Charles Aránguiz

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Aránguiz and the second or maternal family name is Sandoval.

Charles Aránguiz

Aránguiz with Bayer Leverkusen in 2018
Personal information
Full name	Charles Mariano Aránguiz Sandoval
Date of birth	(1989-04-17) 17 April 1989 (age 35)
Place of birth	Puente Alto, Santiago, Chile
Height	1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)[1][2]
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Universidad de Chile
Number	29
Youth career
2000–2002	Universidad de Chile
2002–2006	Cobreloa
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2006–2009	Cobreloa	97	(11)
2007	→ Cobresal (loan)	14	(1)
2009–2010	Colo-Colo	32	(5)
2010	Quilmes	14	(0)
2011–2013	Universidad de Chile	95	(20)
2014	Udinese	0	(0)
2014–2015	Internacional	38	(9)
2015–2023	Bayer Leverkusen	168	(10)
2023–2024	Internacional	41	(1)
2024–	Universidad de Chile	5	(0)
International career^‡
2008	Chile U20	4	(1)
2009–2023	Chile	101	(7)
Medal record Representing  Chile Copa América Winner 2015 Chile Winner 2016 United States
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 5 August 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 17 October 2023

Charles Mariano Aránguiz Sandoval (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈtʃaɾles aˈɾaŋɡis]; born 17 April 1989) is a Chilean professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Universidad de Chile.

With his former club Universidad de Chile, Aránguiz was considered one of the best midfielders in the Chilean Primera División, with a good sense of tactics, impressive stamina and intelligent playmaking, marking and passing abilities. He can play as a defensive, center or even as a right wing midfielder. He is described by FIFA's official website as "a crafty, tigerish midfielder of the highest order, notable for his ability to win and distribute the ball, pick out passes and hit the back of the net".^[3]

Club career

Early life

Aránguiz was born in Puente Alto in Diego Portales neighborhood. His mother, Mariana Sandoval, is a football coach.^[3] He started to play football in Universidad de Chile before leaving the club to join Cobreloa Academy when he was 13 years old.^[4]

Early career

Aránguiz playing for Universidad de Chile in 2013

Aránguiz made his professional debut in 2006, for Cobreloa against Cobresal. His first goal in the Primera División was against O'Higgins in the same year. After a spell on loan at Cobresal, Aránguiz joined Colo-Colo, where he won the Clausura championship in 2009.^[3]

In 2010, Aránguiz had a short spell at Argentine club Quilmes, before joining Colo-Colo's historic rivals Universidad de Chile for a fee of £616,000 on 1 January 2011. He immediately became an integral part of the squad, helping "U" to win the 2011 Copa Sudamericana, where the Chilean team remained unbeaten for the entire tournament.^[5] By defeating Ecuadorian side Liga de Quito 4–0 on aggregate in the final,^[6] Universidad de Chile became the first Chilean side to win a continental competition in twenty years.^[7]

Having drawn 3–3 on aggregate with Unión Española in the semi-finals of the Copa Chile, Aránguiz led his team to the final, netting the "U"'s first kick in a 5–4 penalty shoot-out victory on 17 April 2013.^[8] In the final, he played the full ninety minutes as Universidad secured a 2–1 win over Universidad Católica thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Juan Ignacio Duma.^[9]

Internacional

On 11 January 2014, it was announced that Aránguiz was signed by Brazilian club Internacional on loan until 15 August 2014 from Granada, after its owner Giampaolo Pozzo, who also owns Udinese and Watford, had bought half of his rights from Universidad de Chile.^[10][11] Although he never played for the Spanish club, as he was quickly loaned to the Brazilian club and later sold.

He was named the MVP of the 2014 Campeonato Gaúcho as Internacional won the tournament for a record 43rd time.^[3]

On 11 June 2014, Charles Aránguiz's purchase was announced by Internacional's board in a joint transaction with investor Delcir Sonda for an undisclosed fee. Aránguiz signed a new contract which expires in June 2018.^[12]

Bayer Leverkusen

On 13 August 2015, Bayer Leverkusen announced that they had signed Aránguiz from Internacional for an undisclosed fee thought to be around £8.6m.^[13] He was given the number 20 shirt. Aranguiz was the subject of a fierce transfer battle between Bayer and Leicester City and despite the latter offering him a significantly higher salary, Aranguiz opted to move to Bayer Leverkusen. Aranguiz stated that Leicester was a small club and that he wanted to play in the Champions League.^[14][15] Aránguiz was appointed as club captain ahead of the 2020–21 season, after Lars Bender abdicated the role due to ongoing injury issues.^[16]

Return to Internacional

On 19 February 2023, it was announced Aránguiz had signed a pre-contract with returned to Internacional on a two-year deal.^[17] On 2 April, Bayer Leverkusen announced that Aránguiz would move to return to Internacional immediately.^[18]

Return to Universidad de Chile

In the second half of 2024, Aránguiz returned to Universidad de Chile on a deal until the end of 2025.^[19]

International career

Aránguiz during the hymn ceremony at the Chile vs. Australia match for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Aránguiz participated in Milk Cup in 2007. In 2008, he participated in Toulon Tournament, Milk Cup, and the Talents Cup. Along with Chile youth team he won the 2008 João Havelange Tournament.^[20][21] He participated for the U-20 Chile team in 2009 South American Youth Championship; there he scored one goal in the championship from a free kick.

Aránguiz made his debut for the Chile national team in 2009, but was not selected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup or the 2011 Copa América. He established himself in the Chile team during its successful 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, making seven appearances and scoring in wins against Bolivia and Venezuela.^[3]

On 1 June 2014, Aránguiz was named to Chile's final 23-man roster for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.^[22] In Chile's second group match against defending champions Spain at the Estádio do Maracanã, he provided the assist for Eduardo Vargas's goal before scoring himself as Chile eliminated Spain and secured qualification to the round of 16.^[23]

At the 2015 Copa América, held in Chile, Aránguiz scored twice during a 5–0 defeat of Bolivia which ensured that La Roja would progress to the knockout stage as Group A winners.^[24]

The following year, Aránguiz was once again a key player for Chile in their 2016 Copa América Centenario triumph. Aránguiz scored the crucial opening goal against Colombia in Chile's 2–0 semi-final victory over them. He then also played great in the final against Argentina and he converted a vital penalty in the penalty shoot-out which gave Chile victory once again against Argentina. Chile raised the Copa America trophy with this triumph and Aránguiz was a key player for them throughout the tournament.^[25]

On 12 October 2023, Aránguiz played his 100th international match for Chile in a 2–0 win over Peru during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.^[26]

Personal life

His mother, Mariana Sandoval, was a football coach and leader at amateur level for over 30 years in Puente Alto and was highlighted by CONMEBOL due to these contributions.^[27]

His brother, Gilberto, is a football coach working for club Municipal Puente Alto in the Chilean Tercera B during 2022.^[28]

His cousin, Mario Sandoval, is also a professional football player.^[29]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 27 January 2024

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			State league		National cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Universidad de Chile	2011[30]	Chilean Primera División	39	4	—		5	0	12[a]	0	—		56	4
	2012[30]	Chilean Primera División	31	4	—		5	0	16[b]	0	2[c]	0	54	4
	2013[30]	Chilean Primera División	12	5	—		4	2	5[d]	1	1[e]	0	22	8
	2013–14[30]	Chilean Primera División	13	7	—		0	0	5[a]	4	—		18	11
	Total		95	20	—		14	2	38	5	3	0	140	27
Internacional	2014[30]	Série A	24	6	9[f]	3	4	1	1[a]	0	—		38	10
	2015[30]	Série A	—		5[f]	0	—		11[d]	0	—		16	0
	Total		24	6	14	3	4	1	12	0	—		54	10
Bayer Leverkusen	2015–16[30]	Bundesliga	7	2	—		—		0	0	—		7	2
	2016–17[30]	Bundesliga	26	2	—		2	0	8[g]	0	—		36	2
	2017–18[30]	Bundesliga	27	1	—		4	1	—		—		31	2
	2018–19[30]	Bundesliga	24	2	—		1	0	4[h]	1	—		29	3
	2019–20[30]	Bundesliga	27	1	—		4	1	8[i]	2	—		41	4
	2020–21[30]	Bundesliga	21	0	—		3	1	1[h]	0	—		25	1
	2021–22[30]	Bundesliga	26	1	—		1	0	5[h]	1	—		32	2
	2022–23[30]	Bundesliga	10	1	—		1	1	4[g]	0	—		15	2
	Total		168	10	—		16	4	30	4	—		214	18
Internacional	2023[30]	Série A	22	0	—		0	0	6[d]	0	—		28	0
	2024[30]	Série A	0	0	2[f]	1	0	0	0	0	—		2	1
	Total		22	0	2	1	0	0	6	0	—		30	1
Career total			309	36	16	4	34	7	86	9	3	0	438	56

1. Appearance(s) in Copa Sudamericana
2. Twelve appearances in Copa Libertadores, four appearances in Copa Sudamericana
3. Appearances in Recopa Sudamericana
4. Appearances in Copa Libertadores
5. Appearance in Supercopa de Chile
6. Appearances in Campeonato Gaúcho
7. Appearances in UEFA Champions League
8. Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
9. Five appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League, three appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League

International

As of match played 17 October 2023^[31]

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Chile	2009	1	0
	2010	3	0
	2011	2	0
	2012	6	2
	2013	6	0
	2014	13	2
	2015	9	2
	2016	13	1
	2017	12	0
	2018	2	0
	2019	11	0
	2020	2	0
	2021	12	0
	2022	5	0
	2023	4	0
Total		101	7

Scores and results list Chile's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Aránguiz goal.

List of international goals scored by Charles Aránguiz^[31]^[30]

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	2 June 2012	Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, Bolivia	Bolivia	1–0	2–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
2	9 June 2012	Estadio José Antonio Anzoátegui, Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela	Venezuela	2–0	2–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
3	18 June 2014	Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Spain	2–0	2–0	2014 FIFA World Cup
4	14 October 2014	Estadio Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo, Chile	Bolivia	1–1	2–2	Friendly
5	19 June 2015	Estadio Nacional de Chile, Santiago, Chile	Bolivia	1–0	5–0	2015 Copa América
6				3–0	5–0
7	22 June 2016	Soldier Field, Chicago, United States	Colombia	1–0	2–0	Copa América Centenario

Honours

Colo-Colo

• Primera División de Chile: 2009 Clausura

Universidad de Chile

• Copa Sudamericana: 2011
• Primera División de Chile: 2011 Apertura, 2011 Clausura, 2012 Apertura
• Copa Chile: 2012–13
• Recopa Sudamericana runner-up: 2012
• Supercopa de Chile runner-up: 2013

Internacional

• Campeonato Gaúcho: 2014, 2015

Chile

• Copa América: 2015, 2016
• Copa del Pacífico: 2012

Individual

• Copa Sudamericana's Ideal Team: 2012, 2013
• America's Ideal Team: 2012^[32]
• Copa América Team of the Tournament: 2016

See also

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps

References

1. "Kader Saison 2016–17". Offizielle Website Der Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GMBH. Archived from the original on 11 September 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
2. "Charles Aránguiz Profile - Yahoo Sports". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
3. "Charles ARANGUIZ". FIFA. Archived from the original on 10 June 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
4. "Quiero sacar a mi familia de la población"^{[permanent dead link]}
5. "Historia" (in Spanish). Universidad de Chile. Archived from the original on 1 July 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
6. "Copa Sudamericana Final 2011, Universidad De Chile Vs. LDU Quito: La "U" Win Easily In Spectacular Fashion". SB Nation. 14 December 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
7. "Universidad de Chile's perfect year remains on after Copa victory". The Guardian. 9 December 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
8. "DRAMÁTICA CLASIFICACIÓN DE LA "U" A LA FINALÍSIMA DE LA COPA CHILE MTS" (in Spanish). ANFP. 17 April 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
9. "LA "U" ES CAMPEÓN DE LA COPA CHILE Y VA A LA SUDAMERICANA" (in Spanish). ANFP. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
10. "Internacional sign Chile midfielder Charles Aránguiz on loan". SambaFoot. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
11. "Internacional oficializa contratação do chileno Charles Aranguíz". terra.com.br. 10 January 2014. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
12. "Inter anuncia compra em definitivo do chileno Charles Aránguiz". globoesporte.com. 11 July 2014.
13. "Bayer 04 sign Chile international Aránguiz". bayer04.de. 13 August 2015.
14. "Bayer Leverkusen beat Leicester City in race to sign Charles Aránguiz". The Guardian. 13 August 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
15. "Charles Aranguiz has no desire to join Leicester City". Sports Mole. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
16. "Charles Aranguiz takes over as Leverkusen captain from Lars Bender". Bulinews. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
17. "Inter assina pré-contrato com Charles Aránguiz" (in Portuguese). Sport Club Internacional. 19 February 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
18. "Farewell to Bayer 04 – Aránguiz returns to Porto Alegre". Bayer 04 Leverkusen. 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
19. Silva, Felipe (5 August 2024). "Se confirma una de las bombas del mercado en Chile: la U presenta a Charles Aránguiz". Diario AS (in Spanish). Retrieved 5 August 2024.
20. "Ivo Basay: "El torneo 'Joao Havelange' sirve para ver nuevos jugadores"". alairelibre.cl (in Spanish). Cooperativa. 8 February 2008. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
21. "Fútbol: Selección chilena juvenil se alzó con Copa Joao Havelange". espanol.upi.com (in Spanish). 24 February 2008. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
22. "Vidal named in Chile's World Cup squad". FIFA. 1 June 2014. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
23. "Spain crash out as irresistible Chile prove too much of a handful". The Guardian. 18 June 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
24. "Chile 5-0 Bolivia". BBC. 19 June 2015.
25. "Chile win Copa América once again as Argentina title drought continues". The Guardian. 26 June 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
26. "Un histórico: Charles Aránguiz llegó a 100 partidos con La Roja" (in Spanish). alairelibre.cl. 12 October 2023.
27. "La Conmebol destaca a la mamá de Charles Aránguiz". La Tercera. 23 May 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
28. Vicuña, Rodrigo (1 August 2022). "Club del fútbol chileno se ilusiona con arrebatarle Charles Aránguiz a la U: "Sería un sueño tenerlo"". En Cancha (in Spanish). Retrieved 1 August 2022.
29. "La dura carrera del primo de Charles Aránguiz que por fin puede brillar en Primera". chile.as.com. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
30. Charles Aránguiz at Soccerway
31. "Charles Aránguiz". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
32. "Cuatro jugadores de la "U" integran el "Equipo Ideal de América 2012"" (in Spanish). La Tercera. 27 December 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2021.

External links

• Charles Aránguiz at National-Football-Teams.com
• Charles Aránguiz – FIFA competition record (archived)