LIVE: ESTEBAN PAREDES SAYS FAREWELL TO FOOTBALL
Esteban Efrain Paredes Quintanilla closes a storied chapter in Chilean football with a moment many fans will remember. Having scored 221 goals in the Chilean First Division, he earned the title of all-time top scorer, a record cemented during his time with Colo Colo, a club he helped reach remarkable heights by recording 198 goals. After a stint with Coquimbo and a period with San Antonio Unido, where he continued to demonstrate his impressive form, the veteran forward returned to a scene packed with emotion for a final appearance. The monumental gathering at the Monumental Stadium reflected the gravity of a career that inspired countless fans and teammates alike.
In the opening match of the day, Team Paredes emerged victorious 3-2 over Amigos de Paredes. The scoring sequence included goals from Jaime Valdés, Esteban Paredes, and Paredes Jr., while Manuel Neira added two late efforts for the opponents. The result set an optimistic tone for a ceremony built around memories, camaraderie, and the shared love of the game.
CELEBRATING A LEGEND
The farewell match featured a lineup of illustrious guests and former teammates, among them the notable presence of Arturo Vidal and Gabriel Suazo, who could not participate on the field. Jaime Valdés opened the scoring for Team Paredes in the ninth minute, triggering a tense 2-2 duel that kept supporters on the edge of their seats. The atmosphere was electric, with fans witnessing a tribute that went beyond a typical exhibition and into a heartfelt homage to a player who defined generations of Chilean football.
Clubs and fans alike celebrated the era of Esteban Paredes as he approached the moment to lace up his boots for the last time. The event helped highlight the enduring bond between the player and the supporters who watched him grow from a promising talent into a national icon. The afternoon featured familiar faces in the stands and on the field, all gathered to honor a career marked by longevity, consistency, and a deep connection to the sport.
In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, Paredes trained alongside former Colo Colo teammates, reinforcing the ties formed over a career spent at the heart of Chilean football. The feeling among supporters was clear: this was more than a farewell to a player. It was a celebration of a journey that inspired younger athletes and created a lasting memory in the annals of the game. The experience provided a nostalgic bridge between past triumphs and the present moment, where fans could reflect on the milestones that shaped an era.
The farewell event became a talking point across the league, a reminder of how one player can influence a club’s culture and a nation’s footballing identity. It was a day when the stadium echoed with stories of late-night training sessions, pivotal goals, and the camaraderie that binds teammates through the highs and lows of a long campaign. As the final whistle approached, the sense of gratitude from supporters was palpable, a sign of how deeply Esteban Paredes is valued in Chilean football history.
Sources and accounts of the tribute reflect a collective appreciation for a player who never stopped giving his best on the pitch. As fans departed, conversations lingered about what the future might hold for Paredes away from competitive play, whether in coaching, mentoring young players, or continuing to contribute to the sport in other meaningful ways. The legacy lives on in the memories of a generation that watched him excel, adapt, and lead with honesty and grit [Goal].
This farewell is more than a single match; it is a narrative arc that honors a long and influential career, a testament to perseverance, and a reminder that football often writes its most memorable chapters when a beloved figure steps off the field with dignity and gratitude [Goal].