Edson Puch

Born in the northern Chilean city of Iquique on April 9, 1986, Edson Puch Cortez is a former Chilean professional footballer who made his mark as a forward. His career, spanning over a decade, saw him play for numerous clubs both in Chile and internationally, showcasing his attacking prowess and versatility on the field.[edit]

Edson Puch's fanbase is inseparable from the Chilean national team, the Roja faithful. There is no formal fandom name for Puch, no organized fan club with a title like 'Puchistas' or 'Puchmaniacs.' Instead, he is celebrated as a national hero within the broader community of Chilean football supporters, especially those who lived through the golden era of 2015 and 2016. His Instagram following of over half a million people shows a substantial personal audience, but no documented fan campaigns, rituals, or inside jokes exist. The story Chilean fans tell newcomers first is the 2016 Copa América Centenario final: a 0–0 draw against Argentina, decided on penalties, with Puch converting his spot-kick to help Chile lift the trophy and deny Lionel Messi a major international title. That moment, along with his two goals in the 7–0 demolition of Mexico in the quarterfinal, forms the core of his legend.

As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Edson Puch, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, neither in the Global Top 1,000 nor in any Top-100 scope list. His fame remains significant in Chilean football circles, but it has not translated into a global ranking at this time.[edit]

Edson Puch's legend is built on two historic moments from the 2016 Copa América Centenario. First, his two goals in the 7–0 rout of Mexico in the quarterfinal, a result that ended Mexico's unbeaten streak and remains a source of national pride for Chileans. Second, his role in the final against Argentina, where he scored the winning penalty in the shootout after a 0–0 draw, securing Chile's second consecutive Copa América title and denying Lionel Messi a major international trophy. Fans still retell the story of that penalty, often referring to it simply as 'the Puch penalty.'

Puch also converted a penalty in the 2015 Copa América final shootout, helping Chile win its first-ever title on home soil. His international club career included stints at Al Wasl in the UAE and Querétaro in Mexico, but it is his national team exploits that define his legacy. After retiring in 2022, he has focused on business ventures, including padel clubs and a burger restaurant, which he promotes to his large Instagram following.[edit]