Biography of Arturo Vidal: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!
Arturo Vidal is a Chilean professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Flamengo and the Chile national team. Vidal is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation due to his world-class abilities in ball recovery, distribution, goal scoring, and versatility on the pitch.
Over his illustrious career, Vidal has won league titles in four different countries – Chile, Germany, Italy and Spain. He was an integral part of the Chile squad that won the Copa América in 2015 and 2016. Vidal was also named the Copa América Best Player in 2016.
What is Arturo Vidal’s Net Worth and Salary?
According to multiple reports, Arturo Vidal’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million as of 2023. His annual salary at Flamengo is believed to be $3 million per year.
Vidal has earned big money transfers in his career, moving from Bayer Leverkusen to Juventus for €10.5 million in 2011, then from Juventus to Bayern Munich for €37 million in 2015. He also earned over €6.5 million per season in wages during his time at top European clubs like Bayern and Barcelona.
Sponsorship deals with brands like Nike and Red Bull also contribute significantly to Vidal’s wealth. He has endorsement deals with multiple companies in South America as well. Overall, Vidal’s net worth can be attributed to his high-paying transfers, lucrative contracts with elite football clubs over the years, and sponsorship agreements.
How old is Arturo Vidal?
Arturo Vidal is 35 years old as of 2023. He was born on May 22, 1987 in San Joaquín, Santiago, Chile.
Vidal will turn 36 years old in May 2023. Despite crossing 35, he remains a top midfielder playing at the highest level for both club and country. His work ethic, physical conditioning and style of play have enabled him to avoid major injuries and performance declines typically associated with aging footballers.
Overview of Arturo Vidal’s Football Career
- Colo-Colo (2006–2007)
- Bayer Leverkusen (2007–2011)
- Juventus (2011–2015)
- Bayern Munich (2015–2018)
- Barcelona (2018–2021)
- Inter Milan (2021–2022)
- Flamengo (2022–present)
National Team:
- Chile (2007–present)
Some key achievements and records of Vidal’s career:
- 8 League Title Wins: 4 in Germany, 3 in Italy, 1 in Spain
- 2015 and 2016 Copa América winner with Chile
- 2016 Copa América Player of the Tournament
- UEFA Champions League runner-up (2015)
- Over 100 international caps for Chile
- 3rd highest goal scorer for Chile men’s team
Arturo Vidal’s Playing Style and Key Attributes
As a midfielder, Arturo Vidal is renowned for his:
- High work rate and relentless pressing – He covers huge distances on the pitch to win back possession.
- Tackling and ball recovery – Vidal is an elite ball-winner with great tackling technique.
- Goal threat – He has an exceptional eye for goal and attacking positioning for a midfielder.
- Leadership – Vidal organizes teammates, motivates them and leads by example.
- Aggression and commitment – He brings physicality, grit and a warrior mentality to midfield battles.
- Versatility – Vidal can play as a central midfielder, attacking mid, defensive mid, and even at fullback or wingback.
His skillset allows him to influence games at both ends of the pitch. Defensively he breaks up opposition attacks. Offensively he drives into the box to finish chances in addition to his playmaking and chance creation for teammates.
Few midfielders in football history have matched Vidal’s world-class attributes and well-rounded contributions on the pitch.
Arturo Vidal’s Early Life and Youth Career
Arturo Vidal was born into a humble family background in one of the most populous communes of Chile’s capital Santiago. His parents separated when he was only 2 years old.
Vidal’s talent in football became evident from a young age when he used to play on the streets of his hometown San Joaquín. By 11 years of age, he got the opportunity to join the youth academy of a small Chilean club called Rodelindo Román.
After spending his early teenage years progressing at Rodelindo Román, Vidal earned a move to the youth setup of Chilean giants Colo Colo at age 16 in 2003. This was the major breakthrough moment of his career as a footballer.
At Colo Colo’s prolific youth academy, Vidal got an organized football education and developed the strong technical, tactical, physical and mental attributes that would underpin his success later on.
Arturo Vidal’s Parents and Personal Life
Arturo Vidal’s parents are Erasmo Vidal (father) and Jacqueline Pardo (mother). They separated while Vidal was a toddler.
His mother Pardo raised him as a single parent along with the help of his grandparents on his father’s side. The family struggled financially during Vidal’s childhood years living in one of the poorest communes in Chile.
Vidal married María Teresa Matus in 2009. They have four children together – three daughters named Elisabetta, Ema and Alba, and one son named Alonso.
Vidal resides primarily in Barcelona now and owns properties in Chile and other countries. He has openly spoken about the tremendous role his mother and wife played in supporting his football career during its critical developmental stages.
Outside of football, Vidal is an avid fan of horse racing and owns competition horses that have won races in Chile. He also enjoys golfing and co-owns a popular golf club in Chile called Hipica de Alto Golf Club. Vidal has several tattoos on his body representing his loved ones and cultural identity.
Did Arturo Vidal have a Difficult Childhood?
Yes, Vidal certainly had a difficult childhood marred by family instability and financial constraints.
- His parents broke up when he was only 2 years old after which his mother took responsibility for raising him.
- They faced money problems and lived in San Joaquín – one of the poorest communes in Chile’s capital city.
- Vidal had stated that as a child he didn’t even have the money to afford bus fare to travel to training at Colo Colo. He used to walk 8 kilometers each way to attend training sessions.
- Accessing proper football equipment like boots was also difficult due to lack of money during his early playing career.
The dire financial conditions and absence of a father figure made for an challenging childhood. However, Vidal was able to overcome those hardships with his immense self-belief, determination and assistance from immediate family members like his mother and grandparents.
Rise Through the Ranks at Colo Colo
Arturo Vidal rose rapidly through the youth system at Colo Colo during his teenage years. His drive, physicality and technical qualities as a midfielder were evident from a young age.
After being prolific in junior games, Vidal was called up to Colo Colo’s first team squad in 2006 by manager Claudio Borghi while still a teenager. He made his professional debut for the club on August 26, 2006 at age 19 and immediately became a starter in Borghi’s plans.
First Major Title and Copa Sudamericana Success
In his debut pro season in 2006 itself, Vidal featured over 30 times across domestic competitions as Colo Colo won the Chilean Apertura championship. They beat arch rivals C.D. Universidad de Chile 3-0 in the two-legged final.
The following season, Colo Colo won the 2007 Copa Sudamericana defeating Mexican club Pachuca in the finals. This was Vidal’s first taste of South American continental success while still a teenager.
Emergence as Key Player and Captain
Over the next few seasons, Vidal established himself as an indispensable player at Colo Colo and one most likely to succeed in Europe. Despite his young age, his outstanding performances also led to Vidal being named captain of the side between 2008 and 2010.
In total, Vidal made 73 first division appearances for Colo Colo in his three seasons. More importantly, he caught the eye of European scouts and set the base for an illustrious career abroad.
Career Milestones in Europe With Bayer Leverkusen
The next major stepping stone in Vidal’s career came in 2007 when German club Bayer Leverkusen signed him on a five-year contract. The transfer fee paid to acquire Vidal was close to $11 million – a record for a Chilean player at that time.
Conclusion
In summary, Arturo Vidal has proven himself to be one of the best all-around midfielders of his generation. His unique blend of world-class defensive, physical, technical and attacking qualities make him a dominant force in any midfield.
After emerging from humble beginnings in Chile, Vidal rapidly developed into a top player during his teenage years at Colo Colo. His subsequent career achievements and trophy haul in Europe’s elite leagues and continental competitions has been mightily impressive.
At 35 years of age, he continues performing at the highest level for Flamengo and Chile’s national team. Vidal’s winner mentality, leadership and versatile skillset have enabled him to enjoy remarkable longevity at the pinnacle of football.
Few South American players have made a bigger impact and amassed a richer collection of accolades in Europe than Arturo Vidal. His legacy as one of Chile’s greatest ever footballers is firmly cemented already. But Vidal still has more history to write in the coming years by sustaining his excellence into his late 30s.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What number does Arturo Vidal wear?
Throughout his career, Vidal has predominantly worn the number 23 shirt for both his clubs and the Chile national team. At some clubs like Inter Milan and Flamengo, he wore 22 and 8 respectively.
How much is Vidal worth?
A: According to reports, Arturo Vidal has a net worth estimated to be around $30 million dollars as of 2023.
Where does Vidal live?
A: Vidal has lived primarily in Barcelona for the past few years. He owns houses in Barcelona and Chile along with properties in some other countries.
What position does Vidal play?
Vidal is most often deployed as a center midfielder but over the years, has played effectively as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger or wingback too. Such is his versatility.
Which player does Arturo Vidal idolize?
During his childhood and early career, Vidal idolized Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. He has cited Scholes as his biggest inspiration as a midfielder multiple times.
