Pablo Contreras
Encyclopedia
Pablo Andrés Contreras Fica (born 11 September 1978) is a Chile
an footballer who plays for PAOK F.C. in Greece
. Primarily a central defender, he can also operate as a right back.
He also holds a Spanish
passport
, courtesy of the years spent playing in that country, namely for Celta de Vigo
.
, Contreras made his way through Colo-Colo
's youth ranks, alongside fellow stopper David Henríquez
, as the club was then managed by former international – also a defender – Pedro Reyes
. He made his professional debuts in 1997, helping the club to two first division titles and appearing in 37 first-team matches in the next two seasons.
Afterwards, Contreras made a move to AS Monaco FC
of France
. At the young age of 21, he was an important element in Monaco's league and Supercup
victories of 2000. He also appeared for the club in both the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League
.
However, in January 2001, it was discovered that Contreras was using a fake Italian
passport in order to gain Europe
an Union status. A Paris
court fined the player €
30,000, and he received a two-year ban.
Monaco was then forced to loan Contreras out to another team, and he moved to Argentina
with Racing Club de Avellaneda
. Shortly after, in July 2001, he was sold to Real Club Celta de Vigo
, for €4.2 million.
side CA Osasuna
. Immediately cast into the Navarre
se's starting XI, he made 31 league appearances, but the club could only finish 17th, narrowly avoiding relegation. For the following season, another loan ensued, now to Portugal
with giants Sporting Clube de Portugal, where he once again started throughout the season, with the Lions winning however no silverware at all – they were also eliminated in the Champions League qualifying rounds, at the hands of F.C. Internazionale Milano
.
In the summer of 2003, 25-year old Contreras finally moved to Celta. He appeared rarely in in his debut season, as the Galicians were participating for the first time ever in the Champions League. He appeared in seven games as Celta eventually lost in the round of 16 to Arsenal
, but also saw his team relegate to Segunda División
, after a 19th-place finish in the league.
Contreras became first-choice for Celta in the following seasons but, after another relegation, in 2006–07, was deemed surplus to requirements by the coaching staff (Bulgaria
n Hristo Stoichkov
was one of four during the unsuccessful campaign in division two), and left the club in January 2008, after being released from his contract.
He returned to Portugal after four years, joining Sporting de Braga on a six-month contract, and was regularly used during his spell, helping his team finish seventh.
, citing his trust in former Celta teammate Zisis Vryzas
– and the club's chairman Theodoros Zagorakis
– as the main factors for his move.
Contreras was promoted to team captain in his second season, alongside Sérgio Conceição
who retired shortly after. In late January 2011, shortly before a local derby
against Aris Thessaloniki FC
, he was informed of the loss of a very close family member, but opted to leave for his country only after the game.
team on February 17, 1999 against Guatemala
. He was then picked for that year's Copa América
in Paraguay
, helping the national side finish in fourth position.
In 2000, Contreras participated at the 2000 Summer Olympics
, where Chile won the bronze medal
, and the player was named one of the best defenders in the tournament. He also featured prominently in qualification for the 2002
and 2006
FIFA World Cup
, with Chile failing to make the final stages on both occasions.
One of the darkest moments in Contreras' career happened during the 2007 Copa América. Alongside Reinaldo Navia
, Jorge Valdivia
, Rodrigo Tello
, Jorge Vargas
and Álvaro Ormeño
, he was involved in an incident at the team's hotel, with the establishment's staff. The employees claimed the team players were celebrating drunk, throwing food, and destroying hotel property after qualifying for the second round of the tournament – Chile lost the next game 6–1 against Brazil
.
Afterwards, national coach Nelson Acosta
resigned and all the players involved were suspended 20 games by the ANFP
. After serving ten games, Contreras, as well as the other players involved – with the exception of Ormeño – signed a letter admitting their involvement and apologizing for the incident, and the punishment was made without effect. After being reinstated, Contreras became an important member under Marcelo Bielsa
, as Chile qualified
for the World Cup
in South Africa
, the nation's first in 12 years.
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
an footballer who plays for PAOK F.C. in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
. Primarily a central defender, he can also operate as a right back.
He also holds a Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
passport
Passport
A passport is a document, issued by a national government, which certifies, for the purpose of international travel, the identity and nationality of its holder. The elements of identity are name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth....
, courtesy of the years spent playing in that country, namely for Celta de Vigo
Celta de Vigo
Real Club Celta de Vigo , simply referred to as Celta Vigo, is a Spanish professional football club based in Vigo, Galicia, currently playing in the Segunda División. It was founded on March 28, 1923 following the merger of Real Vigo Sporting and Real Fortuna Foot-ball Club.Nicknamed Los Celestes ,...
.
Early years
Born in SantiagoSantiago, Chile
Santiago , also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile, and the center of its largest conurbation . It is located in the country's central valley, at an elevation of above mean sea level...
, Contreras made his way through Colo-Colo
Colo-Colo
Club Social y Deportivo Colo-Colo is a Chilean football club based in the commune of Macul, Santiago. It competes in the Primera División, the top-flight football league in the country, from which they have never been relegated. Their home ground is the Estadio Monumental David Arellano.Colo-Colo...
's youth ranks, alongside fellow stopper David Henríquez
David Henríquez
David Andrés Henríquez Espinoza is a Chilean footballer. He currently plays for Universidad Católica.-Career:...
, as the club was then managed by former international – also a defender – Pedro Reyes
Pedro Reyes
See also, Pedro Reyes Pedro Antonio Reyes González is a former Chilean football defender....
. He made his professional debuts in 1997, helping the club to two first division titles and appearing in 37 first-team matches in the next two seasons.
Afterwards, Contreras made a move to AS Monaco FC
AS Monaco FC
Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille...
of France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. At the young age of 21, he was an important element in Monaco's league and Supercup
Trophée des champions
The Trophée des champions , is a French association football trophy contested in an annual match between the champions of Ligue 1 and the winners of the Coupe de France. It is equivalent to the Super Cups found in many countries...
victories of 2000. He also appeared for the club in both the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
.
However, in January 2001, it was discovered that Contreras was using a fake Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
passport in order to gain Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an Union status. A Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
court fined the player €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
30,000, and he received a two-year ban.
Monaco was then forced to loan Contreras out to another team, and he moved to Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
with Racing Club de Avellaneda
Racing Club de Avellaneda
Racing Club is an Argentine professional football club from Avellaneda, a suburb of Greater Buenos Aires. Founded in 1903, Racing has been historically considered one of the "big five" clubs of Argentine football...
. Shortly after, in July 2001, he was sold to Real Club Celta de Vigo
Celta de Vigo
Real Club Celta de Vigo , simply referred to as Celta Vigo, is a Spanish professional football club based in Vigo, Galicia, currently playing in the Segunda División. It was founded on March 28, 1923 following the merger of Real Vigo Sporting and Real Fortuna Foot-ball Club.Nicknamed Los Celestes ,...
, for €4.2 million.
Celta
Contreras did not join Celta immediately, being loaned to fellow La LigaLa Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
side CA Osasuna
CA Osasuna
Club Atlético Osasuna, known as Osasuna, is a Spanish football team based in Iruñea-Pamplona, in the autonomous community of Navarre.Founded in 1920, it currently plays in the Spanish first division, holding home games at the 19,553-capacity Estadio Reyno de Navarra...
. Immediately cast into the Navarre
Navarre
Navarre , officially the Chartered Community of Navarre is an autonomous community in northern Spain, bordering the Basque Country, La Rioja, and Aragon in Spain and Aquitaine in France...
se's starting XI, he made 31 league appearances, but the club could only finish 17th, narrowly avoiding relegation. For the following season, another loan ensued, now to Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
with giants Sporting Clube de Portugal, where he once again started throughout the season, with the Lions winning however no silverware at all – they were also eliminated in the Champions League qualifying rounds, at the hands of F.C. Internazionale Milano
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
.
In the summer of 2003, 25-year old Contreras finally moved to Celta. He appeared rarely in in his debut season, as the Galicians were participating for the first time ever in the Champions League. He appeared in seven games as Celta eventually lost in the round of 16 to Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, but also saw his team relegate to Segunda División
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
, after a 19th-place finish in the league.
Contreras became first-choice for Celta in the following seasons but, after another relegation, in 2006–07, was deemed surplus to requirements by the coaching staff (Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
n Hristo Stoichkov
Hristo Stoichkov
Hristo Stoichkov Stoichkov , sometimes Stoitchkov; born 8 February 1966 in Plovdiv) is a retired Bulgarian footballer. He is regarded as one of the best footballers of his generation and the greatest Bulgarian footballer of all time. Nicknamed The Dagger , The Dog , The Modern Left...
was one of four during the unsuccessful campaign in division two), and left the club in January 2008, after being released from his contract.
He returned to Portugal after four years, joining Sporting de Braga on a six-month contract, and was regularly used during his spell, helping his team finish seventh.
PAOK
In June 2008, Contreras agreed to a two-year link with PAOK F.C. of ThessalonikiThessaloniki
Thessaloniki , historically also known as Thessalonica, Salonika or Salonica, is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia as well as the capital of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace...
, citing his trust in former Celta teammate Zisis Vryzas
Zisis Vryzas
Zisis Vryzas is a former football player, and had been the vice president of PAOK FC for the past 3 years. He was born 9 November 1973 in Kavala, city of northern Greece, located in the region of Macedonia . He played as a striker for various teams in Greece and abroad, as well as the Greek...
– and the club's chairman Theodoros Zagorakis
Theodoros Zagorakis
-Kavala:Zagorakis was a defensive midfielder who usually operated on the right hand side of midfield. He started his career with Kavala, the club that also produced Zisis Vryzas, with whom he became close friends...
– as the main factors for his move.
Contreras was promoted to team captain in his second season, alongside Sérgio Conceição
Sérgio Conceição
Sérgio Paulo Marceneiro da Conceição is a retired Portuguese footballer who played mostly as a right winger.Known for his speed and strength, combined with his good dribbling and crossing skills, and fairly accurate shooting. During his extensive career, he played for ten different teams, in five...
who retired shortly after. In late January 2011, shortly before a local derby
Local derby
In many countries the term local derby, or simply just derby means a sporting fixture between two, generally local, rivals, particularly in association football...
against Aris Thessaloniki FC
Aris Thessaloniki F.C.
Aris Football Club , also known as God of war and the Yellows, is a Greek football club based in the city of Thessaloniki, Macedonia. Formed in 1914, the club was a founding member of Macedonian Football Clubs Association as well as the Hellenic Football Federation, they currently compete in...
, he was informed of the loss of a very close family member, but opted to leave for his country only after the game.
International career
Contreras made his debut for ChileChile national football team
The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federación de Fútbol de Chile which was established in 1895. They have appeared in eight World Cup tournaments and were hosts of the 1962 FIFA World Cup finishing in...
team on February 17, 1999 against Guatemala
Guatemala national football team
The Guatemala national football team is the association football team representing the country of Guatemala and is controlled by the Federación Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala. Founded in 1919, it affiliated to FIFA in 1946, and it is a member of CONCACAF....
. He was then picked for that year's Copa América
Copa América
The Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
in Paraguay
Paraguay
Paraguay , officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the...
, helping the national side finish in fourth position.
In 2000, Contreras participated at the 2000 Summer Olympics
Football at the 2000 Summer Olympics
The football tournament at the 2000 Summer Olympics was the 20th official Olympic football tournament. A women's tournament was held for the second time.-Medal winners:-Venues:*Olympic Stadium, Sydney*Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney*Bruce Stadium, Canberra...
, where Chile won the bronze medal
Bronze medal
A bronze medal is a medal awarded to the third place finisher of contests such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, etc. The practice of awarding bronze third place medals began at the 1904 Olympic Games in St...
, and the player was named one of the best defenders in the tournament. He also featured prominently in qualification for the 2002
2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
Listed below are the dates and results for the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for the South American zone . For an overview of the qualification rounds, see the article 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification....
and 2006
2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
Listed below are the dates and results for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for South America. 10 teams took part, all in a single group. The rules were very simple: the teams would play against each other in a home-and-away basis, with the four teams with most points qualifying to...
FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
, with Chile failing to make the final stages on both occasions.
One of the darkest moments in Contreras' career happened during the 2007 Copa América. Alongside Reinaldo Navia
Reinaldo Navia
Reinaldo Marcelino Navia Amador is a Chilean footballer, who currently plays for the Chilean Primera División side Ñublense as Striker....
, Jorge Valdivia
Jorge Valdivia
Jorge Luis Valdivia Toro is a Chilean professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for the Brazilian Série A club Palmeiras and the Chilean national team....
, Rodrigo Tello
Rodrigo Tello
Rodrigo Álvaro Tello Valenzuela is a Chilean footballer who plays with Eskişehirspor in Turkey.Left-footed, he usually operates as a left midfielder, but can also appear in the middle, and as an offensive left back...
, Jorge Vargas
Jorge Vargas
Jorge Vargas may refer to:*Jorge B. Vargas , Filipino lawyer and youth advocate*Jorge Vargas González, Chilean politician, mayor of Pichilemu 1997-2007*Jorge Alberto Vargas, Ecuadorian football player*Jorge Francisco Vargas, Chilean footballer...
and Álvaro Ormeño
Álvaro Ormeño
Alvaro Andrés Ormeño Salazar is a Chilean football midfielder, who is currently playing for the prominent Chilean side Colo Colo. He debuted in Chile's second division with club Ñublense and later he played for Ovalle. In 2002 he made his debut in Chile's first division with club Santiago Morning...
, he was involved in an incident at the team's hotel, with the establishment's staff. The employees claimed the team players were celebrating drunk, throwing food, and destroying hotel property after qualifying for the second round of the tournament – Chile lost the next game 6–1 against Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
.
Afterwards, national coach Nelson Acosta
Nelson Acosta
Nelson Bonifacio Acosta López, nicknamed Pelado Acosta and "El Ratón" , is a former Uruguayan football player. He became a nationalized Chilean in 1984 and is currently a football coach.He managed the national team of Chile from 1996 to 2001, leading them to the 1998 FIFA World Cup...
resigned and all the players involved were suspended 20 games by the ANFP
Federación de Fútbol de Chile
The Chilean Football Federation is the governing body of association football in Chile. It was founded June 19, 1895, making it the second oldest South American federation, and is a founding member of CONMEBOL in 1916...
. After serving ten games, Contreras, as well as the other players involved – with the exception of Ormeño – signed a letter admitting their involvement and apologizing for the incident, and the punishment was made without effect. After being reinstated, Contreras became an important member under Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera is an Argentine association football coach and former defender, born in Rosario, Santa Fe...
, as Chile qualified
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)
The South American zone of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification saw 10 teams competing for places in the finals which were held in South Africa. The format is identical to that used for the previous three World Cup qualification tournaments held by CONMEBOL...
for the World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, the nation's first in 12 years.
International goals
| Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 April 2003 | Estadio Nacional de Chile Estadio Nacional de Chile The Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos is the national stadium of Chile, and is located in the Ñuñoa district of Santiago). It is the largest stadium in Chile with an official capacity of 47,000, and is part of a 62 ha sporting complex which also features tennis courts, an aquatics center, a... , Santiago Santiago, Chile Santiago , also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile, and the center of its largest conurbation . It is located in the country's central valley, at an elevation of above mean sea level... , Chile Chile Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far... |
1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| 15 November 2011 | Estadio Nacional de Chile Estadio Nacional de Chile The Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos is the national stadium of Chile, and is located in the Ñuñoa district of Santiago). It is the largest stadium in Chile with an official capacity of 47,000, and is part of a 62 ha sporting complex which also features tennis courts, an aquatics center, a... , Santiago Santiago, Chile Santiago , also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile, and the center of its largest conurbation . It is located in the country's central valley, at an elevation of above mean sea level... , Chile Chile Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far... |
1–0 | 2–0 | 2014 World Cup qualification 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL) The South American Zone of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification sees nine teams competing for places in the finals which are to be held in Brazil.-Format:The format for CONMEBOL's 2014 World Cup qualifying tournament is identical to the previous four editions... |
Club
- Colo-ColoColo-ColoClub Social y Deportivo Colo-Colo is a Chilean football club based in the commune of Macul, Santiago. It competes in the Primera División, the top-flight football league in the country, from which they have never been relegated. Their home ground is the Estadio Monumental David Arellano.Colo-Colo...
:- Chilean League: 1996–97, 1997–98
- Chilean CupCopa ChileThe Copa Chile is an annual cup competition for Chilean football teams. Due to time constraints and club pressure, the trophy was cancelled in 2000, but returned in 2008...
: 1995–1996
- MonacoAS Monaco FCAssociation Sportive de Monaco Football Club are a French football club based in Fontvieille, Monaco. The club was founded in 1924 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. The team plays its home matches at the Stade Louis II located within Fontvieille...
:- French LeagueLigue 1Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
: 1999–2000 - French SupercupTrophée des championsThe Trophée des champions , is a French association football trophy contested in an annual match between the champions of Ligue 1 and the winners of the Coupe de France. It is equivalent to the Super Cups found in many countries...
: 2000
- French League
Country
- Summer Olympic GamesSummer Olympic GamesThe Summer Olympic Games or the Games of the Olympiad are an international multi-sport event, occurring every four years, organized by the International Olympic Committee. Medals are awarded in each event, with gold medals for first place, silver for second and bronze for third, a tradition that...
: Bronze medalBronze medalA bronze medal is a medal awarded to the third place finisher of contests such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, etc. The practice of awarding bronze third place medals began at the 1904 Olympic Games in St...
2000Football at the 2000 Summer OlympicsThe football tournament at the 2000 Summer Olympics was the 20th official Olympic football tournament. A women's tournament was held for the second time.-Medal winners:-Venues:*Olympic Stadium, Sydney*Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney*Bruce Stadium, Canberra...