Pablo Contreras

Colo-Colo

Born in Santiago, 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.

Monaco

Afterwards, Contreras made a move to Monaco 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. In January 2001, however, it was discovered that Contreras was using a fake Italian passport in order to gain European 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. Shortly after, in July 2001, he was sold to Celta de Vigo for €4.2 million.

Osasuna

Contreras did not join Celta immediately, being loaned to fellow La Liga side Osasuna. Immediately cast into the Navarrese's starting XI, he made 31 league appearances, but the club could only finish 17th, narrowly avoiding relegation.

Sporting CP

For the following season, another loan ensued, now to Portugal with giants Sporting CP, where he once again started throughout the season, with the Lions winning no silverware at all; they were also eliminated…

As a youth player, Contreras represented Chile at under-17 level in the 1995 South American Championship and at under-20 level in the 1997 South American Championship. Contreras made his debut for Chile team on 17 February 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 involving the 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 for 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 lifted. After being reinstated,…

Club

International

Colo-Colo

Primera División de Chile: 1997 Clausura, 1998 Monaco

Ligue 1: 1999–2000 Trophée des Champions: 2000 Sporting CP

Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2002 Olympiacos

Super League Greece: 2012–13 Greek Football Cup: 2012–13 Chile

Summer Olympic Games bronze medal: 2000 Individual

MVP 2008–09