Marcelo Salas

José Marcelo Salas Melinao (born December 24, 1974 in Temuco), better known as Marcelo Salas, is a former football player from Chile. He, with Elías Figueroa and Iván Zamorano, have been some of Chile's most recognized football players. Nicknamed El Matador (The Killer), he has a deft touch with his left foot with which has led to some spectacular goals. Salas was a product of the Deportes Temuco youth team until his father took him to Santiago d... more

José Marcelo Salas Melinao (born December 24, 1974 in Temuco), better known as Marcelo Salas, is a former football player from Chile. He, with Elías Figueroa and Iván Zamorano, have been some of Chile's most recognized football players. Nicknamed El Matador (The Killer), he has a deft touch with his left foot with which has led to some spectacular goals. Salas was a product of the Deportes Temuco youth team until his father took him to Santiago de Chile to be incorporated into Universidad de Chile. Salas debuted playing for Universidad de Chile in 1993 and became a starting player on January 4, 1994 against Cobreloa where he would also score a goal. Salas helped the team to win back to back titles in 1994 and 1995 leaving a trail of 74 goals which included a strong 1996 Copa Libertadores. Later in 1996, Salas moved on to Argentina to play with River Plate of the Argentine first division, a move that was met with some criticism by the Argentine press as a Chile born player had never... less