Chilean · Temuco, Chile · Born 24 December 1974Lethal Chilean striker nicknamed 'El Matador' who terrorised defences across South America and Italy during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Marcelo Alejandro Salas Melinao was born in Temuco, Chile on 24 December 1974. Nicknamed 'El Matador' for his clinical finishing, Salas was Chile's most gifted striker of his generation, forming a devastating partnership with Iván Zamorano. He burst onto the scene at Universidad de Chile before a move to River Plate, then made a high-profile transfer to Juventus in 1998 for $15m. His first season in Turin was impressive but he later moved to Lazio, winning Serie A in 2000. Injuries hampered his time in Italy and he returned to South America, finishing his career at River Plate and Universidad de Chile. For Chile he scored 37 goals in 70 caps — a national record at the time — and was the leading scorer at the 1998 Copa América. He appeared at the 1998 World Cup, scoring twice against Austria.
Being Chile's all-time leading goalscorer for many years
He scored 37 goals in 70 appearances for Chile — a national record at the time — and starred alongside Iván Zamorano in one of South America's most feared striking partnerships.
Did You Know?How They Played
Clinical finisher with excellent positioning, aerial ability and composed temperament in the box
Lasting Impact
Considered one of Chile's greatest ever footballers and top South American striker of late 1990s
Career Honours
- Serie A 2000 (Lazio)
- Copa Libertadores 1996
- Serie A 2000
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universidad de Chile | 1994–1996 | — | 78 | #9 |
| River Plate | 1996–1998 | 215 | 93 | #9 |
| Lazio | 1998–2001 | 62 | 18 | #9 |
| Juventus | 2001–2003 | 49 | 11 | — |
| Estudiantes | 2003–2005 | 0 | 0 | — |
 Chile | — | 70 | 37 | — |
Chilean Athletes