Alexis Sánchez is a professional footballer from Chile who plays as a forward for the English club Manchester United and the Chilean national team. Born into extreme poverty in Tocopilla, Chile, he began his football career with the local Chilean club Cobreloa and made his national team debut at the age of 17. He signed contracts with the European organizations ‘Udinese,’ ‘Barcelona,’ and ‘Arsenal’ as a result of his impressive speed and mental acuity on the field. Along with Lionel Messi and David Villa, he was a member of Barcelona’s “golden trio,” which helped them win tournaments such as the ‘UEFA La Liga,’ the ‘Super Cup,’ and the ‘FIFA Club World Cup.’ After a lengthy and fruitful career with ‘Barcelona,’ he was displaced by Neymar and transferred to ‘Arsenal.’ During his 2016–2017 season at ‘Arsenal,’ he outperformed every other team’s star footballer by scoring 30 goals and assisting on 14 others. Dissatisfied with the direction and administration of ‘Arsenal,’ he chose to transfer to the rival club ‘Manchester United’ The agreement became official in January 2018. He led his national Chilean team to victory in the 2015 Copa América and to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup finals.
Youth and Early Life
Alexis Sánchez was born in Tocopilla, Chile, on December 19, 1988, to Gullermo Soto and Martina Sanchez. When Alexis was born, his father was looking for work, and his mother, who operated a small business, provided for the family. His father, weary of being unemployed for so long, departed the family home. Alexis was a newborn at the time. His mother reared him as a child.
The family consisted of four children, and Martina, who did not earn much, had to work multiple jobs to support them. She scarcely managed to keep the household running smoothly. Despite her efforts, she was unable to provide for her children. Soon after, Alexis’ uncle Jose Martinez adopted one of her children.
Despite the fact that he did not earn much, Jose adopted Alexis. He informed Martina that he was unable to fund Alexis’ education. A few years later, Jose told Alexis that if he wanted to reside with him, he would have to begin earning on his own. However, because Alexis’s passion for football impressed Jose, he enrolled him in a football training academy.
Alexis did everything he could to pay his academy fees. He worked various menial jobs and performed street acrobatics. Once, he was forced to beg for money and sustenance. The director of the football club Luis Astorga assisted him during this crucial time. Alexis’ enrollment in his organization, the ‘Cobreloa Football organization,’ proved to be a turning point in his life. Alexis worked diligently to ensure he did not disappoint Luis following his act of compassion.
Alexis Sanchez’s Career
Alexis was promoted to the senior team of ‘Cobreloa’ in 2005, and at the age of 16, he was the youngest player to compete in the local tournament ‘Copa Libertadores’ In 2006, ‘Colo-Colo,’ another prominent Chilean club, offered Alexis a one-year contract following his successful stint.
Alexis was instrumental in his team’s second-place finish at the 2006 Copa Sudamericana, and in December of that year, he claimed his first professional title. In March 2007, he scored a hat-trick in a ‘Copa Libertadores match against ‘Caracas,’ leading his team to a 4–0 victory. He joined ‘Udinese’ in July 2008 after dazzling everyone with his performance for his national team in the ‘Under-20 FIFA World Cup’
In his inaugural exhibition match against “Bassano,” he was awarded the “Man of the Match” distinction. After a few more impressive performances for ‘Udinese,’ FIFA.com users voted him the most promising youth player of the 2011 season.
Alexis’ breakthrough year was 2011 when Barcelona made an agreement with Udinese to acquire his services. Consequently, Alexis was about to become the first Chilean to play for Barcelona. He made his ‘Premier League debut against ‘Real Madrid’ in August 2011. However, Alexis’s first season with the team was marred by numerous injuries that kept him off the field for many crucial games.
Alexis had very few opportunities to play on the field the following year due to injuries and other circumstances. However, “Barcelona” claimed the league championship, and Alexis finished the league season with eight goals, which was an above-average performance. He scored a hat-trick against ‘Elche’ in January 2014, guiding his team to victory. However, it was too late, and “Barcelona” had already made the decision to release him.
The following year, he was acquired by ‘Arsenal,’ and on August 10, 2014, he made his competitive debut against ‘Manchester City’ and was instrumental in a 3–0 victory. He earned his first goal for ‘Arsenal’ on August 27. He was the only player from ‘Arsenal’ to be named to the ‘PFA Team of the Year’ by the end of the season.
Alexis’ 2015–16 Premier League season began on a negative tone, as he failed to score in his first 10 matches. In the eleventh contest, however, he scored a hat trick. Only he has scored hat-tricks in Serie A, Serie B, and La Liga. This season was also marred by injuries, but Alexis performed well enough to remain on the team.
During the 2016–2017 season, he was named his team’s “Player of the Year” and scored the opening goal in their FA Cup final victory over Chelsea. As a result of his contribution, ‘Arsenal’ set a record for the most FA Cup victories. The following season, he was transferred to Manchester United and became the team’s first Chilean player.
Alexis was a member of the Chilean ‘Under-20’ team that finished third at the 2007 ‘FIFA Under 20 World Cup’ He also represented his country in the ‘2014 World Cup’ and the ‘2015 Copa América’. His team’s victory in the Copa América was Chile’s first international football championship.
In 2016, he was a member of the Chilean squad that defended its title at the “Copa América Centenario.” He was instrumental in his team’s advancement to the finals against Argentina. Alexis scored the final goal that allowed Chile to effectively defend its title. Alexis was designated to receive the “Golden Ball” award, which is presented to the tournament’s best player.
Alexis’s Personal Life
Alexis Sanchez has dated numerous South American film and television stars. He began courting the television personality Faloon Larraguibel in 2009. The relationship ended a year afterward. Alexis dated Roxana Munoz, Tamara Primus, and Michelle Carvalho thereafter.
However, he has been in a committed relationship with Laia Grassi since 2014, and there are speculations that they are already married. Alexis is a prominent Chilean celebrity. Tocopilla, his birthplace, has erected a statue in his honor.
Estimated Net Worth
Alexis Sánchez is a soccer player from Chile who is worth $50 million. He was born in Chile in December 1988. He played for the English soccer club Arsenal for many years. He transferred to Manchester United in 2018. Alexis also plays for the national team of Chile. He is most frequently seen playing as a forward, though he can also play as a right flank.