Esteban Paredes

Esteban Paredes Biography

Esteban Efraín Paredes Quintanilla, born on August 1, 1980, in Santiago, Chile, is a renowned former professional footballer celebrated for his talent as a forward. He made history as the first player to become the five-time top goalscorer in the Chilean Primera División and holds the all-time top goalscorer record in Chilean first-tier tournaments with 217 league goals. His remarkable scoring achievements established him as a football legend in Chilean sports.

Childhood

Esteban Paredes was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. Details about his family background indicate a supportive environment that fostered his early interest in football. Born in a city known for its passion for the sport, his formative years laid the groundwork for a future career in professional football.

Education

Paredes' early education complemented his football training, starting his youth career at Santiago Morning in 1996. The club's youth ranks helped develop his skills until he was promoted to their senior team in 2000. Beyond football, he pursued growth in sports management, graduating as a football manager from INAF (National Institute of Football, Sports and Physical Activity of Chile) in December 2024, showcasing his dedication to broadening his knowledge in the sport beyond his playing career.

Career

Esteban Paredes began his professional career with Santiago Morning, advancing from the youth ranks to the senior team in 2000. Throughout his career, he played for several clubs, including Colo-Colo—where he became a key player and helped win multiple domestic titles—and had stints abroad in Mexico with Atlante and Querétaro. Paredes accumulated a total of 367 career goals before initially retiring in 2022 after playing for Coquimbo Unido. He briefly returned to play in lower divisions before retiring definitively after the 2024 season. Post-retirement, he transitioned into a sport management role and television work related to football.

Family Life

Esteban Paredes is a family man with two sons. His son, Esteban Paredes Lastra, followed in his footsteps into the football world, joining Colo-Colo's youth ranks and later Palestino when his father left Colo-Colo. Paredes' family life remains private but highlights a strong bond and a legacy being passed to the next generation.

Achievements

Paredes' career is marked by numerous significant achievements. He was the top scorer of the Chilean Primera División five times and holds the record for most goals scored in Chilean top-division history. He won multiple league titles with Colo-Colo and other teams, including the Primera B, Copa Chile, and the Chilean Supercopa. Recognized individually with Golden Boots and Golden Balls, he also earned accolades such as inclusion in the El Gráfico Ideal Team multiple times and was celebrated as the best player in various tournaments.

Controversies

Although respected, Paredes has been involved in football-related controversies, such as publicly criticizing Universidad de Chile for refusing to dispute the Supercopa with Colo-Colo, reflecting the intense rivalry within Chilean football. These moments emphasize his passionate personality and commitment to his club and the sport.

Esteban Paredes Summary

Esteban Paredes is a legendary figure in Chilean football, known for his incredible goal-scoring record and multiple domestic titles. Starting from humble beginnings in Santiago, he rose through the ranks to become the all-time top scorer in Chile’s top football division, later transitioning to roles off the pitch. His enduring influence on Chilean football is marked not only by his on-field success but also by his ongoing contributions as a manager and sports personality. His legacy continues through his family and the players he inspires.