Alexis Sanchez Biography and Timeline

Cobreloa Senior Debut

Alexis Sánchez broke into Cobreloa's senior squad as a teenager, beginning his professional career in Chilean football before attracting interest from clubs abroad.

Chilean League Championship

Playing for Colo-Colo, Sánchez contributed to a squad that won Chile's Clausura championship and strengthened his reputation as a promising attacking player.

Colo-Colo Loan Move

Sánchez joined Colo-Colo on loan from Udinese and gained regular experience in Chile's top division during a successful period for the Santiago club.

Udinese Acquisition

Italian club Udinese signed Sánchez from Cobreloa, setting in motion his European career while arranging further playing experience in South America.

River Plate Loan Spell

Sánchez moved on loan to River Plate in Argentina, where he adapted to another demanding domestic league and developed his game alongside experienced professionals.

Under-20 World Cup Third Place

Sánchez represented Chile at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, helping the national side finish third and gaining valuable experience against international youth opposition.

Argentine Clausura Title

During his loan spell at River Plate, Sánchez was part of the team that secured the Argentine Clausura title before he returned to his parent club in Italy.

Udinese First-Team Integration

After loan spells in South America, Sánchez joined Udinese's first-team plans in Serie A and began building the European performances that would define his breakthrough.

First Senior World Cup Appearance

Sánchez featured for Chile at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, playing in an attack-minded side that reached the round of sixteen before losing to Brazil.

Barcelona Club World Cup Title

Sánchez was a member of Barcelona's squad when the club won the FIFA Club World Cup, adding an international club trophy during his first season in Spain.

Barcelona Transfer

Joins Barcelona from Udinese and becomes a versatile member of the attacking line.

Role range: 2011-2014

Copa América Quarterfinal Run

Sánchez played for Chile at the 2011 Copa América, scoring during the tournament as the team advanced from its group before being eliminated by Venezuela in the quarterfinals.

Udinese Breakthrough Season

Sánchez completed a highly regarded final season at Udinese, earning wider recognition for his speed, close control and attacking partnership with Antonio Di Natale.

Copa del Rey Triumph

Sánchez helped Barcelona during the season that concluded with victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final, earning a major Spanish domestic cup honor.

La Liga Championship

Sánchez was part of Barcelona's league-winning squad in the 2012–13 season, contributing to a campaign in which the club reclaimed the Spanish championship.

Arsenal Community Shield Win

Sánchez made an early appearance in Arsenal's successful 2014 Community Shield campaign as the London club defeated Manchester City at Wembley.

Arsenal Signing

Arsenal signed Sánchez from Barcelona, bringing an established Chile international into the Premier League to reinforce the team's forward options.

Final Barcelona League Campaign

Sánchez finished the 2013–14 league season with his most prolific Barcelona campaign, providing goals from wide and central attacking roles before leaving Spain.

Transfer to Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez joins Arsenal from Barcelona. Arsenal obtained the Chilean attacker after Barcelona signed Luis Suarez and reshaped its forward line.

World Cup Goals Against Australia and Brazil

Sánchez scored against Australia in Chile's opening World Cup match and later equalized against Brazil in the round of sixteen before Chile lost on penalties.

2015 FA Cup Final Goal

Scores a spectacular long-range goal as Arsenal defeat Aston Villa 4-0 in the FA Cup final.

Copa América Winning Penalty

Sánchez converted the decisive penalty with a Panenka-style finish as Chile beat Argentina in the Copa América final, securing the country's first continental championship.

PFA Team of the Year Selection

After an influential first Premier League season for Arsenal, Sánchez was selected for the Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year in recognition of his attacking performances.

Copa América Centenario Championship

Sánchez helped Chile retain the Copa América title by defeating Argentina in another final decided on penalties, cementing the team's standing in South American football.

Copa América Centenario Golden Ball

Sánchez received the Golden Ball as the leading player of the Copa América Centenario, reflecting his influence throughout Chile's championship campaign.

FA Cup Winner

Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring early as Arsenal claimed a record thirteenth FA Cup as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 in the 2017 FA Cup final at Wembley.

Second Arsenal FA Cup Victory

Sánchez opened the scoring against Chelsea in the FA Cup final as Arsenal won 2–1, earning another English cup winner's medal for the Chilean forward.

Confederations Cup Final Appearance

Sánchez took part in Chile's run to the FIFA Confederations Cup final in Russia, where the team finished runner-up after a narrow defeat to Germany.

Manchester United Transfer

Sánchez left Arsenal to join Manchester United in a transfer arrangement involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan, beginning a new chapter at another Premier League club.

Inter Milan Loan Agreement

Sánchez moved from Manchester United to Inter Milan on loan, returning to Italian football to work under manager Antonio Conte.

Permanent Inter Milan Move

Following his loan season, Sánchez joined Inter Milan permanently and continued as an attacking option in the club's Serie A squad.

Inter Serie A Championship

Sánchez contributed to Inter Milan's 2020–21 Serie A title-winning campaign, helping the club end Juventus's long run of Italian league championships.

Marseille Arrival

Sánchez signed for Olympique de Marseille after leaving Inter Milan, beginning a season in France in which his experience and goals strengthened the club's attack.

Udinese Homecoming

Udinese announced Sánchez's return thirteen years after his departure for Barcelona, reuniting the Chilean forward with the Italian club that had launched his European career.