Alexis Sanchez joins CF Montreal on deal through 2027 MLS season

CF Montreal have signed Chile forward Alexis Sanchez on a contract running until the end of the 2027 Major League Soccer season, with an option to extend the agreement for a further year.

The 37-year-old will wear the number 10 shirt for the Canadian club, who compete in MLS.

Sanchez arrives at Montreal after a distinguished career with some of Europe’s biggest clubs. The forward has played for Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United and Inter Milan, among others.

He spent last season with Sevilla, making 28 appearances in all competitions. Sanchez scored four goals and provided two assists during his time with the Spanish club.

The move gives Montreal an experienced attacking option as they attempt to improve their position in the Eastern Conference. The club are 14th in the standings, with 16 points from 18 matches, and sit seven points outside the play-off places.

Montreal have scored 24 goals this season, the second-lowest total in the Eastern Conference.

Sanchez is Chile’s all-time leading scorer, having netted 51 goals for his country. He is also Chile’s most-capped player, with 168 international appearances.

His honours include winning La Liga with Barcelona in 2013 and Serie A with Inter Milan in 2021 and 2024. He also won two Chilean league titles with Colo-Colo.

At international level, Sanchez helped Chile win back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016. Chile defeated Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in the final of both tournaments.

Sanchez also lifted the FA Cup twice with Arsenal, in 2015 and 2017.

His arrival makes him the latest high-profile player to represent Montreal in MLS. The club have previously featured former Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, Italian defender Alessandro Nesta, Kenya international Victor Wanyama, Argentine midfielder Ignacio Piatti and Italian forward Marco Di Vaio.

Sanchez’s career has included spells in England, Spain and Italy, as well as a prominent role with Chile’s golden generation. His two Copa America triumphs remain among the most significant achievements in the country’s football history.

The former Barcelona and Arsenal player will now begin a new chapter in North America, joining a Montreal side seeking a stronger second half to its MLS campaign.