Mauricio Aníbal Isla Isla, born 12 June 1988 in Buin, Chile, established a professional football career defined by versatility, operating primarily as a right-back and midfielder. His path from the youth ranks of Universidad Católica to elite European and South American leagues spanned nearly two decades, culminating in his retirement from the sport on 7 September 2026.
Early Development and Breakthrough
Isla began his football involvement with Huracán de Maipo before joining Universidad Católica in 1999 as a forward. Due to a lack of height, he transitioned to a defensive role. Although he received a first-team call-up in 2006, he did not play an official match and returned to the youth system. His professional trajectory changed during the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, where his performance for Chile earned him a five-year contract with the Italian club Udinese.
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After debuting for Udinese in the 2007 Coppa Italia, Isla became a regular starter. He was particularly effective as a right wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation during the 2010–11 Serie A campaign. In 2012, he moved to Juventus, securing consecutive league titles. His later European career included a loan to Queens Park Rangers for the 2014–15 season, a loan to Marseille, and subsequent moves to Cagliari in 2016 and the Turkish club Fenerbahçe in 2017.
Success in the Americas
In 2020, Isla joined the Brazilian club Flamengo on a free transfer, earning recognition as the best right-back in the league during the 2020 season as the team captured the title. He later returned to his homeland, signing with Universidad Católica in 2022. Following a stint with the Argentine club Independiente, he concluded his professional journey with Colo-Colo in late 2025, where he notably wore a jersey numbered 2+2 to reflect his preference for the number four.
International Competition
Isla earned over 140 caps for Chile. He made his senior debut on 7 September 2007 against Switzerland. He participated in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and featured in six editions of the Copa América, specifically in 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024. He was a member of the squads that won the Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016.
Fast facts
- Born: 12 June 1988, Buin, Chile
- Professional debut: 19 December 2007
- Retirement date: 7 September 2026
- Primary positions: Right-back, midfielder
- Copa América titles: 2015, 2016
- Italian Serie A titles: 2
- Colo-Colo squad number: 4 (as 2+2)
- International caps: Over 140
Questions readers ask
Which European clubs did Isla play for?
He played for Udinese, Juventus, Queens Park Rangers, Marseille, Cagliari, and Fenerbahçe.
How many World Cups did he attend?
Isla participated in two FIFA World Cups, in 2010 and 2014.
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