Diego Palacios

Diego Palacios is an Ecuadorian professional footballer who plays as a left-back. Known to fans as "Chiqui," he made his name in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC, where he was a founding player and helped the club win both the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield in 2022. He currently plays for Corinthians in Brazil, though he is on loan at Ecuador's Universidad Católica.

Palacios has also been a regular for the Ecuador national team and earned the Best Young Player award at the 2020 CONCACAF Champions Cup. His defensive reliability and sharp tackling have made him a fan favorite wherever he plays. As of 2026, he is working his way back from a long injury layoff and continues to represent his country at the international level. [edit]

Diego José Palacios Espinoza was born on July 12, 1999, in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Growing up in the port city, he fell in love with football early and joined local youth teams. His talent as a left-back quickly stood out, and he moved through the ranks of Ecuadorian football's development system.

Palacios's performances at youth level caught the attention of scouts from Major League Soccer. In 2018, at just 18 years old, he signed with Los Angeles FC ahead of their inaugural season. He joined as part of the club's founding roster, making the leap from Ecuadorian youth football to a brand-new MLS franchise. That move set the stage for his professional breakthrough. [edit]

Palacios made his LAFC debut in 2018 and quickly became a regular in the starting lineup. In 2020, he earned the Best Young Player award at the CONCACAF Champions Cup, putting him on the radar across the region. His best season came in 2022, when he scored in a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on June 26 and helped LAFC capture both the Supporters' Shield and the MLS Cup. He had a hand in every trophy LAFC won during his time there.

After six seasons in Los Angeles, Palacios left as a free agent and signed with Brazilian club Corinthians on January 2, 2024. He won the Brazilian Cup with Corinthians, though his playing time was limited. In 2025, he was loaned to Ecuador's Universidad Católica to get more minutes. A serious injury then kept him out for nearly nine months, and he made his return on July 9, 2026, in a 3-2 loss. Just weeks later, he was left out of the squad for the clásico against Barcelona de Guayaquil for technical reasons, but he remains an important part of the team. [edit]

Palacios is known for his defensive solidity, particularly his tackling and ability to read the game. LAFC fans remember him as a loyal and dependable player who was "part of our history." He is seen as a dedicated professional who gave his all for the club. His nickname "Chiqui" adds a friendly, approachable vibe to his public persona, and he connects with fans through his Instagram, where he posts about his career and life as a footballer. [edit]

Diego Palacios may not be a household name outside football circles, but within the beautiful game, he has carved a reputation as one of the most dependable left-backs of his generation. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Palacios, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, whether the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This places him in the company of many talented professionals whose fame is rooted in club loyalties rather than global superstardom.

His fanbase, while not formally named, is a passionate and devoted subset of supporters from LAFC, Corinthians, and the Ecuador national team. They rally behind his nickname "Chiqui," a term of endearment that reflects his approachable and friendly persona. The LAFC faithful, in particular, hold him in high regard, remembering his six seasons of service and his role in the club's historic 2022 MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield double. When he departed for Corinthians in December 2023, the club's official tribute, "Part Of Our History | Thank You, Diego Palacios," underscored the deep bond he forged with the fans.

While there are no organized fan campaigns or elaborate rituals tied to him, his interaction with supporters is genuine and heartfelt. A poignant Instagram post, "No hay nada como la sensación de volver a casa," captured his emotion upon returning to Ecuador, resonating with fans who appreciate his humility. His story is one of steady ascent, from Guayaquil to LAFC, then to Brazil, and now on loan at Universidad Católica, a journey that, while not legendary, is marked by consistent excellence and a loyal following that celebrates his every tackle and clearance.[edit]

Diego Palacios, affectionately known as "Chiqui," stands at 1.69 meters, making him one of the shorter full-backs in the game, but his left foot and sharp tackling have made him a standout. His Instagram bio lists his clubs and sponsors, and he once posted "No hay nada como la sensación de volver a casa" when returning to Ecuador. LAFC fans considered him one of the best tacklers in MLS, with one Reddit user calling him "one of the best (if not best) tacklers in the league." His market value was estimated at €1 million in 2026, according to Transfermarkt.

While no single viral legend surrounds him, a notable moment came in a June 2022 match, when he scored in LAFC's victory over the New York Red Bulls, a game that fans still recall with fondness. His transfer to Corinthians in December 2023 was marked by an official club tribute, and his return to Ecuador on loan has been seen as a homecoming, with fans welcoming him back warmly. These moments, while not folklore, are the stories fans tell to illustrate his dedication and skill.[edit]

Details about Palacios's family are scarce. He was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and grew up there, but little is publicly known about his parents or siblings. He keeps his personal life private and has not shared much about his family on social media. As of 2026, he has no publicly reported spouse or children. [edit]

Palacios has played alongside Cristian Arango at LAFC, with the two scoring in the same match against the New York Red Bulls in June 2022. He is represented by Be Legends Sports and has a partnership with FutPress. At LAFC, his departure made room for Ryan Hollingshead to take on more attacking responsibility. [edit]

Palacios has kept his romantic life out of the spotlight. There are no confirmed reports of any public relationships, dating history, or engagements. He appears to be single as of 2026, focusing on his football career. His Instagram feed is dedicated to his professional life, with no hints of a partner. [edit]

iFANN's editorial analysis currently estimates Diego Palacios's net worth at $2 million. This figure is drawn from his primary income sources: his player salary from Corinthians and his loan club Universidad Católica, along with prior earnings from his six seasons at LAFC. He also benefits from endorsement deals with brands like FutPress and is represented by Be Legends Sports. While his exact salary is not public, MLS left-backs of his caliber typically earn between $300,000 and $800,000 per year, providing a context for his financial standing.[edit]

Palacios won the Best Young Player award at the 2020 CONCACAF Champions Cup. He also lifted the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield with LAFC in 2022, and the Brazilian Cup with Corinthians in 2024. [edit]