Mauricio Isla announces retirement from professional football

Mauricio Isla, a prominent figure of Chile’s ‘Golden Generation,’ has announced his retirement from professional football at age 38. The veteran right-back shared the news via social media on September 7, a date chosen for its symbolism as it marked his international debut with the Chilean national team in 2007.

Isla’s career spanned 19 years and included 144 official appearances for Chile. His major achievements include winning back-to-back Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016, and representing his country in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.

At the club level, Isla played for several high-profile international teams, including Udinese, Juventus, Queens Park Rangers, Olympique de Marseille, Fenerbahçe, and Flamengo, where he won the Copa Libertadores. In Chile, he played for Universidad Católica and Colo-Colo. He noted in his announcement that the decision was made out of respect and love for his family.