Former Colo Colo Captain Leaves for Europe After Long Drive of Discipline
The captaincy of Cacique was a career built on discipline and consistency, traits that carried Gabriel Suazo from a promising debut to a fixture on the left side of the pitch. After a long tenure marked by 223 official appearances, 10 goals, and a haul of 9 titles that included three league titles, three cups, and three super cups, Suazo parted ways with Colo Colo. The club he served for 16 years and captained through moments of doubt and triumph.”
Suazo’s farewell was emotional. He walked away with tears in his eyes, wearing a Pet Shop Boys t-shirt, surrounded by the hugs of teammates and the officials who had shared the journey. On December 29, 2022, he experienced his final day at the Monumental Stadium after choosing not to renew his contract, leaving the city with a mixture of pride and uncertainty as he faced an uncertain future.
Interest from clubs abroad soon appeared. Olympiakos and Galatasaray emerged as concrete bidders in recent weeks, but a definitive destination had not yet been set for the left-back, who would be moving on as a free agent. The decision did not leave any immediate financial residue in Macul, reflecting a clean break as Suazo prepared for the next chapter of his career.
WHY HE LEFT?
The left-hander has suggested that he reached the ceiling of what his training environment could offer. After 13 appearances for the national team, he felt he could no longer push his personal development forward within that framework. As he aims to contribute to La Roja in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Suazo seeks to do so with a club that holds international renown and can provide the platform for further growth on the global stage. The move stands as a step toward maintaining his role as a credible, creative presence on the left side of the pitch while pursuing broader recognition with a team that competes regularly in top competitions.
In tallying up his journey, Suazo’s story is one of consistency and leadership forged inside Colo Colo’s colors. His evolution from an often underestimated player to a dependable starter and captain reflects a career built on hard work, tactical understanding, and a resilient spirit. As he transitions into a new league and continent, the emphasis remains on his ongoing contribution to Chilean football and his potential impact on the national team in future qualifications.
In summary, the decision to depart came down to personal development and the desire to test new horizons while continuing to contribute at the highest level. The next chapter will determine where his experience can best flourish, but the foundation laid in Santiago will always be a central part of his professional identity.