Chilean · Valparaiso, Chile · Born 25 October 1946Three-time South American Footballer of the Year and widely regarded as the finest defender South America has ever produced.
Elías Osvaldo Figueroa Brander was born in Valparaiso, Chile on 25 October 1946. Widely considered the greatest South American defender of the 20th century, Figueroa was an elegant, commanding centre-back who combined superb reading of the game with aerial authority and composure on the ball. He began his career at Santiago Wanderers and later starred for Peñarol in Uruguay, winning three national championships. His greatest years came at Internacional in Brazil (1975-80), where he won two Copa Libertadores titles (1979, 1980) and two Intercontinental Cups (1979, 1980). He won the South American Footballer of the Year award three times — 1974, 1975 and 1976 — an unprecedented achievement at the time. He earned 47 caps for Chile, appearing at the 1966, 1974 and 1978 World Cups.
Only player to win South American Footballer of the Year three consecutive times
He won the South American Footballer of the Year award three consecutive times (1974, 1975, 1976) — a feat that had never been achieved before and remains a monument to his sustained excellence.
Did You Know?How They Played
Elegant sweeper with exceptional technical ability, aerial prowess and leadership
Lasting Impact
Considered the greatest South American defender and one of Chile's finest footballers
Career Honours
- S. Am. Footballer of the Year 1974, 1975, 1976
- Copa Libertadores 1979, 1980
- Intercontinental Cup 1979, 1980
- Copa América 1979
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago Wanderers | 1962–1965 | — | 3 | #12 |
| Internacional | 1973–1976 | 29 | — | #6 |
| Peñarol | 1967–1973 | 198 | — | #6 |
| Palestino | 1976–1980 | 70 | — | #6 |
| Colo-Colo | 1983–1985 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale Strikers | 1981–1982 | 0 | 0 | — |
 Chile | — | 47 | 2 | — |
Chilean Athletes