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Jean Beausejour
Jean Beausejour
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Jean André Emanuel Beausejour Coliqueo (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈɟʝam boseˈʝuɾ]; born 1 June 1984) is a Chilean former professional footballer who played as a left-sided wing-back.

Key Information

He played in Chile, Switzerland, Brazil, Belgium, Mexico and England, where he won the League Cup with Birmingham City and the FA Cup with Wigan Athletic.

Beausejour made his debut for the Chile national team in 2004 and his 100th appearance for his country in 2018. He was a member of the Copa América-winning squads in 2015 and 2016, and is the only Chilean to score in two consecutive World Cups (2010 and 2014).

Personal life

[edit]

Beausejour was born in Santiago.[3] His father, Jean Coty Beausejour,[4] was a Haitian graduate student of African descent who went on to work for the United Nations,[1][3] and his mother, Viviana Coliqueo Collipay,[5] is a Chilean of Mapuche ethnicity whose father, Andres, had migrated to the city to find work.[4] Beausejour's parents separated when he was very young,[3] and he was raised by his mother and her parents; he regards his grandfather as his father-figure.[6] The family lived in Villa Carmelitas, in the Estación Central commune of Santiago, where Beausejour was educated at Escuela Profesor Ramón del Río, Colegio Holanda and Liceo Guillermo Feliú Cruz.[7] In 2010, the local council declared him an Hijo Ilustre, 'honoured son', of the community,[8] and six years later a new sports centre was named after him.[7]

In the 2000s, he had a brief spell in the career of kinesiology at the University of the Americas,[9] where he studied thanks to a scholarship.[10] Nevertheless, he didn't finish that bachelor of Arts degree.[9]

Because of his dark skin, in 2004 the media nicknamed him "Palmatoria" after a black character from Barrabases [es] (a football-themed children's comic); despite reports that he hated the name,[11] he says it did not bother him,[6][12] and that being black caused him fewer problems[13] than did the indigenous Mapuche heritage with which he closely identifies.[1][6]

Beausejour is married to Karina Ugarte. As of January 2016, the couple had two children, Joaquín and Luciano.[14] Joaquín has played football in the junior ranks of Universidad Católica, the club where his father completed his youth development.[15]

In the radio program Los Tenores (The Tenors) from ADN Radio, Jean stated that Keven Beausejour, a Canadian boxer who competed at the 2023 Pan American Games,[16] is his cousin, son of his Haitian aunt Evianne.[17] However, Keven stated not knowing Jean, revealing it was a joke.[18]

Club career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

As a 10-year-old, Beausejour attended a public trial with the local senior club, Universidad de Chile, and was one of four boys chosen to go through further selection procedures to join the club's youth system.[3] At 14, he was released.[3] After a trial with city rivals Universidad Católica, he was accepted into their youth system where he continued his football development.[3]

He began his professional career at Universidad Católica. In 2002, he debuted after being loaned to Universidad de Concepción where he had an impressive season alongside Jorge Valdivia.

In June 2004, he joined Swiss club Servette,[19] reuniting with Valdivia to play in the UEFA Cup.[20] He scored once from 11 appearances in the Swiss Super League before the club went bankrupt in February 2005 and it lost its licence to compete at that level.[21] His goal, Servette's third in a 4–1 win away to Schaffhausen, proved costly to the player who supplied the cross, Paulo Diogo, who leapt onto the perimeter fence in celebration, caught his wedding ring in the metalwork, and when he jumped down, much of his finger was torn away along with the ring. The finger had to be amputated.[22]

In July 2005, Beausejour signed a short-term deal with Brazilian club Grêmio,[23] where he helped the team to win the Série B title.[24]

He joined KAA Gent of Belgium on 31 January 2006 on an 18-month contract,[25] but made no appearances and returned to Chile after a year where he signed for Cobreloa.[26]

In January 2008, Beausejour joined O'Higgins where he was used as left winger by Jorge Sampaoli and re-gained status after impressing once again. His performances led him to the Chile national team coached by Marcelo Bielsa who usually used him in the same position.

On 1 December 2008, it was reported that Beausejour completed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Mexican club América. He made his debut on 4 January 2009 during a 1–1 draw with rivals Guadalajara, scoring the opening goal.

Following a one-and-a-half-year spell with the México DF–based side and his FIFA World Cup participation, he signed a three-year contract with Premier League side Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee in August 2010.

Birmingham City

[edit]
Beausejour with President of Chile Sebastián Piñera, holding a Birmingham City shirt, at London's Olympic Park

After 18 months with the Mexico City-based club followed by a "tremendous" World Cup, Beausejour signed a three-year contract with Premier League club Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee in August 2010. Manager Alex McLeish stated that Beausejour was a player that had been on their "list of targets for a long time because he is strong and quick with the ability to beat his man and get crosses in."[27] His debut was delayed while he awaited a working visa,[28] but he made his first appearance on 18 September as a late substitute, replacing Alexander Hleb in the 83rd minute as Birmingham lost 3–1 at West Bromwich Albion.[29] He made more impact on his first start, setting up goals for Hleb and Nikola Žigić in the 3–1 League Cup victory over MK Dons.[30] Described by the Sunday Mirror as "at the heart of everything good about Birmingham" in the FA Cup third round against Millwall,[31] Beausejour provided the assist for the opening goal and "crashed a 20-yard strike off the bar".[32] He scored his first goal for the club six minutes into the FA Cup fifth-round defeat of Sheffield Wednesday, with a side-footed shot from a Lee Bowyer cut-back.[33] He was a second-half substitute as Birmingham won the 2011 League Cup, beating favourites Arsenal 2–1 at Wembley Stadium,[34] thus earning qualification for the Europa League. On 5 March 2011, Beausejour scored his first Premier League goal in a 3–1 defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion,[35] and his second came four days later in a 1–1 draw at Everton.[36] But his club struggled with injuries for most of the 2010–11 season,[citation needed] and were relegated from the Premier League.

Beausejour was the Birmingham Mail's man of the match in Birmingham's first appearance in major European competition for nearly 50 years, the Europa League play-off round first leg against Portuguese club Nacional, which finished goalless.[37] Just days after manager Chris Hughton suggested he wanted more from Beausejour in an attacking role,[38] the player had an eventful man-of-the-match performance as Birmingham beat Leicester City 2–0. In the first few minutes of the second half, he "hit the angle of post and bar with a fierce shot", was considered fortunate by visiting manager Sven-Göran Eriksson to escape a second yellow card, and was tripped by Andy King to earn a penalty kick from which Marlon King opened the scoring.[39] In the Europa League group stage, an error by Beausejour led to Club Brugge's second goal, but he scored from the rebound after Žigić's shot was blocked and was fouled for the penalty from which King equalised.[40] His first league goal of the season came against Burnley in November, again from a rebound, in the second minute of a match that Birmingham won 2–1 in stoppage time.[41]

Wigan Athletic

[edit]

On 25 January 2012, Beausejour joined Premier League club Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.[42] He made his debut in the 3–1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on 31 January.[43] On his home debut, against Everton, his man-of-the-match performance featured a "low cross [that] struck Phil Neville on the foot, before heading in the direction of Tim Howard, but the ball spun sharply, slipping through the American's grasp" for an own goal.[44] Beausejour slotted well into the 3–4–3 formation playing at left wing back.[citation needed] He helped his team reach the 2013 FA Cup Final, but a hamstring injury meant he missed the match itself,[45] in which Wigan beat Manchester City 1–0 at Wembley to win the first major trophy in their history.[46] Beausejour's second consecutive Premier League relegation was confirmed just days later after a 4–1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal.[47]

He left Wigan Athletic in June 2014 when his contract expired.[48]

Colo-Colo

[edit]

2014–15 season

[edit]
Beausejour with Colo-Colo

After his participation in the World Cup, Beausejour returned to Chile to play for recent league champions Colo-Colo. He signed a two-year contract[49] at reported wages of 34 million pesos ($68,000 approx.) a month.[50] International clearance permitting, coach Héctor Tapia planned to put Beausejour straight into the starting eleven at left back at the expense of Luis Pavez,[51] but he made his competitive debut in the second match of the Torneo Apertura, on 27 June against Deportes Iquique. Colo-Colo won 2–0, both goals scored by Esteban Paredes.[52] On 31 August, Beausejour scored his first competitive goal in a 4–0 home win over Deportes Antofagasta.[53] After scoring his second goal, on 14 September against Palestino in a 3–1 away win, he was sent off for striking Leonardo Valencia and received a two-match suspension.[54][55] His first match back after the ban was the superclásico against Universidad de Chile on 19 October, in which he scored his side's second goal in a 2–0 victory at the Estadio Monumental.[56][57]

On 30 December 2014, Beausejour appeared in the club's 3–2 Noche Alba win over Unión Española at which the club presented new signings Humberto Suazo and Luis Pedro Figueroa.[58] They made a poor start to the Clausura with a 1–0 defeat at home to San Marcos de Arica on 4 January 2015,[59] but ended a four-match winless streak with a 2–0 win away to O'Higgins in which Beausejour scored his first goal of the season.[60] He started the most part of the tournament as full back, completing fourteen games and one goal in a tournament which Colo-Colo finished runner-up.

2015–16 season

[edit]

For the 2015–16 season under new coach José Luis Sierra, Beausejour returned to his original position of left winger. On 15 September, he scored his fifth competitive goal for the club, his first of the 2015 Apertura, in a 3–1 home win over Unión La Calera that extended the team's perfect start to six league matches.[61] Beausejour produced his second consecutive goal in Chilean derbies when he opened the scoring with a header in Colo-Colo's 2–0 victory over Universidad de Chile on 31 October.[62] On 6 December, he finally won a domestic league title as Colo-Colo clinched their 31st in embarrassing circumstances: rivals Universidad Católica lost to Audax Italiano, while Colo-Colo's match, away to Santiago Wanderers, was abandoned before it started because of violent incidents by their own supporters.[63]

Retirement

[edit]

On January 28, 2022, he announced his retirement as a professional footballer despite having offers from several clubs[64] to spend more time with his family.[65]

International career

[edit]
Beausejour in a friendly match against England at Wembley Stadium in November 2013

Beausejour has played for Chile at under-23 and senior levels. He was capped for Chile at the 2004 South American Pre-Olympic Tournament alongside players such as Jorge Valdivia, Mark González, Claudio Bravo and Rodrigo Millar. However, the team failed to qualify for the Athens Olympics, finishing bottom of the final stage after topping their first-stage group, which included Brazil and eventual qualifiers Paraguay.[66]

He made his senior debut in a friendly against Mexico in the United States on 18 February 2004, and made the assist for Reinaldo Navia's goal in a 1–1 draw.[67] He played twice more that year, but did not appear again until 2008.[68] His first international goal came on 10 June 2009 in a 4–0 defeat of Bolivia at the Estadio Nacional in a World Cup qualifier.[69]

Marcelo Bielsa named Beausejour in Chile's 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup finals. He scored the only goal of their first group match against Honduras on 16 June, which was the first match that Chile had won at a World Cup since 1962.[70] He played in all Chile's matches at the tournament until their elimination by Brazil in the round of 16.[71]

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification process, he and four teammates were dropped from the national team by coach Claudio Borghi before a match against Uruguay in 2011 because they returned to Chile's training camp late and intoxicated after attending the baptism of Valdivia's child.[72] The Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP) increased the suspension to ten matches, and Borghi said that while he remained coach, neither Beausejour nor Valdivia would be selected even after the ban.[73] Nevertheless, Borghi recalled Beausejour and Gonzalo Jara to the squad as soon as they had served their time, for a friendly against Colombia,[74] and Beausejour made his first international appearance for a year in a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador.[68] After Borghi was replaced by Jorge Sampaoli, Beausejour's former coach at O'Higgins, he played most of the remaining World Cup qualification process,[75] alongside Valdivia, who was recalled to the squad in March 2013.[76]

Despite scepticism as to Sampaoli putting loyalty ahead of form where Beausejour was concerned, he was included in the 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.[77] During the first group match, he scored with a shot from outside the box that beat Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan to complete his side's 3–1 victory and become the first ever Chilean to score in two different World Cup tournaments.[78]

Beausejour was a member of Chile's 2015 Copa América squad that won the tournament for the first time. He played the whole 120 minutes of the final, in which Chile beat Argentina 4–1 on penalties at the Estadio Nacional.[79][80] He and his country repeated their success in the following year's centenary edition. Again he played the full 120 minutes of the final against Argentina, which again finished goalless after extra time. This time he took and converted the fourth penalty as Chile went on to win the shootout 4–2.[81] Along with seven of his teammates, Beausejour was included in the Tournament Best XI.[82] The 2015 victory qualified Chile for the 2017 Confederations Cup. Beausejour started the first two group matches and was unused in the third. He came back into the team for the semifinal, in which Chile beat Portugal 3–0 on penalties, and started in the final, which Chile lost 1–0 to Germany.[83][84]

In a friendly against Denmark on 27 March 2018, Beausejour and Arturo Vidal became the sixth and seventh players to make their 100th appearances for Chile.[85]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[86]
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Club América 2008–09 Liga MX 17 0 3[c] 1 20 1
2009–10 Liga MX 28 3 4[c] 0 32 3
2010–11 Liga MX 2 0 2 0
Total 47 3 7 1 54 4
Birmingham City 2010–11 Premier League 17 2 4 1 4 0 25 3
2011–12 Championship 22 1 2 0 1 0 6[d] 1 31 3
Total 39 3 6 1 5 0 6 1 56 6
Wigan Athletic 2011–12 Premier League 16 0 16 0
2012–13 Premier League 34 1 3 0 2 0 39 1
2013–14 Championship 33 2 4 0 1 0 3[d] 0 2[e] 0 43 2
Total 83 3 7 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 98 3
Colo-Colo 2014–15 Chilean Primera División 29 4 1 0 5[f] 0 35 4
2015–16 Chilean Primera División 25 3 5 2 6[f] 0 36 5
Total 64 7 6 2 11 0 81 9
Universidad de Chile 2016–17 Chilean Primera División 26 1 3 0 1[g] 0 27 1
2017 Chilean Primera División 11 0 2 0 1[h] 0 14 0
2018 Chilean Primera División 15 0 6 1 5[f] 0 26 1
2019 Chilean Primera División 17 0 4 0 2[f] 0 23 0
2020 Chilean Primera División 24 0 0 0 2[f] 0 26 0
Total 93 1 15 1 10 0 1 0 119 2
Coquimbo Unido 2021 Primera B de Chile 22 0 1 0 23 0
Career total 348 17 35 4 8 0 30 1 10 1 429 24
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup, Copa Chile
  2. ^ Includes Football League Cup
  3. ^ a b Appearances in InterLiga
  4. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  6. ^ a b c d e Appearances in Copa Libertadores
  7. ^ Appearance in Supercopa de Chile
  8. ^ Appearance in Copa Sudamericana

International

[edit]
As of match played 17 November 2020[87]
Chile[88]
Year Apps Goals
2004 3 0
2008 9 0
2009 11 1
2010 8 1
2011 12 1
2012 3 0
2013 11 2
2014 8 1
2015 8 0
2016 12 0
2017 13 0
2018 3 0
2019 6 0
2020 2 0
Total 109 6

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

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1. 10 June 2009 Estadio Nacional de Chile, Santiago, Chile  Bolivia 1–0 4–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [69]
2. 16 June 2010 Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa  Honduras 1–0 1–0 2010 FIFA World Cup [70]
3. 29 March 2011 Kyocera Stadion, The Hague, Netherlands  Colombia 2–0 2–0 Friendly [89]
4. 14 August 2013 Brøndby Stadium, Brøndbyvester, Denmark  Iraq 4–0 6–0 [90]
5. 5–0
6. 13 June 2014 Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá, Brazil  Australia 3–1 3–1 2014 FIFA World Cup [78]

Post retirement

[edit]

In February 2022, he joined ESPN Chile, along with the former footballer Diego Rivarola, as a football commentator and analyst.[91] He also joined ADN Radio as a panelist of the program Los Tenores de ADN.[92]

In December 2024, Beausejour graduated as a football manager at INAF [es] (National Institute of Football, Sports and Physical Activity of Chile).[93]

Honours

[edit]

Universidad Católica

Grêmio

Birmingham City

Wigan Athletic

Colo-Colo

Universidad de Chile

Coquimbo Unido

Chile

Individual

  • Copa América Team of the Tournament: 2016[95]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jean André Emanuel Beauséjour Coliqueo (born 1 June 1984) is a Chilean former professional footballer who played primarily as a left-sided wing-back. Beauséjour began his career with Universidad Católica in Chile before moving to clubs across Europe, Mexico, and back to South America, accumulating experience in leagues including the English Premier League with Wigan Athletic and Everton. Internationally, he earned over 100 caps for Chile, contributing to victories in the Copa América tournaments of 2015 and 2016, and uniquely holds the record as the only Chilean player to score goals in two consecutive FIFA World Cups (2010 and 2014). His club achievements include winning the FA Cup with Wigan Athletic in 2013 and the League Cup with Birmingham City in 2011, alongside multiple domestic titles in Chile such as three Primera División championships.

Personal background

Early life and heritage

Jean André Emanuel Beauséjour Coliqueo was born on June 1, 1984, in Santiago, . His father, Jean Coty Beauséjour, is Haitian of African descent and worked for the after arriving in Chile as a graduate student. His mother, Viviana Coliqueo Collipay, is Chilean with indigenous ancestry; her parents had migrated from rural Araucanía to Santiago. Beauséjour was raised in Santiago, reflecting his mixed Haitian-Chilean heritage, which combines African paternal lineage with maternal indigenous roots alongside broader an cultural influences. This background contributed to his identity as a dual-heritage figure in Chilean society, though he holds Chilean nationality and represented internationally in football.

Family and personal life

Beauséjour has been married to Karina Ugarte since 2004. The couple has four children: sons and , and twin daughters Lorenza Paz and Juliana Rafaela, born in 2019. , the eldest son, has followed in his father's footsteps by playing football at youth levels and appearing in professional matches for as of 2025. Beauséjour was born in Santiago, , to a Haitian father who worked for the and a Chilean mother of descent; his maternal grandfather was named Andrés Coliqueo. This mixed heritage reflects his bicultural background, though he identifies primarily with through his international career and upbringing.

Club career

Early professional beginnings (2001–2007)

Beauséjour began his professional career with Universidad Católica in , having progressed through their after initial trials with rivals Universidad de Chile. He made his senior debut for the club on 18 February 2002, at age 17, in a match against Deportes Concepción. During the 2002 season, he featured sparingly in the Primera División, appearing in limited matches as a forward or left-sided player while Universidad Católica claimed the Apertura title, though his contributions were minimal. In 2003, Beauséjour was loaned to Universidad de Concepción in the Chilean second division, where he experienced a breakout season, playing 30 matches and scoring 3 goals, which highlighted his versatility on the left flank and drew attention from scouts. Upon returning to Universidad Católica for the 2004 Clausura, he added to his tally with further appearances, totaling around 16 games and 3 goals across his time there before departing for Europe. Seeking greater opportunities abroad, Beauséjour transferred to Swiss club in June 2004 on a free deal, debuting in the Nationalliga A and making 13 appearances with 1 goal during a challenging period that included the club's financial troubles and relegation battle. After limited play in 2005 amid Servette's promotion push, he moved to Belgian side KAA Gent in 2006, signing an 18-month contract but featuring irregularly in the Pro League before his deal expired. In July 2007, he returned to with Cobreloa on a free transfer, playing 22 matches without scoring in the Primera División as the club finished mid-table.

European and transcontinental moves (2007–2012)

In early 2007, Beauséjour returned to Chilean football by signing with Cobreloa in the Primera División, where he made 22 appearances without scoring. In January 2008, he transferred to O'Higgins on an undisclosed fee, transitioning to a left winger role under coach . There, he recorded 13 goals in 34 league matches, contributing significantly to the team's campaign and reestablishing his reputation ahead of international selection. His form at O'Higgins facilitated a transcontinental move abroad; in late November 2008, Beauséjour agreed to a three-and-a-half-year contract with Mexican club , departing Chile for the . He debuted on 4 2009 and featured regularly over 18 months, accumulating 45 league appearances with 3 goals across the 2008–09 and 2009–10 seasons, primarily as a left-sided or full-back. Beauséjour's performances in , combined with his contributions to Chile's campaign, elevated his profile in European scouting networks. On 31 August 2010, during the Premier League transfer deadline, Beauséjour joined Birmingham City on a three-year deal for a reported £3 million fee from Club América. Deployed mainly as a left-back or winger, he made 58 appearances across all competitions in the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons, scoring 3 goals and providing defensive solidity in a side that finished 9th and 10th in the Premier League, respectively. A highlight was his role in Birmingham's 2011 Football League Cup triumph, defeating Arsenal 2–1 in the final at Wembley, where he started and played the full match. On 25 January 2012, midway through his contract, Beauséjour transferred to fellow Premier League club Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-and-a-half-year extension amid interest from manager Roberto Martínez.

Premier League experience and transitions (2012–2015)

Beauséjour transferred to Athletic from Birmingham City on 25 January 2012 for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. He made his debut for the club four days later in a 1–1 away draw against Hotspur on 31 January 2012. During the remainder of the season, he featured in 15 matches without scoring, primarily as a left or wing-back, contributing to Wigan's survival in the top flight with a 15th-place finish. In the 2012–13 season, Beauséjour established himself as a regular starter, appearing in 28 league matches and providing defensive stability on the left flank amid 's struggle against relegation. He recorded no goals that season but assisted in build-up play, aligning with manager Roberto Martínez's possession-oriented tactics. finished 18th and were relegated to the , though Beauséjour's versatility helped mitigate vulnerabilities exposed by injuries to other defenders. A highlight was Wigan's campaign, where Beauséjour played key roles in reaching the final, including scoring in the penalty shoot-out during the semi-final victory over . He suffered a in the quarter-final win against West Bromwich Albion on 17 March 2013, ruling him out of the final, which Wigan won 1–0 against Manchester City on 11 May 2013—securing European qualification despite relegation. Following relegation, Beauséjour remained with in the for the 2013–14 season, making 28 appearances, scoring 2 goals, and providing 4 assists as the team finished 16th. His expired at the end of June 2014, and on 7 July 2014, he departed on a free transfer to Chilean club , marking his return to South American football after three years in . This move facilitated his focus on international duties with ahead of the , while continued rebuilding in the second tier.

Return and later years in Chile (2015–2021)

Beauséjour continued his tenure with Colo-Colo into 2015, contributing to the club's successful defense of the Chilean Primera División title that year. During the Torneo Apertura 2015, he featured prominently, including scoring the opening goal in a 2–0 victory over rivals Universidad de Chile on 31 October 2015. His overall stint at Colo-Colo from mid-2014 to mid-2016 yielded 66 appearances, 7 goals, and 12 assists. In June 2016, Beauséjour transferred on a free to , the club of his early youth trials, marking a notable move between Chile's fiercest rivals. At , he played a defensive role as a left-back, accumulating 119 appearances, 2 goals, and 21 assists over five seasons through 2021. The team clinched the 2017 Primera División title with his involvement in the squad. Beauséjour's versatility allowed him to adapt to the demands of domestic competitions, including runs and participations, though the club faced inconsistent league performances in later years. By 2021, at age 37, he remained a regular starter, providing experience amid squad rebuilds, before departing in the summer .

International career

Youth and senior debut

Beauséjour earned caps for Chile's under-23 national team, competing in the 2004 South American Pre-Olympic Tournament held in Concepción, where the squad aimed to qualify for the Athens Olympics but finished without advancing. He appeared in group stage fixtures, including a match against Argentina on 26 January 2004. Beauséjour made his senior debut for the Chile national team on 18 February 2004, starting in a friendly against Mexico at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, which concluded in a 1–1 draw. Playing the first half as a left midfielder, he delivered the assist for Reinaldo Navia's equalizer in the 37th minute via a cross from the left flank.

Major tournaments and contributions

Beauséjour featured prominently in Chile's international campaigns during the , participating in two World Cups, four Copa Américas, and the , amassing 23 appearances across these tournaments with two goals and four assists. As a versatile left-back or winger, he contributed defensively and in attack, often delivering crosses and supporting transitions in Chile's high-pressing style under coaches and later . In the in , Beauséjour played all four matches for , who advanced to the round of 16 before a 2-0 loss to on 28 June. He scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute of a 1-0 group-stage victory over on 16 June at , tapping in after a deflected shot, which marked Chile's first World Cup win since 1962. Four years later, at the in , he appeared in three group-stage matches as Chile topped but exited in the round of 16 via penalties against on 28 June following a 1-1 draw. Beauséjour netted the third goal in a 3-1 win over on 13 June, striking from outside the box in the 90+1st minute at Estádio do Maracanã to seal the result after Australia had pulled one back. His goals in consecutive World Cups made him the only Chilean player to achieve this distinction. Beauséjour was integral to Chile's back-to-back Copa América triumphs in 2015 and 2016, playing every match in both editions for a total of 11 appearances, one assist in 2015, and two in 2016. In the 2015 home tournament, his five outings included the final penalty shootout win over Argentina on 4 July, contributing to Chile's first major international title. The 2016 Copa América Centenario saw him feature in six games, providing assists against Mexico in the quarterfinals on 19 June and Colombia in the semifinals on 23 June, en route to another shootout victory over Argentina in the final on 27 June. At the in , Beauséjour started all five matches as reached the final, defeating 3-0 on penalties in the semifinals on 28 June before losing 1-0 to on 2 July. His consistent performances earned selection to the tournament's Best XI as left-back.

Playing style and career assessment

Technical skills and positional versatility

Beauséjour exhibited notable positional versatility, predominantly as a left-sided player capable of fulfilling roles as a winger, left , left-back, or wing-back. His career trajectory saw him transition from a natural left-winger in early club stints to a more defensive wing-back orientation, particularly in Wigan Athletic's 3-4-3 system under , where he slotted seamlessly into the left wing-back position to facilitate overlaps and width. For the national team, he was frequently deployed as a left-back or wing-back, adapting to tactical demands in major tournaments like the . This adaptability stemmed from his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively on the flank, allowing coaches to adjust formations without compromising balance. Technically, Beauséjour was left-footed and renowned for his crossing proficiency, which enabled precise deliveries from wide areas and enhanced attacking transitions. At , he emerged as a key chance creator, particularly through overlapping runs that exploited spaces behind full-backs, complementing midfielders like . His dribbling technique supported effective one-on-one situations, as evidenced in international matches where he navigated tight defenses to advance play. Defensively, he offered solidity in back-three setups, using his positioning and awareness to neutralize wide threats, though his offensive leanings sometimes exposed vulnerabilities in pure full-back duties. This blend of skills made him a specialist in hybrid roles, valued for tactical flexibility over rigid specialization.

Strengths, weaknesses, and expert critiques

Beauséjour excelled as an attacking left wing-back, leveraging his stamina to advance rapidly and deliver precise crosses, which made him a key outlet in Athletic's 3-4-3 formation during the 2012–2013 season. Tactical scouts highlighted his vertical play style, hugging the touchline to create an average of two scoring chances per match—more than any teammate—and contributing quality set pieces. His energy complemented Chile's high-pressing system under , where he supported wide overloads in major tournaments like the qualifiers. Defensively, Beauséjour provided width and recovery cover but showed limitations in physical confrontations, often shying away from 50/50 challenges despite possessing technical skill and guile. Relative to peers like , he was critiqued as less influential in dictating play from the left, with occasional lapses in service to forwards noted during Chile's 2017 qualifiers. Injuries, such as a issue sidelining him for Wigan's , also hampered consistency. Experts viewed Beauséjour as an underappreciated contributor to club cup runs and Chile's 2015–2016 triumphs, praising his versatility across leagues but attributing team relegations at Birmingham City (2011) and (2013) partly to collective frailties he could not fully offset. Sampaoli, his national team coach, publicly rebuked him alongside stars like for subpar execution in 2017 matches, emphasizing tactical lapses over individual flair. Scout reports consistently rated his offensive output highly in fluid systems but underscored the need for greater duel-winning resolve to elevate defensive reliability.

Controversies and disciplinary issues

On-field incidents and bans

During the 2011 Copa América group stage match against on July 12, Beauséjour received a direct red card in the 61st minute following a physical confrontation with Peruvian defender Giancarlo Carmona, which also resulted in Carmona's ejection. The incident stemmed from a heated exchange during play, leading to the minimum one-match suspension for Beauséjour, causing him to miss Chile's quarterfinal loss to . Beauséjour publicly apologized afterward, admitting his actions lacked justification and expressing regret to fans and teammates. On April 15, 2018, in a Superclásico between Universidad de Chile and , Beauséjour was sent off in the 60th minute with a second yellow card for slapping Colo Colo's Claudio Baeza during a challenge. The dismissal escalated tensions, as Beauséjour protested vehemently toward the referee; teammate then confronted the official, sparking a physical altercation between Pinilla and Beauséjour on the field and into the tunnel. The Chilean Football Disciplinary Tribunal subsequently sanctioned Beauséjour alongside other involved players for the on-field aggression and post-expulsion conduct, though specific match bans beyond the automatic suspension were not detailed in immediate reports; the incident drew scrutiny for risking extended disciplinary measures due to its intensity.

Off-field events

In November 2011, Beauséjour faced a 10-match suspension from the Chilean national team alongside , Gonzalo Jara, Carlos Carmona, and Jorge Valdivia for off-field indiscipline during a ahead of 2014 qualifiers. The group arrived late and intoxicated to sessions after visiting a , leading coach Borghi to exclude them from the squad and impose the ban, which was later reduced. The players contested Borghi's account, claiming he exaggerated the incident and refused direct dialogue. In October 2024, sports journalist Juan Carlos Guarello publicly accused Beauséjour of issuing a verbal —"Ya nos vamos a encontrar solos"—during a confrontation at the National Stadium following Chile's loss to in World Cup qualifying. The exchange stemmed from Guarello's criticism of the national team's performance and selection decisions, with Beauséjour reportedly approaching him aggressively post-match. Beauséjour has not issued a formal denial, though the incident reflects tensions between former players turned commentators and media figures in Chilean football circles.

Retirement and legacy

Retirement announcement and final season

Beauséjour announced his retirement from professional football on January 28, 2022, at the age of 37, concluding a 20-year career that spanned multiple continents and included major trophies with club and country. Despite receiving offers from several clubs to continue playing, he opted to step away to prioritize family time and pursue studies toward obtaining a coaching license as a director técnico. The decision followed his earlier exit from the national team in July 2019, after 107 caps and contributions to two titles, allowing him to focus exclusively on domestic play in his final years. His final season came in 2021 with in 's Primera B (second division), where he joined on a free transfer in March after leaving Universidad de Chile. Beauséjour featured prominently as a left-sided defender, appearing in 22 league matches and accumulating 1,962 minutes of playtime, helping the team secure the Primera B title and promotion to the Primera División. He also played one match in the that year, totaling 71 minutes. Described in reports as a "gran temporada," his experience and leadership were instrumental in Coquimbo's championship campaign, marking a strong close to his club career before the retirement announcement.

Career impact and statistical overview

Beauséjour's professional career, spanning from 2002 to 2021, showcased his durability and adaptability as a left-sided defender and winger, enabling him to thrive in diverse leagues including Chile's Primera División, England's and , Mexico's , and Brazil's Série A. His contributions extended beyond individual performances to team successes, such as starting in Birmingham City's 2011 League Cup final victory over on February 27, 2011, and featuring prominently in Wigan Athletic's 2013 triumph against Manchester City on May 11, 2013. Internationally, he was integral to Chile's "," providing defensive stability and occasional attacking impetus during their 2015 and 2016 titles, as well as the 2017 runner-up finish. As the only Chilean player to score in two FIFA World Cups (against in 2010 and in 2014), his 19-year tenure underscored a career marked by consistent selection and tactical reliability across 10 clubs in five countries. Statistically, Beauséjour accumulated 109 caps for between his debut on February 18, 2004, against and his final appearance on June 25, 2021, scoring 6 goals, placing him among the nation's most capped outfield players. His club record, per comprehensive tracking, includes 348 appearances across domestic leagues and cups, with 21 goals and 39 assists, reflecting modest but effective output focused on assists and defensive metrics rather than prolific scoring. Detailed breakdowns vary by source due to inclusion of lower-tier or youth competitions, but league-focused data highlight 324 appearances, 20 goals, and 36 assists in top-flight domestic play.
CategoryAppearancesGoalsAssists
International1096N/A
Club (All Comps)3482139
Club Leagues Only3242036

Post-retirement pursuits

and

Following his from football in January 2022, Jean Beauséjour has not pursued a career in or obtained publicly documented coaching licenses from bodies such as or . In June 2025, he was reportedly a leading candidate for the position of gerente de selecciones nacionales at the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP), an administrative role overseeing Chile's national teams, but Beauséjour publicly declined interest, stating he had no intention of assuming a gerencia deportiva position. This reflects his preference for media involvement over on-field or managerial roles in football development.

Public engagements and other activities

Following his retirement from professional football in January 2022, Beauséjour entered media as a commentator and analyst for ESPN Chile, beginning in February 2022 alongside former player Diego Rivarola. He has continued in this role, providing analysis on domestic and international matches, including commentary on transfers and team performances for Chilean clubs. Additionally, he joined ADN Radio as a panelist on football discussion programs. Beauséjour has promoted the sport of in , serving as an for the Premier Padel tournament, the world's premier professional circuit, which returned to the country in March 2025 with his endorsement to boost participation and visibility. He has participated in events, including exhibition matches against other former athletes, contributing to the growth of the racket sport locally. Prior to retirement, Beauséjour engaged in civic activities, appointed on December 2, 2015, by President to the Consejo Ciudadano de Observadores del Proceso Constituyente, a 15-member advisory body tasked with monitoring transparency and public input in Chile's constitutional reform efforts. As a public figure with heritage, he has addressed social issues, including in football, praising players like for confronting in a May 2023 interview. He has also featured in public talks, such as a 2023 discussion on football and cinema at the Fútbol Cine festival.

Honours and achievements

Club-level accolades

Beauséjour secured three titles across his domestic career. With Universidad Católica, he contributed to the 2002 championship, marking his first major club honor as a youth product of the club. Later, during his stint with from 2015 to 2016, he helped secure the 2015–16 Apertura title on December 6, 2015, ending a brief title drought for the club. His final domestic league success came with Universidad de Chile in the 2017 Clausura, where his experience bolstered the team's defensive setup en route to the title. In Europe, Beauséjour achieved notable cup successes. While on loan at Birmingham City from during the 2010–11 season, he played a role in their (Carabao Cup) victory, defeating 2–1 in the February 27, 2011 final at , providing width and crosses from the left flank. Subsequently, with Wigan Athletic from 2012 to 2015, he participated in the 2013 triumph, starting in the 1–0 win over Manchester City on May 11, 2013, which famously preserved Wigan's status via the "great escape" narrative but highlighted his utility in cup competitions. Earlier in Brazil, Beauséjour aided Grêmio's promotion via the 2005 title, appearing in key matches during their campaign to return to the top flight. These club honors underscore his versatility across leagues, though he did not claim continental club titles such as the or during his tenure with any team.

International successes

Beauséjour was integral to 's triumphs in 2015 and 2016, the nation's first major international titles. In the 2015 edition hosted by , he started all six matches, scoring the opening goal in a 5–0 group-stage win over on 19 . He played the full 120 minutes in the final against on 4 July, contributing defensively as secured a 4–1 victory after a 0–0 draw, ending a 28-year continental drought. The following year, at the Copa América Centenario in the United States, Beauséjour again featured prominently, starting in the final against Argentina on 26 June. Chile repeated as champions with a 4–2 penalty win after another 0–0 draw, marking the first back-to-back Copa América successes in the tournament's history. His consistent performances as left-back provided defensive stability and overlapping runs, supporting Chile's counter-attacking style under coach Jorge Sampaoli. Beauséjour also holds a unique individual record as the only Chilean to score in two World Cups, netting the winner against in a 1–0 group-stage victory on 16 June 2010, and opening the scoring in a 3–1 win over on 13 June 2014. These goals highlighted his offensive contributions from the flanks during Chile's competitive showings, though the team exited both tournaments in the round of 16. Over his international career, he amassed 109 caps and 6 goals from 2004 to 2021.

Individual distinctions

Beauséjour was selected for the Team of the Tournament at the Copa América Centenario in 2016, recognizing his performances as a left-back for the victorious national team. He holds the record as the only Chilean player to score goals in two consecutive World Cups, netting against in 2010 and in 2014.

References

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