Chilean Football Icon Carla Guerrero Announces Retirement After 23-Year Career

Carla Guerrero, a celebrated figure in Chilean women's football, has announced her retirement from the professional game at the end of the 2026 season. After dedicating 23 years to the sport, the 38-year-old defender declared, "This will be my last year as a footballer." Guerrero expressed contentment with her career, stating, "I leave with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave one hundred percent for every jersey I had the privilege to wear."

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This will be my last year as a footballer.

Known as "La Jefa" (The Boss), Guerrero was instrumental in elevating women's football in Chile. Her career began at Universidad de Chile, followed by a successful stint at Everton, where she won the second professional women's tournament in the country's history. She later joined Colo Colo, forming part of a dominant team that secured 10 consecutive league titles and 13 overall during her eight-year tenure. A significant highlight was winning the Copa Libertadores in 2012, alongside other notable players like Christiane Endler and Yanara Aedo.

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I leave with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave one hundred percent for every jersey I had the privilege to wear.

Guerrero's impact extended beyond club level. She was a crucial member of the Chilean national team, La Roja, helping the squad qualify for their first-ever World Cup. "Representing my country was a pride I will carry with me forever," she stated. "I defended it with commitment, passion, and with all my heart, always trying to keep it at the highest level."

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Representing my country was a pride I will carry with me forever. I defended it with commitment, passion, and with all my heart, always trying to keep it at the highest level.

After her successful period at Colo Colo (2010-2017), Guerrero played internationally for Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia and had two seasons with Rayo Vallecano in Spain. She returned to Chile in 2020, winning the 2021 Campeonato Nacional with Universidad de Chile, breaking Colo Colo's dominance. This year, she joined Universidad de Concepción for her final season. Guerrero concluded her farewell message with gratitude, "Thank you, football, for allowing me to live a dream for 23 years." She added, "One can leave football, but football never leaves you."

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Thank you, football, for allowing me to live a dream for 23 years.