Quick Facts
LeoBiography
David Alfonso Arellano Moraga (29 July 1902, in Santiago, Chile – 3 May 1927, in Valladolid) was a Chilean footballer, founder and martyr of the Colo Colo football club. Played as lefty Insider, was scorer of 1926 South American Championship (Copa América) and is considered one of the best Chilean football players in history.
Career
Arellano was born in Santiago, Chile on the 29 July 1902. His professional debut came at 17 years of age for Chilean football club Magallanes in 1919. In 1925 he along with other members parted from Magallanes football club to form a new club which came to be known in Chile as Colo Colo. Arellano is attributed with showcasing the bicycle kick or in Chile known as the Chilena through footballing tours that were conducted in Europe. Arellano played for the Chilean national team that participated in the 1924 and 1926 editions of Copa America. In the latter, he was the top scorer, with 7 goals.
Death
On 3 May 1927 in Valladolid, Spain while on tour with Colo Colo, David Arellano encountered peritonitis after being hit by an opposing player during a match. Shortly after the incident Arellano was brought to a nearby clinic where he would ultimately die. In his memory Colo Colo club shirts carry a black line over the main emblem as does the Estadio Monumental David Arellano.
