Alexis Sanchez Soccer Career: A Complete Timeline of His Professional Journey

I still remember the first time I saw Alexis Sanchez play—it was during his Udinese days, and even then, you could tell there was something electric about him. His journey from a young talent in Chile to a global football icon mirrors the kind of dedication we sometimes witness in other sports, like when the University of the Philippines celebrated its UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball championship in front of a record crowd. Both stories remind us that behind every triumph lies years of unseen effort. Sanchez’s career, much like that championship run, wasn’t just about flashes of brilliance but a steady climb, marked by pivotal moments that defined his legacy.

Sanchez began his professional career at Cobreloa in Chile back in 2005, and by the time he was 17, he had already scored 9 goals in 36 appearances—a hint of the prolific scorer he would become. I’ve always admired how he adapted quickly when moving to Europe, joining Udinese in Italy. His time there, especially the 2010-11 season where he netted 12 goals, showcased his explosive pace and technical flair. It’s one thing to watch highlights, but seeing him live during a friendly match in 2011 convinced me: his ability to change direction at full speed was almost unnatural. That season, Udinese finished fourth in Serie A, and Sanchez’s market value skyrocketed to around €26 million. Barcelona swooped in, and honestly, I felt a mix of excitement and worry—would he thrive among superstars like Messi and Xavi?

At Barcelona, Sanchez won his first major European trophies, including the 2012-13 La Liga title, but it was at Arsenal where he truly became a household name. I’ll never forget his debut season in 2014-15; he scored 16 Premier League goals and provided 8 assists, carrying the team on his back in ways that reminded me of underdog stories, like when UP’s basketball team defied odds to clinch their UAAP title. Sanchez’s work rate was insane—he covered an average of 11.2 kilometers per game, a stat that still blows my mind. His move to Manchester United in 2018, however, was where things got rocky. Personally, I think the pressure of that £35 million transfer weighed heavily on him; he managed only 3 goals in 32 appearances, and it felt like a mismatch from the start. Contrast that with his later stint at Inter Milan, where he contributed to two Serie A titles—proof that the right environment can reignite even the brightest flames.

Now, as he’s playing for Marseille and representing Chile, Sanchez’s legacy is secure with over 140 career goals and 50 assists across top leagues. Reflecting on his path, I see parallels to teams like UP’s championship squad—both exemplify how resilience and adaptation lead to lasting success. Sanchez might not have the Ballon d’Or some predicted, but his impact, especially for Chile’s back-to-back Copa América wins in 2015 and 2016, cements him as a modern great. In my view, his journey isn’t just a timeline; it’s a lesson in perseverance, much like any underdog story that captures our hearts.