LIVE: ESTEBAN PAREDES SAYS FAREWELL TO FOOTBALL
Esteban Efrain Paredes Quintanilla is a name that echoed through Chilean football for years. With a record 221 goals in the Chilean First Division, he earned the crown as the league’s all-time leading scorer. After a storied spell at Colo Colo, where he netted 198 goals, the striker moved through the ranks with a stop at Coquimbo and later took the helm at San Antonio Unido, where he continued to demonstrate his touch and instinct in front of goal. The latest chapter of his career brings fans to a packed Monumental Stadium for a pre-season friendly that carries the weight of history in the background, as the legendary number seven looks to step into retirement with white shirts and memories in the heart.
LAUDATORY NIGHT AT THE MONUMENTAL
The atmosphere is electric as the event features notable guests and legendary compatriots. Arturo Vidal and Gabriel Suazo were among the celebrated guests who joined to honor a player whose impact on Chilean football spans generations. Although Suazo could not participate on the field, the gathering remains a tribute to a career characterized by consistency, resilience, and a knack for delivering under pressure. Jaime Valdés opened the scoring for Team Paredes in the ninth minute, setting a tone of friendly competition for what would become a memorable 2-2 draw.
The roster for the night included supporters and teammates who stood alongside Paredes in this ceremonial encounter. The image of the Tank wearing his iconic seven will linger long in the memories of those who witnessed it, a symbol of a career defined by leadership on and off the pitch.
From the moment the players took the field, the sense of history was palpable. Justo Villar arrived, adding veteran experience to the mix and underscoring the event as a convergence of eras in Chilean football. The fans, the players, and the families in attendance created a vivid tableau of celebration and gratitude for a figure who has shaped many careers and inspired countless youths to dream big on the football pitch.
Questions about the guests and the exact lineup added to the intrigue, as supporters speculated about who would join Paredes in this farewell match. The question of who would be present is matched by the larger question of what the moment represents: a turning point and a reminder that football, at its best, creates lasting connections beyond the final whistle.
Esteban Paredes, in a public moment, announced his long-awaited farewell to professional football on March 25, with the Monumental Stadium expected to be packed to the rafters. The top scorer in Chilean football invited the club’s members and supporters to take part in this historic celebration, a night designed to honor a player who has left an indelible mark on the country’s most beloved sport. The announcement circulated widely on social media, signaling the importance of the occasion for fans around the region.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Paredes trained with former teammates from the club of his heart, keeping his form and spirit aligned with the game he loves. Messages from fans and former colleagues highlighted the sense of home he carries with him, a sentiment reflected in the caption “Happy to be home scorer” and in the collective anticipation that surrounded his final appearances on Chilean soil.
As the Monumental Stadium filled, the energy remained high. The occasion offered a rare blend of nostalgia and celebration—a reminder that football careers can become life stories. The farewell match stood as a tribute to a player who has given so much to Chilean football and who leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by generations of supporters.
The event was publicly celebrated as a landmark moment, a culmination of a long and storied journey. It was not just about the scoreline or the final results, but about recognizing a career marked by longevity, leadership, and a passion for the game that never faded. The night became a conversation about the evolution of Chilean football and the role players like Paredes have played in shaping its future by setting a standard for professionalism, dedication, and sheer love for the sport. It was more than a game; it was a farewell to a symbol of perseverance and a nod to a sport that unites communities across the nation.
Citation: Goal