Brazilian champion with Flamengo announces retirement

In partnership with

Coluna do Fla

·10 September 2026

Brazilian champion with Flamengo announces retirement

Right-back Maurício Isla hung up his boots at 38

Rafinha’s replacement in Flamengo’s squad in 2020, Maurício Isla announced his retirement last Monday (07). In an emotional text posted on social media, the right-back confirmed that he had hung up his boots at 38. The now former player was without a club and had not played since last year, when he had a stint with Colo-Colo (CHI).

ISLA’S FAREWELL MESSAGE

“I know writing this is not easy. So many memories come to mind, from that boy who had to catch a bus and travel in order to try to fulfill the dream of becoming a football player. My beginning was not easy, but I understood that if I wanted to go far, I had to give everything of myself. Thanks to Mr. Alfonso, who saw talent in me at the age of 10, and to Universidad Católica, where I received my first tools. Football gave me friends, education, habits, and stability for my family. It also taught me that, coming from a humble neighborhood, we can dream and turn those dreams into reality. I will always remember professor José Sulantay, who took me to the youth national team, with which we won third place at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada. That performance allowed me to enter Marcelo Bielsa’s plans, as he believed in me when I was still young. Thanks to that ‘beautiful madman’ who gave us hope again and helped us reach our maximum potential. On September 7, 2007, at 19 years old, Bielsa gave me the confidence to make my debut for Chile. That is how a wonderful story began: 144 matches with La Roja, six Copa Américas, two World Cups, one Confederations Cup, and two continental titles alongside a generation that left its mark on our country. Thank God for allowing me to live all of this. I thank every club that opened its doors to me: Udinese, Juventus, Queens Park Rangers, Olympique de Marseille, Cagliari, Fenerbahçe, and Flamengo, whose fans made me feel like just another Brazilian. Then I returned to wear the shirts of Universidad Católica, Independiente and, finally, Colo-Colo, a club with special roots in my family history. Thank you to those who helped me grow, who accompanied me far from Chile, who lifted me up in difficult moments, and who trusted me. Thank you to all Chileans who celebrated my joys, especially that goal against Uruguay. On a September 7 this journey began, and today, also on a day 7, I announce that it has come to an end. Out of respect and love for my family, I announce my retirement from professional football. I hope you remember me as the boy who dared to dream and managed to become a professional football player. With affection, Mauricio Isla ‘El Huaso Isla’”

HOW DID ISLA ARRIVE AT FLAMENGO?

After the magical 2019 season, Flamengo’s board fought to keep the squad together in 2020. However, in August, Rafinha surprised everyone and asked to be transferred to Olympiacos of Greece. Maurício Isla then emerged as a market opportunity at the time and signed with Mengão.

OneFootball Videos

Between 2020 and 2022, Isla played 83 matches, scored four goals and provided 11 assists. The Chilean played an important role in Flamengo’s 2020 Brasileirão title and the 2021 Supercopa do Brasil. In addition, the player took part in the early stages of the campaign that would end with the 2022 Libertadores title, even scoring in the tournament against Sporting Cristal (PER) at the Maracanã. However, in July of that year, the player was released to Universidad Católica (CHI) and did not take part in the final stretch of the knockout rounds.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT

Important in Flamengo’s 2020 Brazilian league title, Maurício Isla reached the peak of his career in 2015 and 2016, when he won two Copa Américas with Chile, alongside former Flamengo players Arturo Vidal and Erick Pulgar — Mengão’s current No. 5, however, was only part of the second title.

AUTHOR’S OPINION

“I remember that at the time, it was a desperate moment when Rafinha asked to leave. Flamengo only had the heavily criticized Rodinei and the still young Matheuzinho in the squad. So Isla fit the team like a glove and had his importance. It’s really nice that he gave special mention to Flamengo in his farewell message,” commented Mônica Alves, journalist for Coluna do Fla.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.