Leonel Sánchez facts for kids
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Sánchez in 1959
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Leonel Guillermo Sánchez Lineros | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 25 April 1936 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Santiago, Chile | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | 2 April 2022 (aged 85) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of death | Santiago, Chile | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.74 m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Playing position | Left forward | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1953–1969 | Universidad de Chile | 386 | (159) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1969–1970 | Colo-Colo | 31 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1971–1972 | Palestino | 15 | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1972–1973 | Ferroviarios | 11 | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 443 | (178) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| National team | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1955–1968 | Chile | 85 | (24) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Teams managed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1985–1986 | Universidad de Chile | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1987 | Universidad de Chile | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Honours
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Leonel Guillermo Sánchez Lineros (born April 25, 1936 – died April 2, 2022) was a famous Chilean professional footballer. He played as a left forward, known for his speed and powerful shots.
Many people consider him one of the best South American footballers of the 20th century. He was also one of the greatest forwards in the history of the FIFA World Cup. Leonel Sánchez was a top scorer at the 1962 FIFA World Cup. In this tournament, his team, Chile, achieved a fantastic third place. He received the Golden Boot and the Bronze Ball from FIFA.
He was a key player for Universidad de Chile during their "Blue Ballet" era (1959–1969). He helped the team win many championships. For the Chilean national team, known as La Roja, he is the seventh all-time top scorer. He scored 24 goals and made 13 assists.
Playing Career
Leonel Sánchez grew up in Santiago, Chile. His father was a professional boxer. Leonel went to well-known public schools in Santiago. He started playing football at a young age.
He played as a left midfielder for over 20 years, from 1953 to 1973. For 17 of those years, he played for Universidad de Chile. He became a legend there, leading the team known as the "Ballet Azul". This team won six national championships between 1959 and 1969.
1962 FIFA World Cup
Leonel Sánchez was a star at the 1962 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Chile. He scored four of his 24 international goals in this tournament. He was one of the top scorers, and Chile finished in third place.
During this World Cup, he was part of a very intense match against Italy. This game became known as the "Battle of Santiago". It was a very physical and heated game. Despite the challenges, Chile won the match 2–0.
After the World Cup, many famous European clubs wanted Leonel Sánchez. Teams like Real Madrid, Juventus, and A.C. Milan offered him contracts. However, he chose to stay with Universidad de Chile for many more years.
In 1969, he left Universidad de Chile due to a contract rule. He then played for other Chilean clubs. These included Colo-Colo, Palestino, and Ferroviarios.
Achievements and Awards
Leonel Sánchez won many titles and received several awards throughout his career.
Universidad de Chile
- Chilean League: 1959, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1969
- Metropolitan Tournament of Chile: 1968, 1969
- Copa Francisco Candelori: 1969
Colo-Colo
- Chilean League: 1970
Individual Awards
- Golden Boot: 1962 (top scorer)
- All-Star Team: 1962 FIFA World Cup
- IFFHS South America best Player of the Century: Ranked N°40
Images for kids
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Sánchez in 1959
See also
In Spanish: Leonel Sánchez para niños
