{"id":250290,"first_name":"Gary Alexis","last_name":"Medel Soto","short_name":"G. Medel","common_name":"Gary Medel","place_of_birth":"Santiago","gender":"male","height":172,"weight":74,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T11:09:36.692Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:05:32.743Z","locale":"en","age":37,"stb_id":"gary-medel","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Gary Medel","top_position":null,"introduction":"Gary Alexis Medel Soto, a versatile Chilean professional footballer recognized for his defensive prowess, plays for Universidad Católica in the Chilean Primera División. Over the years, Medel has become a vital figure in international football, garnering over 160 caps for Chile and playing crucial roles in significant tournaments like the Copa América and FIFA World Cup. His aggressive and tenacious style has earned him the nickname 'Pitbull' and a reputation as a formidable presence on the field.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nGary Medel was born on 3 August 1987 in Chile. From a young age, he exhibited a passion for football, which was nurtured by his supportive family environment. His early life was marked by an innate talent for the game, and he quickly became involved in football activities within his community.\n\n## Youth Career\nMedel began his youth career at Universidad Católica at the age of 12, where his talent was recognized by coach Mario Lepe. During his time in the youth teams, he developed the skills and tenacity that would define his professional career, making significant strides that led to his promotion to the senior team.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Early Career in South America\nMedel's professional journey began with Universidad Católica, where he made a substantial impact. In 2009, he moved to Argentine giant Boca Juniors, initially on loan, a move he described as a 'dream come true.' His memorable performance included scoring both goals in a 2–0 victory against rivals River Plate.\n\n### Sevilla\nIn January 2011, Medel transferred to Sevilla for €3 million, signing a four and a half year contract. He debuted against Racing Santander and became known for his heartful performances, including a stellar display against FC Barcelona, where he cleared the ball off the line twice.\n\n### Cardiff City\nMedel joined Cardiff City in August 2013 for a club record £11 million. Despite the club's challenges, he made an immediate impact and was named man of the match in a victory against Manchester City.\n\n### Inter Milan\nAfter Cardiff's relegation, Medel moved to Inter Milan in 2014 for approximately £10 million. He made his mark in Serie A, scoring a decisive goal against Roma in 2015. Despite controversies, such as a three-match ban for an incident against Atalanta, Medel's contributions were significant.\n\n### Beşiktaş\nMedel signed with Beşiktaş in August 2017 on a three-year contract, further showcasing his valuable experience in the Turkish Süper Lig.\n\n### Bologna\nIn 2019, he returned to Italy to join Bologna, debuting shortly after against SPAL, and continued to offer his versatility to the team.\n\n### Vasco da Gama and Return to Boca Juniors\nIn July 2023, Medel signed with Vasco da Gama in Brazil before returning to Boca Juniors in June 2024, furthering his career while also earning a managerial qualification.\n\n### Back to Chile\nIn January 2025, Medel returned to Universidad Católica, marking a full-circle moment in his illustrious career.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nMedel played a crucial role in Chile's bronze-winning campaign at the 2007 U-20 World Cup despite a controversial sending-off in the semi-final against Argentina.\n\n### Senior National Team\nMedel debuted for Chile in 2007 and has been instrumental in their international success. His performances at the 2014 World Cup and two Copa América victories in 2015 and 2016 underscored his importance. In the 2019 Copa América, despite an altercation leading to a red card against Argentina, he maintained his status as a central figure in the Chilean national team.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nRenowned for his versatility, Medel is adept at playing as both a centre-back and a defensive midfielder. His style is characterized by tenacity, tactical intelligence, and a hard-tackling approach, earning him the 'Pitbull' moniker. His leadership and work-rate make him a key figure on any team.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nAs of the last update, Medel has made over 160 international appearances, contributing crucial goals in significant matches and consistently delivering strong defensive performances.\n\n## Records\nMedel holds records for his extensive international caps for Chile and has been part of several title-winning squads, reflecting both personal and team achievements.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Copa América: 2015, 2016 with Chile\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Chilean Footballer of the Year: 2008\n- Named in the Copa América Team of the Tournament: 2015, 2016\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nMedel has received multiple accolades for his contributions to club and country, particularly recognized for his performances during major South American tournaments like the Copa América.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nMedel's career is distinguished by his adaptability and steadfastness on the pitch. His influence extends beyond his club performances, having shaped Chile's national team success with his defensive resilience and leadership.\n\n## Off the Field\nMedel's charismatic personality and reputation as a 'warrior' have cemented his presence in the football community, though specific aspects of his off-field activities are not detailed in the source.\n\n## Personal Life\nDetails about Medel's personal life, including family and interests, are not extensively covered in the source. However, his commitment to football remains a defining aspect of his identity.","stb_internal_id":"0193012a-66d4-76e9-8371-1d79c95f4f65","overrides":null,"type_code":"defender","position_type_code":"defender","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-back","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Gary Alexis Medel Soto, a versatile Chilean professional footballer recognized for his defensive prowess, plays for Universidad Católica in the Chilean Primera División. Over the years, Medel has become a vital figure in international football, garnering over 160 caps for Chile and playing crucial roles in significant tournaments like the Copa América and FIFA World Cup. His aggressive and tenacious style has earned him the nickname 'Pitbull' and a reputation as a formidable presence on the field.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Gary Medel was born on 3 August 1987 in Chile. From a young age, he exhibited a passion for football, which was nurtured by his supportive family environment. His early life was marked by an innate talent for the game, and he quickly became involved in football activities within his community.

Youth Career

Medel began his youth career at Universidad Católica at the age of 12, where his talent was recognized by coach Mario Lepe. During his time in the youth teams, he developed the skills and tenacity that would define his professional career, making significant strides that led to his promotion to the senior team.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Early Career in South America

Medel's professional journey began with Universidad Católica, where he made a substantial impact. In 2009, he moved to Argentine giant Boca Juniors, initially on loan, a move he described as a 'dream come true.' His memorable performance included scoring both goals in a 2–0 victory against rivals River Plate.

Sevilla

In January 2011, Medel transferred to Sevilla for €3 million, signing a four and a half year contract. He debuted against Racing Santander and became known for his heartful performances, including a stellar display against FC Barcelona, where he cleared the ball off the line twice.

Cardiff City

Medel joined Cardiff City in August 2013 for a club record £11 million. Despite the club's challenges, he made an immediate impact and was named man of the match in a victory against Manchester City.

Inter Milan

After Cardiff's relegation, Medel moved to Inter Milan in 2014 for approximately £10 million. He made his mark in Serie A, scoring a decisive goal against Roma in 2015. Despite controversies, such as a three-match ban for an incident against Atalanta, Medel's contributions were significant.

Beşiktaş

Medel signed with Beşiktaş in August 2017 on a three-year contract, further showcasing his valuable experience in the Turkish Süper Lig.

Bologna

In 2019, he returned to Italy to join Bologna, debuting shortly after against SPAL, and continued to offer his versatility to the team.

Vasco da Gama and Return to Boca Juniors

In July 2023, Medel signed with Vasco da Gama in Brazil before returning to Boca Juniors in June 2024, furthering his career while also earning a managerial qualification.

Back to Chile

In January 2025, Medel returned to Universidad Católica, marking a full-circle moment in his illustrious career.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Medel played a crucial role in Chile's bronze-winning campaign at the 2007 U-20 World Cup despite a controversial sending-off in the semi-final against Argentina.

Senior National Team

Medel debuted for Chile in 2007 and has been instrumental in their international success. His performances at the 2014 World Cup and two Copa América victories in 2015 and 2016 underscored his importance. In the 2019 Copa América, despite an altercation leading to a red card against Argentina, he maintained his status as a central figure in the Chilean national team.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Renowned for his versatility, Medel is adept at playing as both a centre-back and a defensive midfielder. His style is characterized by tenacity, tactical intelligence, and a hard-tackling approach, earning him the 'Pitbull' moniker. His leadership and work-rate make him a key figure on any team.

Performance Statistics

As of the last update, Medel has made over 160 international appearances, contributing crucial goals in significant matches and consistently delivering strong defensive performances.

Records

Medel holds records for his extensive international caps for Chile and has been part of several title-winning squads, reflecting both personal and team achievements.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Copa América: 2015, 2016 with Chile

Individual Achievements

Chilean Footballer of the Year: 2008
Named in the Copa América Team of the Tournament: 2015, 2016

Awards and Recognition

Medel has received multiple accolades for his contributions to club and country, particularly recognized for his performances during major South American tournaments like the Copa América.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Medel's career is distinguished by his adaptability and steadfastness on the pitch. His influence extends beyond his club performances, having shaped Chile's national team success with his defensive resilience and leadership.

Off the Field

Medel's charismatic personality and reputation as a 'warrior' have cemented his presence in the football community, though specific aspects of his off-field activities are not detailed in the source.

Personal Life

Details about Medel's personal life, including family and interests, are not extensively covered in the source. However, his commitment to football remains a defining aspect of his identity.

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Gary Medel: Statistics