ΕΛΙΑΣ ΦΙΓΚΕΡΟΑ

ELÍAS FIGUEROA (1946)

Full name Elías Ricardo Figueroa Brander
Date of birth October 25, 1946
Place of birth Valparaíso, Chile
Playing position Centre Back
1964 Unión La Calera 30
1965–1966 Santiago Wanderers 54
1967–1971 Peñarol 241 (6)
1971–1977 Internacional 336 (26)
1977–1980 Palestino 118 (6)
1981–1982 Fort Lauderdale Strikers 22
1982–1983 Colo-Colo 17
Total 818 (38)
National team 1966–1982 Chile 70 (2)


Elías Ricardo Figueroa Brander (born October 25, 1946 in Valparaíso) is a former football (soccer) player from Chile. He was considered the best player in America in 1974, 1975, 1976, one of the world's best defenders in football history and all-time best football player in Chile.
He was designated "Best player" of Uruguay in 1967 and 1968. He was also nominated Best football player in South-America from 1974, 1975 and 1976, Best Defender in World Cup Germany 1974 and "Best player" of Brazilian football in 1975 and 1976. Also "Best player" of Chilean football in 1977 and 1978.
FIFA named him Player of the year in 1976 and one of the world's 100 best living soccer players.