Esteban Paredes

Esteban Paredes, born in Santiago on August 1, 1980, is a Chilean football icon who made his name as a prolific forward. Now retired from playing, he has transitioned into management, currently leading the charge at Santiago Morning. Throughout his extensive playing career, Paredes etched his name in the history books, becoming the only player to claim the Primera División de Chile top scorer title five times. His goal-scoring prowess is undeniable, with a remarkable 286 league goals to his name. A significant portion of this tally, 217 goals, came in the Chilean top flight, making him the all-time leading scorer in Chilean first-division tournaments. He reached this milestone on October 5, 2019, surpassing Francisco Valdés in a memorable 3-2 victory against Universidad de Chile.[edit]

Esteban Paredes commands a devoted following that is inseparable from the colossal supporter culture of Colo-Colo, Chile's most decorated club. His fanbase, though lacking a formal name, is among the most passionate in South American football, with ultra groups like La Garra Blanca regularly chanting his name at the Estadio Monumental. Paredes's working-class authenticity, his tales of sleeping in his uniform as a child and enduring years without salary, endears him to fans who see him as one of their own. His active social media presence, including his Instagram account (@e.paredes7), serves as a direct line to supporters, who have rallied around him during health scares and celebrated his transition into management, including his first coaching victory in April 2026.

As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Esteban Paredes, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. This status, while not reflecting a numeric rank, does not diminish his legendary status in Chilean football, where he is revered as the all-time leading scorer in the Primera División.[edit]

Esteban Paredes's legend is anchored by his record-breaking goal-scoring feats. He is the all-time leading scorer in Chile's Primera División with 221 goals, and his 198 goals for Colo-Colo place him third on the club's all-time scoring list. His childhood passion was so intense that he would sleep in his uniform, a story he has recounted to illustrate his dedication. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he was prepared to step in for the injured Humberto Suazo, showcasing his reliability on the international stage. In late 2025, a health scare forced him to leave the reality show "Fiebre de Baile," and he later admitted, "I got scared," endearing him further to fans who saw his vulnerability. His coaching journey has already produced a memorable moment: his first victory as a manager in April 2026, with his stated dream of one day leading Colo-Colo resonating deeply with supporters. When critics questioned his coaching credentials, he publicly displayed his license, telling them to "stop talking nonsense."[edit]