Alexis Sánchez has officially closed the European chapter of his career.
The Chilean star has signed with CF Montréal, making the move to Major League Soccer at 37 after spending nearly two decades playing at the highest level in Europe.
For anyone who remembers Sánchez at his best, seeing him make this move feels a little strange.
This is the same player who once tore through Premier League defenses with Arsenal, lifted trophies with Barcelona and Inter Milan, and became one of Chile’s biggest footballing stars.
Now, he’s heading to Montréal for what could be one of the final chapters of his career.
From Arsenal Superstar to MLS Veteran
Sánchez built quite a résumé during his time in Europe.
He played for some of the biggest clubs on the planet, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Marseille, before joining Sevilla for the 2025-26 season.
His final season in Spain wasn’t exactly vintage Sánchez, but he still managed four goals and two assists across 28 appearances.
At his peak, though, he was a completely different animal.
Sánchez was quick, aggressive, technically gifted and never afraid to take responsibility when his team needed a goal.
That version of Sánchez may be gone.
But there’s still plenty of experience left.
Montréal Is Betting on the Name and the Player
CF Montréal didn’t just sign Sánchez because of his résumé.
The club is hoping his experience can make a difference both on and off the field.
Sánchez will occupy a Designated Player spot, and his contract runs through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, with an option for the following campaign.
For Montréal, that’s a pretty big statement.
The club is bringing in a player who has competed for league titles, played Champions League football and represented Chile at the highest level for years.
And suddenly, Montréal has one of the most recognizable names in MLS.
But Can He Still Deliver?
That’s the question everyone will be asking.
Sánchez isn’t 25 anymore. The explosive pace that made him so dangerous during his Arsenal years isn’t something fans should expect to see every week.
But football isn’t only about speed.
His touch, vision, experience and ability to create something out of nothing could still make him a nightmare for MLS defenses.
And there’s another interesting part to this move.
Sánchez will now have the chance to face some of the biggest names who have also chosen MLS for the later stages of their careers.
The league has become a place where legendary players can start a new chapter without completely disappearing from the spotlight.
A Different Ending to a Legendary Career
Sánchez’s European journey lasted around 18 years.
That’s a long time to play at the highest level.
He won league titles in Spain and Italy, became Chile’s all-time leading scorer with 51 international goals, and helped his country win back-to-back Copa América titles.
Now the challenge is completely different.
There won’t be the same Champions League pressure or weekly battles against Europe’s biggest clubs.
Instead, Sánchez gets a fresh environment, a new league and a chance to show that there’s still something left in the tank.
Maybe this won’t be the Sánchez we remember from Arsenal.
Maybe it doesn’t need to be.
If he can stay healthy, create chances and give Montréal some of that old magic, this could still be a pretty entertaining final chapter.
