Santiago, Chile – A celebrated era in Chilean football has received international recognition, as the national team’s “Golden Generation,” which triumphed at the Copa América in 2015 and the Copa América Centenario in 2016, has been ranked among the 50 greatest football teams in history. The list, compiled by the respected football publication FourFourTwo, placed the Chilean side led by Jorge Sampaoli and later Juan Antonio Pizzi at number 46.
This recognition places La Roja alongside legendary teams from across the globe, a testament to their back-to-back continental successes and a style of play that captivated fans. The ranking is topped by the iconic Brazil squad of 1970, widely considered one of the most dominant teams in football history, featuring Pelé at the peak of his powers. AC Milan, dominant in Europe between 1987 and 1991, secured the second spot, while Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, spearheaded by Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi, rounded out the top three.
The FourFourTwo list isn’t solely comprised of club sides; other notable national teams featured include Spain (ranked 5th, for their 2007-2012 dominance), Hungary’s “Magical Magyars” of the 1950s (11th), and the famed Netherlands team of the mid-1970s (13th). The inclusion of Chile’s Golden Generation highlights the impact they had on the international stage, particularly in South America.
FourFourTwo highlighted Chile’s performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil as a “presage of future successes.” The publication noted that, led by their all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, Alexis Sánchez, Chile secured consecutive Copa América titles. In 2015, they defeated Argentina in a penalty shootout to win the tournament on home soil in Santiago. The following year, they successfully defended their title at the Copa América Centenario in the United States.
A Defining Era for Chilean Football
The article emphasized the unique impact of this Chilean team, stating they were “the only team to develop Lionel Messi doubt his place in football,” referencing Messi’s temporary retirement from international football following Argentina’s defeat in the 2016 Copa América final. This underscores the competitive spirit and tactical prowess that defined Sampaoli’s and Pizzi’s squads.
The Chilean team’s success was built on a high-pressing, attacking style of play, combined with a strong defensive foundation. Key players alongside Sánchez included Claudio Bravo, Gary Medel, Arturo Vidal, and Charles Aránguiz, all of whom played pivotal roles in the team’s triumphs. Their ability to consistently outperform expectations on the continental stage cemented their place in Chilean football folklore.
Notable Teams Featured in the Top 50
Beyond the top three, the FourFourTwo list showcases a diverse range of historically significant teams. Liverpool appears twice, once for their dominance in the 1970s and 80s (7th) and again for their more recent success under Jürgen Klopp (21st). Other teams featured include Real Madrid (6th and 48th), Bayern Munich (12th), and Manchester United (25th). The inclusion of teams from various eras and leagues demonstrates the breadth of footballing history and the difficulty in definitively ranking the greatest teams of all time.
The list also acknowledges the impact of teams outside of Europe and South America, with Independiente (17th) representing Argentinian football and Wolverhampton Wanderers (47th) representing English football’s historical strength. The inclusion of Leicester City (50th), who famously won the English Premier League in 2016, highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport and the possibility for underdog stories.
Looking Ahead for Chilean Football
The recognition of Chile’s Golden Generation serves as a reminder of a truly special period in the nation’s footballing history. While replicating that level of success will be a significant challenge, it provides a benchmark for future generations of Chilean players and coaches. The current focus for Chilean football is qualifying for future World Cups and continuing to develop young talent. The legacy of the 2015 and 2016 Copa América champions will undoubtedly inspire future teams to strive for greatness.
What are your thoughts on Chile’s inclusion in the top 50? Share your opinions and memories of this incredible team in the comments below!