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Claudius Bravo He is not only an emblem of the mythical “Golden Generation” and one of the main idols in the history of Chilean soccer, but also a true example for millions of compatriots, for his discipline, dedication, perseverance, and commitment as a high-performance athlete.
Originally from Viluco, Buin, the goalkeeper was born on April 13, 1983, and his great career, like that of several of the references of The Redwas forged at the end of a lot of effort, from its beginnings to its consolidation in the best clubs in Europe.
Married to Carla Pardo, the current Real Betis goalkeeper began his career defending the Colo Colo jersey, the team he loved, where he played from 2003 to 2006, with vivid memories of that Opening final that the “Cacique” he beat Universidad de Chile, in a heart-stopping definition by penalties, in which he was a figure.
From a very young age, the goalkeeper showed that he would be the great heir to the National Team’s goal, since on July 11, 2004, at the age of 21, he would make his debut in a great way with La Adulta in the 1-1 draw against Paraguay, in the America’s Cup of Peru.
The goalkeeper’s first European experience would be with Real Sociedad, a club with which, after three seasons, he would achieve the long-awaited promotion to the Spanish First Division in 2010. That year, in addition to excellently guarding the San Sebastian goal, the national would score a unforgettable free kick goal against Gimnástic.
That time with the San Sebastián team would allow Claudio to make the big leap and end up in the 2014-15 season in the powerful Barcelona, a cast where he won two League titles, two Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, the Super Cup of Europe and the Club World Cup.
Buin’s illustrious son, distinguished with the Zamora Trophy of the Second Division in 2009 and with the Bicentennial medal, Bravo would go from Spanish football to England to join Manchester City, an institution where he won all the crowns: Premier, FA Cup, Copa de The League and Community Shield.
Finally, the goalkeeper would return to the Iberian Peninsula to sign for Real Betis, a squad where he is led by Manuel Pellegrini and with which he has written one of the club’s most glorious chapters, after winning the Copa del Rey 2021-22.
THE BIG CAPTAIN
Certainly, Bravo’s history at the team level has been very successful, but his consolidation as a footballer and the admiration of millions of Chileans crystallized defending La Roja.
World Cup winner in South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, the goalkeeper became the team captain and one of the leaders of the two-time American squad, after winning the 2015 and 2016 editions, in two heart-stopping penalty shootouts against Messi’s Argentina .
In addition to these achievements, there are many moments in Claudio’s career with the National Team that are in the hearts of Chilean fans, such as the shootout from 12 steps in the 2017 Confederations Cup, where the team eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
All of the above establishes Claudio as a mirror for millions of compatriots, who see in his effort and professionalism that one can compete and achieve any achievement that one sets out to, not only in sport, but in any area of life.
