Guillermo Maripán

Guillermo Alfonso Maripán Loaysa is a Chilean professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Brazilian Série A club Internacional and the Chile national team. Born 6 May 1994 in Vitacura, the 1.93-meter defender is known for his aerial dominance, calm distribution, and reading of the game. Maripán launched his career at Universidad Católica, winning two Chilean league titles before moving to Europe. He spent time at Alavés in La Liga, Monaco in Ligue 1, and Torino in Serie A, accumulating over 200 club appearances across top leagues. Since joining Internacional in 2024, he has become a cornerstone of their defense, helping the club qualify for the Copa Libertadores. With more than 40 caps for La Roja, he is a fixture in Chile's backline and represented his country at the 2019 and 2021 Copa América tournaments. Off the pitch, Maripán is known for his quiet professionalism, family focus, and surprising hobbies, he is a licensed pilot and a wine enthusiast.[edit]

Maripán grew up in Vitacura, an affluent commune in Santiago, as the son of businessman Guillermo Maripán and homemaker María Angélica Loaysa. At age 14, he joined the youth academy of Universidad Católica, balancing school in Vitacura with daily training. He idolized Chilean defender Gary Medel and dreamed of playing professionally. In 2012, at 18, he signed his first professional contract with Católica. He made his senior debut on 27 July 2014 against Cobreloa in the Primera División. His breakthrough came during the 2015-16 season, when he became a regular starter, winning the Clausura 2016 title. By 2017, he had earned his first call-up to the Chile national team, debuting in a friendly against Romania on 11 June. His performances in Chile caught the eye of European scouts, leading to a transfer to Alavés in 2019.[edit]

Maripán joined Deportivo Alavés in July 2019 for €3.5 million. Over two La Liga seasons, he made 51 appearances and scored 3 goals, establishing himself as a reliable centre-back. In August 2020, Monaco paid €15 million to bring him to Ligue 1. He became a regular starter, helping Monaco finish third in 2021 and secure Champions League qualification. During his three seasons at Monaco, he played 88 matches and scored 6 goals. In September 2023, he moved to Torino on loan, making 15 Serie A appearances. In August 2024, he transferred permanently to Internacional in Brazil for €2 million, signing a contract through 2027. By 2025, he had become a key defender, making 32 appearances and helping the club qualify for the Copa Libertadores. In January 2026, he extended his deal through 2028. Internationally, Maripán debuted for Chile in 2017 and has earned over 40 caps. He played in the 2019 Copa América (semifinals) and the 2021 edition.[edit]

Maripán is known for his calm demeanor on and off the pitch, often described by Chilean media as la tranquilidad hecha defensa (calmness personified in defense). He wears his hair long, often tied in a bun, and sports the number 5 jersey for Internacional. His social media presence is professional and family-oriented, with posts of training, match highlights, and his wife and children. Internacional fans have adopted a chant: ¡Maripán, Maripán, el muro chileno está aquí! He is seen as a gentle giant, physically imposing but soft-spoken and respectful. His endorsement deals with Adidas and Gatorade Chile reflect his clean image.[edit]

Guillermo Maripán does not command a distinct, named fandom separate from the clubs he represents or the national team he serves. His supporters are primarily identified as fans of AS Monaco, Club Internacional, Torino FC, and the Chilean national side known as La Roja, rather than operating as an independent movement with organized campaigns, fan-funded projects, or unique rituals specific solely to him. While his social media presence draws over 250,000 followers, this engagement reflects standard professional athlete interaction rather than a hyper-organized celebrity cult. There are no records of dedicated fan drives or viral folklore that define his public profile.

In the broader landscape of global recognition, Maripán holds a steady position within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. He is currently ranked the 26th most famous person from Chile, a placement that has remained stable since the previous cycle. This standing places him among the most prominent figures in his nation according to the iFANN editorial analysis, which tracks global attention across media coverage, search activity, and consumption signals worldwide. The rankings reflect his consistent career trajectory across top European leagues and his recent impact in Brazil, solidifying his status as a recognized international athlete without the myth-making associated with global superstars.[edit]

Guillermo Maripán earned his private pilot's license in 2022 while playing for Monaco. He is multilingual, speaking Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese. Beyond the pitch, he owns a vineyard in Chile's Maipo Valley and is known as a wine enthusiast. His nickname, El Muro (The Wall), references his defensive solidity, and he has never received a red card during his time in Ligue 1. His first professional goal arrived against Colo-Colo in the Superclásico Chileno in 2017. An avid chess player, he has participated in charity tournaments throughout his career.

Recent match reports highlight a decisive moment in October 2025 when Maripán scored a late goal for Torino in a 2-1 victory over Genoa, a result often cited as a key contribution to the club's season. Additionally, his move to Torino in August 2024 marked a significant chapter following five successful years in France. In June 2026, he continued his international service by representing Chile in a friendly match against the DR Congo, further cementing his reputation as a reliable defender on the world stage.[edit]

Maripán married Chilean model and entrepreneur Catalina Cárdenas in December 2022 after dating since 2018. They have two children: daughter Emilia (born 2020) and son Santiago (born 2023). The family lives in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Maripán has described Cárdenas as his pillar of support. He is close to his parents and often credits them for his grounded personality.[edit]

Maripán has played alongside notable teammates including Alexis Sánchez, Arturo Vidal, and Charles Aránguiz for Chile. At Monaco, he partnered with Wissam Ben Yedder and Enzo Fernández. At Internacional, he shares the pitch with Alan Patrick and Wanderson. He has been coached by Eduardo Berizzo (Chile) and Adilson Batista (Internacional).[edit]

Maripán has only one publicly known relationship. He began dating Chilean model and entrepreneur Catalina Cárdenas in 2018. They became engaged in 2021 and married in December 2022 in a private ceremony in Santiago. The couple has two children: daughter Emilia (born 2020) and son Santiago (born 2023). Maripán has called Cárdenas his pillar of support, especially during his moves from Chile to Europe to Brazil. As of 2026, Maripán is married to Cárdenas and they reside in Porto Alegre.[edit]

As of 2026, Guillermo Maripán's net worth is estimated at $6 million per iFANN's editorial analysis. His primary income source remains his football salary, currently valued around €1.2 million annually at Internacional. He previously commanded larger salaries at Monaco, estimated at €2 million per year, and during his tenure in La Liga. Transfer bonuses accumulated from his various moves have contributed approximately €1-2 million cumulatively. Endorsement deals with Adidas and Gatorade Chile add roughly $200,000 to $400,000 each year. He maintains a home in Santiago valued at about $500,000 and rents accommodation in Porto Alegre. Maripán currently has no known major investments or business ventures beyond these assets.[edit]

Maripán has won team honors rather than individual awards. He won the Primera División de Chile twice with Universidad Católica (Clausura 2016, Transición 2018). He was also a runner-up in the Copa Chile (2016) and Supercopa de Chile (2016, 2017). At Monaco, he finished third in Ligue 1 twice (2021, 2022). With Internacional, he was runner-up in the Campeonato Gaúcho (2025).[edit]