Arturo Vidal is one of the leaders of Chilean football's golden generation. Two-time CONMEBOL Copa América champion, a distinguished player who stands tall in football hierarchy, the symbol of 'La Roja' turned 36 on May 22, 2023.
'The King' began his career with the Chilean national team in 2007, by playing a friendly match against Venezuela at the age of 19. Later on, Vidal represented his country in two editions of the FIFA World Cup, in South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014. He was also present in five editions of the CONMEBOL Copa América.
Vidal was the forerunner of what was arguably the most successful generation in Chilean football, when a squad of great players such as Claudio Bravo, Gary Medel, Charles Aránguiz, Marcelo Díaz and Alexis Sánchez lifted the CONMEBOL Copa América twice, in 2015 and 2016.
– The first triumph –
In the 2015 CONMEBOL Copa América, played at home by the Chileans, Arturo Vidal played in all matches and scored three goals, one in the 2-0 victory over Ecuador and two in the 3-3 draw against Mexico, both during the Group Stage, in which Chile qualified in first place.
Arturo was also a dominant presence in the victories over Uruguay, 1-0 in the quarter-finals, and over Peru, 2-1 in the semifinals, as well as in the historic final against Argentina, in which Chile emerged as victors after winning 4 -1 on penalties. Thus, 'La Roja' lifted their first CONMEBOL Copa América trophy.
– The repeat –
Vidal scored another double in the CONMEBOL Copa América Centenario, held in the United States in 2016, this time in the 2-1 win over Bolivia in the Group Stage. 'La Roja' would return to the quarter-finals, but this time with a second place in the Group Stage.
Arturo was present in the quarterfinal match against Mexico, a historic 7-0 thrashing by the Chilean national team. 'The King' had to watch the semi-final against Colombia from the sidelines, due to a suspension for a second yellow card, but the Chileans managed to advance.
History repeated itself in the grand final as Chile beat Argentina in the penalty shootout, this time by 4-2, and managed to lift their second consecutive CONMEBOL Copa América.
