Marcelo Morales


Marcelo Ariel Morales Suárez is a Chilean professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Universidad de Chile on loan from Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls.

Club career

Universidad de Chile

Born in San Miguel, Morales joined Universidad de Chile at the under-8 level in 2011, and made his professional debut at the age of 17 in a Primera División match against Universidad de Concepción on 29 October 2020. At international level, he made his debut in a 2021 Copa Libertadores match against San Lorenzo played in Argentina on 18 March 2021.
On 31 March 2024, Morales scored his first league goal for Universidad de Chile, in a 3–1 victory over Cobreloa. On 20 November 2024, Morales helped Universidad de Chile in capturing its 6th Copa Chile title, in a 1–0 victory over Ñublense. At the conclusion of the season, Morales was named to the 2024 Chilean Primera División Team of the Season.

New York Red Bulls

On 6 February 2025, New York Red Bulls signed Morales for an undisclosed fee on a deal until 2028. Morales initially was sent to reserve side New York Red Bulls II to help him regain his form after a long absence due to injury. On 4 June 2025, he scored his first goal of the season in a 5–2 victory over Crown Legacy FC.

Universidad de Chile (loan)

On 28 January 2026, Morales returned to Universidad de Chile on a one-year loan with an option to buy.

International career

In December 2021, he represented Chile U20 at the friendly tournament Copa Rául Coloma Rivas, playing three matches, and at the friendly match versus Peru U20 on 12 July 2022. In 2023, he made two appearances in the South American U20 Championship.
He represented Chile at under-23 level in a 1–0 win against Peru U23 on 31 August 2022, in the context of preparations for the 2023 [Pan American Games].
Morales received his first call-up to the Chile senior team for the 2026 [FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification] matches against Brazil and Colombia in October 2024. He made his debut in the first match on 10 October.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

Universidad de Chile
Individual