Charles Aránguiz: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

Aránguiz made his professional debut in 2006 with Cobreloa, scoring his first goal in the Chilean Primera División against O'Higgins that same year. He also had a tenure on loan with Cobresal before transferring to Colo-Colo in 2009, where he won the Clausura championship. In 2010, a brief stint at Quilmes in Argentina preceded his significant move to Universidad de Chile in 2011 for a fee of £616,000. At Universidad de Chile, he played a crucial role in the team winning the 2011 Copa Sudamericana. Aránguiz's European career took off with a move to Internacional in Brazil in 2014, initially on loan, where he helped secure the Campeonato Gaúcho titles in 2014 and 2015 and was named MVP of the 2014 tournament. In 2015, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, opting for Champions League football over a higher salary offer from Leicester City. He was appointed club captain for the 2020–21 season. Aránguiz returned to Internacional in 2023 before rejoining Universidad de Chile in 2024 on a contract lasting until the end of 2025.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Aránguiz's international career began with his participation in tournaments like the Milk Cup in 2007 and 2008, the Toulon Tournament, and the Talents Cup. He gained recognition with the U-20 team during the 2009 South American Youth Championship.

Senior National Team

He made his senior debut in 2009 and played pivotal roles during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he scored in a crucial match against Spain. He was instrumental in Chile's victory in the 2015 Copa América and the 2016 Copa América Centenario. On October 12, 2023, Aránguiz reached a career milestone by earning his 100th cap for the national team.

Charles Mariano Aránguiz Sandoval is a prominent Chilean professional footballer born on April 17, 1989, known for his impressive skills as a midfielder. Currently playing for Universidad de Chile, Aránguiz has established himself as one of the top midfielders in South American football. Renowned for his tactical acumen, stamina, and playmaking abilities, he has been described as a 'crafty, tigerish midfielder' on FIFA's official website. Aránguiz is celebrated for his contributions to both club and country, including pivotal roles in winning significant continental tournaments and achieving over 100 caps for the Chilean national team.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• Colo-Colo: Primera División de Chile (2009 Clausura)
• Universidad de Chile: Copa Sudamericana (2011), Primera División de Chile (2011 Apertura, 2011 Clausura, 2012 Apertura), Copa Chile (2012–13)
• Internacional: Campeonato Gaúcho (2014, 2015)
• Chile: Copa América (2015, 2016), Copa del Pacífico (2012)

Individual Achievements

• MVP of the 2014 Campeonato Gaúcho

Awards and Recognition

• Featured in Copa Sudamericana's Ideal Team (2012, 2013)
• Named in America's Ideal Team (2012)
• Copa América Team of the Tournament (2016)

Career Overview

Charles Aránguiz's career is marked by consistent performances across top leagues in South America and Europe. His success at both club and international levels has made him an influential figure in Chilean football history, celebrated for his leadership and critical contributions to Chilean national victories.

Off the Field

Beyond football, Aránguiz's public image is reinforced by his humble beginnings and commitment to excellence. His career reflects the influence of his family, particularly his mother's role as a pioneering female football coach.

Personal Life

Football is deeply rooted in Aránguiz's life, with family members also contributing to the sport. His brother, Gilberto, and cousin, Mario Sandoval, are both involved in football, highlighting a strong family tradition. His personal and professional life is significantly influenced by his familial ties and respect for their contributions to his development.