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Mauricio Pinilla
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Mauricio Ricardo Pinilla Ferrera (born 4 February 1984) is a Chilean former professional footballer who played as a striker.
Key Information
After beginning his career at Universidad de Chile, he signed for Inter Milan at the age of 19, but never appeared for the club in four years. He went on to play in five countries, mainly Italy.
A Chile international since 2003, Pinilla represented the country at the 2014 World Cup and two Copa América, winning the 2015 and 2016 editions of the latter tournament.
Club career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Born in Santiago, Pinilla started his career with Club Universidad de Chile, leaving for European football and Italian giants Inter Milan in 2003 after signing a five-year contract.[3]
However, he was immediately sold to fellow Serie A club AC ChievoVerona (which acquired 50% of the player's rights),[4] and finished the 2003–04 season on loan again, to La Liga side RC Celta de Vigo,[5] not managing to score in a total of 12 league appearances.
Journeyman
[edit]In July 2004, Sporting CP bought 50% of his playing rights[6] and Pinilla, having spent much of the season on a low note, finished it with five goals, notably a hat-trick in a 3–0 away win against S.C. Braga on 1 May 2005.[7]
However, he was also unable to settle at Sporting[8] and, in January 2006, would move on loan, finishing the campaign at Racing de Santander.[9] On 26 February 2006 he netted his only goal for the Cantabria team, a penalty kick in a 2–2 draw at Deportivo Alavés.[10]
In 2006–07, Pinilla was once again loaned, now to Heart of Midlothian.[11] His time in Edinburgh was beset by injuries, resulting in him only playing a handful of times for the first team; in February 2007, he returned to Universidad de Chile.[12]
Pinilla returned to Hearts for pre-season training ahead of the 2007–08 season, with the club buying out Sporting's half of his rights.[13] However, his return suffered a major setback when it was revealed the player had a fractured scaphoid wrist bone, a hidden injury sustained while still in Chile;[14] this put him out of action for a six further weeks.
On 9 January 2008, Pinilla sustained another injury in training that sidelined him for the rest of the campaign.[15] On 6 May, his agent stated that he had signed a deal which would keep him at Tynecastle Park until 2011,[16] after his contract with Inter expired the following month. However, on 1 July, Hearts announced that they had released the forward.[17][18]
Pinilla joined Brazil's CR Vasco da Gama in early September 2008, signing a contract until the end of the season.[19] He played his first match with his new club in a 1–0 home defeat to CR Flamengo, in a derby.[20]
After Vasco was relegated to the Série B, Pinilla left and moved to Cyprus' Apollon Limassol FC as a free agent.[21]
Back to Italy and Serie A
[edit]Pinilla returned to Italy in August 2009, joining Serie B's US Grosseto 1912 on a free transfer. At the Tuscan club, his once promising career got back on track, as he scored 24 goals in 24 games – including a series of 12 consecutive matches netting, a competition record[22]– and finished the campaign as the second best scorer despite missing more than a third of the fixtures through different injuries.
In June 2010, US Città di Palermo announced the signing of Pinilla.[23] He scored five league goals in his first 12 appearances, being an important attacking unit in a side that also included Abel Hernández, Massimo Maccarone and Fabrizio Miccoli.[24]
On 11 September 2011, in the season's opener, Pinilla was brought from the bench to score the 4–2 for Palermo against his former team Inter, in an eventual 4–3 home win.[25] On 25 January of the following year he was loaned to Cagliari Calcio in the same league, with the Sardinians having the option of making the move permanent in June.[26]
Pinilla joined Cagliari on a permanent basis on 2 July 2012.[27] Two years later, after an average of seven league goals per season, he moved to Genoa CFC on a 2+1 years deal.[28]
Whilst at the service of Atalanta BC, on loan, Pinilla scored arguably one of the best goals of the season in Italy on 4 April 2015, after netting through a bicycle kick in a 1–2 home loss to Torino FC.[29] He added a further five during his five-month tenure, being crucial as his team narrowly avoided relegation as 17th.
On 5 January 2017, Pinilla returned to Genoa on a loan with an obligation to buy, replacing Leonardo Pavoletti who left for SSC Napoli.[30]
Return to Universidad
[edit]On 21 July 2017, aged 33 and ten years after last leaving the club, Pinilla terminated his contract with Genoa and returned to Universidad de Chile.[31] He retired in February 2021, following a two-year spell at Coquimbo Unido who were relegated from the Chilean Primera División at the end of the 2020 season.[32]
International career
[edit]Pinilla earned the first of his 45 caps for Chile on 30 March 2003 in a friendly against Peru, closing a 2–0 win through a header,[33] and later led his country's scoring in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with three goals.[34] However, on 27 February 2007, whilst on loan to Universidad de Chile, he was caught in a hotel with María José López, the model wife of national team captain Luis Antonio Jiménez.[35]
Subsequently, Pinilla announced his decision to retire from the international scene.[36] In August 2010 he returned to the team, being recalled by manager Marcelo Bielsa for an exhibition game with Ukraine.[37] He was also picked for a match against Uruguay later in November of the following year, only to be called off due to injury.[38]
Pinilla was selected for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.[39] He made his debut in the tournament on 14 June, playing two minutes in a 3–1 group stage victory over Australia and being involved in Jean Beausejour's goal.[40] Again from the bench, he appeared in the round-of-16 against the hosts: his 119th minute shot hit the bar with the score at 1–1, and he later missed his penalty shootout attempt in an eventual elimination.[41]
Pinilla was a member of the squad which won the 2015 Copa América on home soil for their first continental honour, contributing two late substitute appearances.[42][43] On 29 March 2016, he and Arturo Vidal scored twice each in a 4–1 away defeat of Venezuela in qualification for the 2018 World Cup.[44]
Post-retirement
[edit]In March 2021, Pinilla joined ESPN Chile as a commentator and analyst along with fellow former footballer Marcelo Espina.[45] That same year, he moved to Televisión Nacional de Chile as host of non-football shows.[46]
Personal life
[edit]Pinilla's nephew, Felipe Miranda, played youth football with Colo-Colo, being at that point followed by Palermo.[47]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]| Club | Season | League | National cup | League cup | Continental | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Universidad de Chile | 2002[a] | 25 | 10 | — | — | — | 25 | 10 | |||
| 2003[b] | 14 | 10 | — | — | — | 14 | 10 | ||||
| Total | 39 | 20 | — | — | — | 39 | 20 | ||||
| Inter Milan | 2003–04 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| Chievo (loan) | 2003–04 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 8 | 0 | ||
| Celta (loan) | 2003–04 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | 0 | 10 | 2 | |
| Sporting CP | 2004–05 | 16 | 5 | 1 | 0 | — | 4 | 1 | 21 | 6 | |
| 2005–06 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 3 | 1 | 7 | 1 | ||
| Total | 20 | 5 | 1 | 0 | — | 7 | 2 | 28 | 7 | ||
| Racing Santander (loan) | 2005–06 | 13 | 1 | — | — | — | 13 | 1 | |||
| Hearts (loan) | 2006–07 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Universidad de Chile (loan) | 2007 Apertura | 4 | 2 | — | — | — | 4 | 2 | |||
| Hearts | 2007–08 | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | ||
| Vasco da Gama | 2008 | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 3 | 0 | |||
| Apollon Limassol | 2008–09 | 5 | 2 | — | — | — | 5 | 2 | |||
| Grosseto | 2009–10 | 24 | 24 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 25 | 24 | ||
| Palermo | 2010–11 | 22 | 8 | 3 | 0 | — | 6 | 1 | 31 | 9 | |
| 2011–12 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | 14 | 2 | ||
| Total | 35 | 10 | 3 | 0 | — | 7 | 1 | 45 | 11 | ||
| Cagliari (loan) | 2011–12 | 14 | 8 | — | — | — | 14 | 8 | |||
| Cagliari | 2012–13 | 23 | 7 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 26 | 9 | ||
| 2013–14 | 26 | 7 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 27 | 8 | |||
| Total | 49 | 14 | 4 | 3 | — | — | 54 | 17 | |||
| Genoa | 2014–15 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 14 | 4 | ||
| Atalanta (loan) | 2014–15 | 14 | 6 | — | — | — | 14 | 6 | |||
| Atalanta | 2015–16 | 20 | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 21 | 6 | ||
| 2016–17 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 4 | 1 | |||
| Total | 24 | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 25 | 6 | |||
| Genoa | 2016–17 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 13 | 1 | ||
| Universidad de Chile | 2017 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 2 | — | — | 15 | 9 | ||
| Career total | 296 | 110 | 22 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 3 | 337 | 123 | |
International
[edit]| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chile | 2003 | 7 | 2 |
| 2004 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2005 | 5 | 2 | |
| 2006 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 8 | 2 | |
| Total | 45 | 8 | |
- Scores and results list Chile's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Pinilla goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 March 2003 | Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile | 2–0 | 2–0 | Friendly | |
| 2 | 9 September 2003 | Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile | 1–0 | 2–1 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 3 | 1 June 2004 | Polideportivo Pueblo Nuevo, San Cristóbal, Venezuela | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 4 | 9 February 2005 | Sausalito, Viña del Mar, Chile | 3–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | |
| 5 | 30 March 2005 | Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay | 1–2 | 1–2 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 6 | 4 June 2014 | Elías Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso, Chile | 2–0 | 2–0 | Friendly | |
| 7 | 29 March 2016 | Agustín Tovar, Barinas, Venezuela | 1–1 | 4–1 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 8 | 2–1 |
Honours
[edit]Chile
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Mauricio Pinilla". Eurosport. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
- ^ "Squadra – Mauricio Pinilla" [Squad – Mauricio Pinilla] (in Italian). Atalanta B.C. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
- ^ "Decision on Chilean youngster Pinilla expected next week". Inter Milan. 5 July 2003. Archived from the original on 18 October 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ Monti, Fabio (6 July 2003). "La Lazio gela tutti su Stam: costa 20 milioni" [Lazio bet all on Stam: 20 million]. Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 4 June 2010.
- ^ "Pinilla boosts Celta options". UEFA. 16 January 2004. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ "Sporting swoop for Pinilla". UEFA. 23 July 2004. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ Costa, Onofre (2 May 2005). "Pinilla keeps pressure on Benfica". UEFA. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
- ^ "El chileno Pinilla dice que no volverá a jugar en Portugal" [Chile's Pinilla says he will not play in Portugal again] (in Spanish). Medio Tiempo. 28 December 2005. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
- ^ "Fútbol.– Mauricio Pinilla llega al Racing dispuesto a "hacer muchos goles y sacrificio" por el club" [Football.– Mauricio Pinilla arrives at Racing willing to "score and sacrifice aplenty" for the club] (in Spanish). Europa Press. 2 January 2006. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
- ^ "El Racing saca un punto de Mendizorroza" [Racing take one point from Mendizorroza]. El Mundo (in Spanish). 26 February 2006. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
- ^ "Hearts complete Pinilla signing". BBC Sport. 28 July 2006. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ "Pinilla not coming back to Hearts". BBC Sport. 27 February 2007. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ "Pinilla back at Hearts after loan". BBC Sport. 27 June 2007. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ "Palazuelos pays for Hearts move". BBC Sport. 12 July 2007. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ "Pinilla injury setback for Hearts". BBC Sport. 9 January 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ "Agent announces new Pinilla deal". BBC Sport. 6 May 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ "Hearts release frontman Pinilla". BBC Sport. 1 July 2008. Retrieved 2 July 2008.
- ^ "Pinilla leaves Hearts". Heart of Midlothian F.C. 1 July 2008. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ "Vasco acerta com os atacantes Pinilla e Marcelo Brás" [Vasco sign forwards Pinilla and Marcelo Brás] (in Portuguese). Universo Online. 14 September 2008. Retrieved 14 September 2008.
- ^ "Fla vence, volta a sonhar com o título e afunda o Vasco na lanterna" [Fla win, dream of title again and sink Vasco in bottom place] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 19 October 2008. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
- ^ "Pinilla muda-se para o Chipre" [Pinilla moves to Cyprus]. Record (in Portuguese). February 2009. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
- ^ "Grosseto, Pinilla eguaglia il recordo di Batistuta" [Grosseto, Pinilla equals Batistuta record] (in Italian). Tutto Palermo. 24 February 2010. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
- ^ "Pinilla al Palermo, Giovio al Grosseto" [Pinilla to Palermo, Giovio to Grosseto] (in Italian). U.S. Palermo. 11 June 2010. Archived from the original on 18 June 2010. Retrieved 11 June 2010.
- ^ Zanon, Federico (27 October 2010). "Agente Maccarone a CM: 'Pensa solo al Palermo, mai parlato con la Samp'" [Maccarone's agent to CM: 'He's only thinking about Palermo, never talked to Samp'] (in Italian). Calcio Mercato. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
- ^ "Inter lose seven-goal thriller". ESPN Soccernet. 11 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
- ^ "Pinilla in prestito al Cagliari" [Pinilla loaned to Cagliari] (in Italian). U.S. Palermo. 25 January 2012. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
- ^ "Duo depart Palermo". FIFA. 2 July 2012. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
- ^ Alaimo, Alessio (7 August 2014). "Esclusiva TMW – Pinilla-Genoa, c'è la firma" [TMW Exclusive – Pinilla-Genoa, here's the signature] (in Italian). Tutto Mercato Web. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
- ^ Patterson, Mark (4 April 2015). "Mauricio Pinilla scores brilliant bicycle kick for Atalanta". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
- ^ "Official: Pinilla joins Genoa". Football Italia. 5 January 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2017.
- ^ "Después de ocho años en Europa, Mauricio Pinilla regresa a la Universidad de Chile" [After eight years in Europe, Mauricio Pinilla returns to Universidad de Chile] (in Spanish). Deportes RCN. 21 July 2017. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
- ^ "Mauricio Pinilla decidió retirarse del fútbol" [Mauricio Pinilla decided to retire from football] (in Spanish). ESPN. 20 February 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
- ^ "Chile derrotó a Perú en un amistoso, 2–0" [Chile defeated Peru in a friendly, 2–0]. La Nueva Provincia (in Spanish). 31 March 2003. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
- ^ "La "Roja" ve el Mundial más lejos que nunca" ["Reds" see World Cup farther away than ever]. El Mercurio (in Spanish). 30 March 2005. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
- ^ Smith, Steve (17 June 2007). "Heartbreaker; EXCLUSIVE Jambo striker sparks storm over 'fling' with skipper's model wife". The Free Library. Retrieved 14 January 2011.
- ^ "Sunday's gossip column". BBC Sport. 4 November 2007. Retrieved 18 January 2010.
- ^ "Bielsa convoca por primera vez a Mauricio Pinilla a la selección chilena" [Bielsa calls Mauricio Pinilla to Chilean national team for the first time]. La Tercera (in Spanish). 19 August 2010. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
- ^ "Pinilla se perdería el partido contra Uruguay" [Pinilla to miss game against Uruguay]. El Gráfico (in Spanish). 11 November 2010. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
- ^ "Chile World Cup 2014 squad". The Daily Telegraph. 2 June 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
- ^ "Sanchez stars as Chile overcome Australia". FIFA. 14 June 2014. Archived from the original on 16 June 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
- ^ "Brazil through as Chile pay the penalty". FIFA. 28 June 2014. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^ "Chile 3–3 Mexico: Vuoso cancels out Vidal's double in thrilling draw". Goal. 16 June 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
- ^ Johnston, Neil (25 June 2015). "Chile 1–0 Uruguay". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
- ^ "Venezuela 1 Chile 4: Vidal, Pinilla braces see Pizzi's men to win". FourFourTwo. 30 March 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
- ^ "ESPN Chile se refuerza con Mauricio Pinilla y Marcelo Espina" [ESPN Chile bolsters with Mauricio Pinilla and Marcelo Espina] (in Spanish). ESPN. 12 March 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
- ^ "Mauricio Pinilla y Karen Doggenweiler: La dupla revelación del 2021 asumirá nuevos desafíos este año" [Mauricio Pinilla and Karen Doggenweiler: 2021 best newcomers will take on new challenges this year] (in Spanish). Televisión Nacional de Chile. 7 January 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
- ^ "Sobrino colocolino de Mauricio Pinilla es sondeado por Palermo" [Mauricio Pinilla's nephew, Colo-Colo player, is tracked by Palermo]. La Tercera (in Spanish). 10 November 2010. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
- ^ Mauricio Pinilla at ForaDeJogo (archived)
- ^ Mauricio Pinilla at Soccerway
- ^ Dawkes, Phil (4 July 2015). "Argentina 0–0 Chile (1–4 on pens)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
- ^ Timms, Aaron (27 June 2016). "Chile win Copa América once again as Argentina title drought continues". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
External links
[edit]- Mauricio Pinilla at TuttoCalciatori.net (in Italian)
- Mauricio Pinilla at BDFutbol
- Mauricio Pinilla at ForaDeJogo (archived)
- Mauricio Pinilla at Soccerbase
- Mauricio Pinilla at National-Football-Teams.com
- Mauricio Pinilla – FIFA competition record (archived)
Mauricio Pinilla
View on GrokipediaClub career
Early career in Chile and move to Europe
Mauricio Ricardo Pinilla Ferrera began his professional football career with Club Universidad de Chile, the club where he developed through the youth ranks in his hometown of Santiago. Born on 4 February 1984, he made his senior debut for the team during the 2002 season at the age of 18, emerging as a promising striker known for his physical presence and goal-scoring instinct. In the 2002/03 Chilean Primera División season, Pinilla featured in 13 league matches, netting 10 goals and establishing himself as a key attacking option for the side.[9] His performances that year contributed to a broader tally of 20 goals across 2002 and 2003 in the Primera División, drawing attention from European scouts and highlighting his rapid rise in Chilean football.[8] Pinilla's breakout form at Universidad de Chile solidified his reputation as one of the league's top young talents. By mid-2003, his prolific output and international debut for Chile earlier that year—scoring on his first cap against Peru in March—propelled him toward a high-profile transfer abroad. Universidad de Chile, recognizing the opportunity, allowed the 19-year-old to pursue opportunities in Europe, marking the end of his initial stint with the club after limited but impactful appearances totaling around 28 across all competitions in his early years.[10] In July 2003, Pinilla secured a lucrative move to Italian giants Inter Milan, signing for a reported €2.5 million fee, which reflected the high expectations for his potential in Serie A. However, he did not make a single competitive appearance for Inter's first team during the 2003/04 season, instead being loaned out immediately to fellow Serie A club Chievo Verona for the first half of the campaign to gain experience, followed by a loan to Celta de Vigo in La Liga for the second half. This transition to Europe initiated a period of adaptation challenges, as Pinilla adjusted to the higher tactical demands and physicality of Italian and Spanish football, setting the stage for further loans and his development abroad.[11][12]Journeyman period
During his tenure with Sporting CP, which extended until 2007, Pinilla embarked on a series of loan moves and short stints across Europe and South America, marking a transitional phase characterized by limited playing time, injuries, and inconsistent performances. In July 2006, he joined Racing Santander on a season-long loan in La Liga, where he featured in 13 matches and scored one goal, contributing modestly to the team's mid-table finish but struggling to secure a regular starting role.[13] Pinilla's next move came in August 2007, when he signed a permanent three-year contract with Scottish Premiership club Hearts for a reported £800,000, following an initial loan spell the previous season. However, his time in Edinburgh was plagued by knee injuries and adaptation challenges, limiting him to just eight appearances and two goals across the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. Amid these difficulties, he returned to Universidad de Chile on loan from January to June 2007, where he played four games and scored twice, providing a brief homecoming before focusing on recovery.[14][15] To regain form, Pinilla was loaned to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in mid-2008, but the spell yielded only three goalless appearances amid the team's relegation battle. Later that year, from August 2008 to January 2009, he moved to Cypriot side Apollon Limassol on another loan, showing improvement with 5 goals in 5 matches during the First Division campaign. His most productive outing in this period came in January 2010, when he joined Serie B outfit Grosseto on loan until the end of the season, exploding for 24 goals in 25 appearances and helping the club avoid relegation while earning the top scorer honors in the league.[16][4]Serie A revival
After a prolific spell at Serie B club Grosseto, where he scored 24 goals in 24 appearances during the 2009–10 season, Pinilla earned a move to Serie A side Palermo on a free transfer in January 2010.[11][2] However, limited opportunities at Palermo led to a six-month loan to Cagliari in January 2012, with an option to buy.[17] This move marked the beginning of his Serie A revival, as the Chilean striker quickly adapted to the top flight, scoring 8 goals and providing 1 assist in 14 appearances (1,165 minutes) during the second half of the 2011–12 season.[18] His contributions were instrumental in helping Cagliari achieve their highest-ever points total in Serie A that year, finishing 15th with 43 points.[11] Pinilla's form prompted Cagliari to make the transfer permanent in July 2012 for an undisclosed fee.[2] Over the next two full seasons, he established himself as a reliable forward, netting 7 goals in 23 appearances (1,296 minutes) during 2012–13 and another 7 goals with 3 assists in 26 appearances (1,600 minutes) in 2013–14.[18] Notable performances included a brace against Inter Milan in April 2013, comprising a controversial penalty and a powerful strike, securing a 2–0 victory that highlighted his physical presence and finishing ability despite his lifelong fandom of the Nerazzurri.[11] These consistent outputs, totaling 22 goals across his Cagliari tenure, revitalized his career after earlier inconsistencies in Europe and positioned him as a key attacking threat for the Sardinian club.[18] In August 2014, Pinilla transferred to rivals Genoa on a permanent deal for €1.2 million, seeking a new challenge at age 30.[19] He contributed 3 goals in 12 appearances (618 minutes) during the first half of the 2014–15 season, aiding Genoa's mid-table stability.[18] In January 2015, he joined Atalanta on loan, scoring 6 goals in 14 appearances, which led to a permanent transfer in the summer. At Atalanta from 2015 to 2017, he added 6 goals in 24 appearances during the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons. In July 2017, Pinilla returned to Genoa on a free transfer but managed only 12 goalless appearances (553 minutes) and 1 assist in 2016–17 before terminating his contract later that month.[18][2] Overall, Pinilla's Serie A revival spanned appearances with Palermo, Cagliari, Atalanta, and Genoa, where he scored over 40 goals, demonstrating renewed consistency as a journeyman striker in Italy's elite division.[18]Return to Chile and retirement
In July 2017, Pinilla terminated his contract with Genoa and returned to his boyhood club, Universidad de Chile, at the age of 33, marking his first appearance for the team in a decade.[2] During the 2017–2018 seasons, he featured in 20 league matches for Universidad de Chile, scoring 13 goals and providing 2 assists while accumulating 1,421 minutes on the pitch.[4] His contributions included strong aerial presence and key goals that helped stabilize the team's attack, earning him recognition as the Best Striker in the 2017 El Gráfico Awards, shared with Esteban Paredes of Colo-Colo.[20][21] After departing Universidad de Chile following the 2018 season, Pinilla joined Coquimbo Unido on a free transfer in January 2019.[2] Over two seasons with the club, he made 28 appearances across all competitions, netting 7 goals, including notable strikes in the Copa Sudamericana.[4][22] Coquimbo Unido's relegation from the Chilean Primera División at the conclusion of the 2020 season, combined with a prolonged injury that limited his play, prompted Pinilla to retire in February 2021 at age 37.[23][24] He mutually terminated his contract with the club, reflecting on the two years as among the most fulfilling of his career despite the downturn.[25][26]International career
Senior debut and domestic competitions
Pinilla made his senior debut for the Chile national football team on 30 March 2003, during a friendly match against Peru at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago. Entering as a substitute, he scored the second goal of the game with a header three minutes after coming on, securing a 2–0 victory and marking an impactful start to his international career.[6][27] Throughout his tenure with La Roja, Pinilla earned 45 caps and netted 8 goals, with most of his contributions coming in friendlies and CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers between 2003 and 2016. His goals included strikes against Peru (twice in 2003), Venezuela (2004), Ecuador (2005), Paraguay (2005), Northern Ireland (2014), and Venezuela (twice in 2016), often proving decisive in maintaining momentum during qualification campaigns. These performances underscored his role as a reliable forward option, particularly in high-stakes South American matches.[6][27] Pinilla's international experience extended to the Copa América, South America's premier continental tournament, where he featured in the 2015 and 2016 editions as part of Chile's successful squads.[6]Major tournaments
Pinilla was named to Chile's squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa but did not appear in any matches.[28][18] He made his major tournament debut at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, appearing as a substitute in two group stage matches against Australia and the Netherlands, helping Chile top their group despite not featuring in the 2–0 win over Spain. In the round of 16 against hosts Brazil on 28 June, he entered in the 57th minute and nearly forced extra time with a powerful volley that struck the crossbar in the 120th minute, but Chile were eliminated 3–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. An altercation in the tunnel at halftime, where Pinilla claimed he was punched by a Brazilian official, led to a FIFA investigation.[6][29][30][31] Pinilla was part of Chile's squad for the 2015 Copa América on home soil, contributing to their first-ever title win. He made substitute appearances in the group stage against Mexico, the quarter-final against Uruguay (a 1–0 win sealed by Mauricio Isla's 81st-minute strike), and the final against Argentina, which Chile claimed 4–1 on penalties following a 0–0 draw.[6][32] In the 2016 Copa América Centenario in the United States, Pinilla again helped Chile secure back-to-back triumphs, appearing in four matches with no goals. He started the group-stage victory over Bolivia (2–1), where he assisted Arturo Vidal's opener, and came on as a substitute in the matches against Argentina and Panama (4–2), as well as the quarter-final against Mexico and the final penalty shootout win over Argentina (4–2 after 0–0).[6][33][34][35]Later life
Post-retirement career
Following his retirement from professional football in February 2021 due to a knee injury and the relegation of Coquimbo Unido, Mauricio Pinilla transitioned into a media career as a sports commentator and analyst.[36] In March 2021, Pinilla joined ESPN Chile, where he began contributing to the flagship program ESPN FC alongside fellow former player Marcelo Espina, providing analysis on domestic and international football matches. His role expanded to include appearances on other ESPN programs, such as F90, focusing on tactical breakdowns and player evaluations drawn from his playing experience. He debuted on air on March 15, 2021, emphasizing a direct and opinionated style in his commentary.[37][38][39] That same year, Pinilla also became a panelist at Televisión Nacional de Chile (TVN), serving as a commentator for major events including the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, where he covered athletics and team sports. He hosted and contributed to various sports segments over three years, until his contract was not renewed at the end of 2023, reportedly influenced by personal controversies earlier that year.[40] Pinilla has continued his broadcasting work into 2025, remaining a regular on ESPN Chile's F360 program, where he analyzes Chilean Primera División matches and international competitions. He also hosts and participates in Fuera de Área on Radio Agricultura, offering insights on transfer news and team strategies, as evidenced by his commentary on the 2025 Supercopa de Chile. These roles have established him as a prominent voice in Chilean sports media, leveraging his career highlights like his 2015 Copa América contributions.[41][42][43]Personal life
Pinilla has been married to Chilean journalist Gissella Gallardo since July 17, 2009, after a relationship spanning over two decades.[44][45] The couple has three children: Agustina (born December 2005), Matilda (born c. 2010), and Mauricio (born c. 2012).[46][47] Their daughter Matilda was diagnosed with vitiligo, a skin condition causing loss of pigmentation, at the age of three.[48][49] The family faced challenges, including a separation in 2022 following the leak of videos alleging Pinilla's infidelity with an escort, which he later acknowledged as his fault in a 2024 interview.[50][51] In March 2025, Pinilla and Gallardo reconciled, with public confirmation including a kiss video on March 31, 2025, and Pinilla celebrating her on social media in October 2025 while emphasizing family unity.[52][53][44][45] Pinilla has been candid about his mental health struggles. During his 2006–2007 loan at Hearts FC, he experienced severe depression exacerbated by injuries and personal pressures, leading him to seek treatment at a psychiatric clinic in Chile, funded by the club.[54][14] Post-retirement in 2021, he has discussed difficulties transitioning to civilian life, including battles with addictions and moments of suicidal ideation, particularly amid family strains and his daughter's health issues.[55] As of June 2025, Pinilla reports ongoing recovery, prioritizing his role as a father and acknowledging past distance from his children.[56]Career statistics and honours
Club statistics
Mauricio Pinilla's club career spanned multiple leagues in Europe and South America, with a total of over 370 appearances and more than 130 goals across various competitions. The following table summarizes his performance data aggregated by club, including appearances, goals, and assists where available.[13]| Club | Seasons | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cagliari Calcio | 2012–2014 | 67 | 25 | 6 |
| Club Universidad de Chile | 2002–2003, 2017–2018 | 65 | 36 | 5 |
| Palermo FC | 2010–2012 | 45 | 11 | 8 |
| Atalanta Bergamo | 2015–2017 | 39 | 13 | 5 |
| Genoa CFC | 2014–2015, 2017 | 27 | 5 | 1 |
| Coquimbo Unido | 2019–2021 | 28 | 7 | 2 |
| Sporting Lissabon | 2004–2006 | 27 | 7 | 0 |
| US Grosseto 1912 | 2009–2010 | 25 | 24 | 0 |
| Racing Santander | 2006 | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| Celta Vigo | 2003–2004 | 10 | 2 | 0 |
| Heart of Midlothian FC | 2006–2008 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| Chievo Verona | 2003–2004 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Apollon Limassol | 2009 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Vasco da Gama | 2008 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
International statistics
Pinilla represented the Chile national team from 2003 to 2016, accumulating 45 caps and scoring 8 goals during his international career.[6][57] His debut came on 30 March 2003 in a friendly against Peru, where he scored the second goal in a 2–0 victory.[6] His final appearance was on 7 September 2016 in a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia.[6] The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by competition:| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup qualification | 20 | 5 |
| International friendlies | 18 | 3 |
| Copa América | 4 | 0 |
| FIFA Confederations Cup | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 45 | 8 |
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