Chilean left-back who played for several clubs including Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic, and is known for his impressive performances in the 2010 World Cup.
Jean Beausejour is a Chilean former professional footballer who made history on the pitch, winning the League Cup with Birmingham City and the FA Cup with Wigan Athletic. With a career spanning over a decade, he played as a left-sided wingback in Chile, Switzerland, Brazil, Belgium, Mexico, and England, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Born on June 1, 1984, in Santiago, Chile, Beausejour's journey was shaped by his rich cultural heritage. His father, Jean Coty Beausejour, was a Haitian graduate student of African descent who worked for the United Nations, while his mother, Viviana Coliqueo Collipay, is a Chilean of Mapuche ethnicity. This mixed heritage would later influence his identity and perspective on the sport.
Beausejour's talent was evident from a young age, and he made his debut for the Chile national team in 2004. His big break came when he became a member of the Copa América-winning squads in 2015 and 2016. He is the only Chilean to score in two consecutive World Cups, achieving this feat in 2010 and 2014.
In 2010, the local council declared Beausejour an Hijo Ilustre, or honored son, of the community. Six years later, a new sports center was named after him in recognition of his contributions to the sport. Beausejour is also an advocate for social causes, particularly in his native Chile.
Beausejour's success on the pitch paved the way for greater representation and diversity in football. As a black player of African and indigenous Mapuche descent, he has inspired countless young athletes from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue their dreams in the sport.
Jean Beausejour's legacy extends beyond his impressive football career. He has become an icon for Chilean football and a symbol of hope for marginalized communities. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and determination.
Through his achievements, Beausejour has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps and break down barriers in the world of football.
42 Years Old
Chilean forward who scored a crucial goal in the 1998 World Cup, narrowly missing the winning goal against England, and is remembered for his iconic reaction to hitting the crossbar.
37 Years Old
Chilean forward who played for top-tier clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United, known for his exceptional dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability.
38 Years Old
A skilled and dynamic midfielder who has played for top clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona, known for his tenacious style and goal-scoring ability from midfield.
36 Years Old
Chilean forward who played for top-tier clubs like Napoli and Valencia, and is the all-time leading scorer for the Chile national team.
