Contents
Elías Figueroa
Chile’s commanding defender across three World Cups
Continental recognition · World Cups
- Born
- 25 October 1946
- Birthplace
- Valparaíso
More people
Elías Figueroa
Elías Figueroa built his reputation as a composed central defender with Peñarol and Internacional. He represented Chile in the 1966, 1974 and 1982 World Cups and received repeated South American player-of-the-year recognition.
Early life
Youth football
Born in Valparaíso, he played for local teams before joining Santiago Wanderers’ youth system in 1962.
Career
- 1967
Peñarol
Moved to the Uruguayan club after establishing himself in Chile.
- 1970s
Internacional
Became a leading figure in Brazilian club football.
Achievements
Continental recognition
Won El Mundo’s South American Footballer of the Year award three years running.
World Cups
Appeared at three editions with Chile.
Beyond sport
After playing
Worked as a television football commentator in Chile and Brazil after retirement, remaining involved in the sport beyond his playing career.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and career ↗Biographical references ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
Photo: Pelé_en_La_Moneda.jpg : tu Foto con el Presidente derivative work: Rec79 ( talk ). CC BY 2.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.