 | 3 | 5 | #18 |
| Udinese | 2008–2011 | 112 | 21 | — |
| Barcelona | 2011–2014 | 141 | 47 | — |
| Arsenal | 2014–2018 | 166 | 80 | — |
| Colo-Colo | 2005–2006 | 30 | 5 | — |
| River Plate | 2007–2008 | 23 | 4 | — |
| Manchester United | 2018–2020 | 45 | 5 | — |
| Inter Milan | 2019–2022 | 108 | 20 | — |
| Marseille | 2022–2024 | 44 | 18 | — |
 Chile | — | 165 | 51 | — |
Chilean Athletes