Esteban Efraín Paredes Quintanilla secured his place in history by becoming the all-time top goalscorer in Chilean first-tier tournament competition. Over a lengthy professional career that spanned several leagues and multiple stints with the same club, he recorded 286 total league goals, including 217 within the Primera División de Chile, setting a record that remains his most significant athletic achievement.
Early Career and Domestic Success
Starting in the youth ranks of Santiago Morning, he was promoted to the main squad in 2000. He later moved to Colo-Colo in 2009 on a three-year contract. His impact there was immediate, as he helped the team secure the Torneo Clausura that same year. During the final against Universidad Católica, he scored twice against goalkeeper Paulo Garcés, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
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Paredes established himself as the first player to be a five-time top goalscorer of the Primera División de Chile. His most notable milestone occurred on 5 October 2019, when he scored against Universidad de Chile in the Superclásico, allowing him to surpass the previous record held by Francisco Valdés in a 3–2 victory.
Transitions to Management
Following multiple retirements and returns to active play—including stints with Coquimbo Unido, San Antonio Unido, and a final return to Santiago Morning in 2024—Paredes moved into leadership roles. He became the sport manager of Santiago Morning in February 2024. By December 2024, he graduated as a football manager from the National Institute of Football, Sports and Physical Activity of Chile. In March 2026, he took charge as the manager of Santiago Morning.
Broadcasting and Business Ventures
Beyond the pitch, he appeared on the TNT Sports Chile program Sabor a Gol, co-hosting with chef Tomás Olivera starting in August 2022. He also served as the public face for the sports betting application Juega en Linea. Additionally, he founded the Santiago United Academy alongside kinesiologist Wilson Ferrada to focus on the development of American and Chilean players.
Fast facts
- Born: 1980, Santiago, Chile
- Primary Position: Forward
- Primera División top goalscorer: 5 times
- Total league goals: 286
- Management Education: INAF
- Television appearance: Fiebre de Baile, October 2025
Questions readers ask
Which club did Esteban Paredes start his career with?
He began his youth career at Santiago Morning, returning there later to serve as a manager.
How many times did he lead the Primera División de Chile in scoring?
Paredes is the first player to achieve this status five separate times.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
