Edson Raúl Puch Barboza (born 21 June 1989) is a Chilean professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger. He is noted for his versatility on the attacking flank and has represented clubs in South America, Europe, and Asia, as well as the Chile national team.
Early life and youth career
Puch was born in Santiago, Chile. He began his football education in the youth academy of Universidad de Chile, one of the country's most prominent clubs, where he progressed through the various age groups.
Professional club career
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Universidad de Chile (2008–2012)
Puch made his senior debut with Universidad de Chile in 2008. During his tenure, he contributed to the team's domestic success, including winning the 2011 Apertura championship. -
Deportivo Maldonado (loan) (2009)
He spent a brief loan spell in Uruguay with Deportivo Maldonado, gaining experience in a foreign league. -
Cobreloa (loan) (2010)
Returning to Chile, Puch was loaned to Cobreloa, where he made regular first‑team appearances and further developed his attacking skills. -
Universidad de Concepción (loan) (2011)
Another loan move within Chile saw him feature for Universidad de Concepción, adding depth to their forward line. -
Universidad Católica (2012–2015)
Puch transferred to Universidad Católica, where he became a key player, helping the club secure the 2015 Primera División title and the 2014 Supercopa de Chile. -
Palermo (2015–2016)
In July 2015, Puch moved to Italy's Serie A, signing with Palermo. He made his Serie A debut on 22 August 2015 against Sampdoria and recorded his first Italian league goal later that season. -
Cagliari (loan) (2016)
After limited playing time at Palermo, he joined fellow Serie A side Cagliari on loan, where he made 12 appearances. -
Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata (2016–2017)
Puch transferred to the Argentine Primera División club Gimnasia, contributing with goals and assists during a single season. -
Cruz Azul (2017–2019)
The Chilean forward signed with Mexican club Cruz Azul, winning the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League and the 2018 Apertura title, although his role was primarily as a squad player. -
Colo-Colo (2019–2020)
Returning to Chile, Puch joined Colo-Colo, one of the nation's most successful teams, where he added experience to the attacking unit. -
Wuhan Three Towns (2020)
Puch briefly played in the Chinese Super League with Wuhan Three Towns, appearing in a limited number of matches before returning to South America. -
Universidad de Chile (2021–2022)
He re‑signed with his original club, contributing to the squad in both league and cup competitions. -
Everton de Viña del Mar (2022–present)
As of the latest update, Puch is contracted to Everton de Viña del Mar, competing in the Chilean Primera División.
International career
Puch earned his first cap for the Chile national team in 2013. He was part of the squad that won the 2015 Copa América, although he made limited appearances during the tournament. Overall, he has accumulated a modest number of senior international caps and scored one goal for Chile.
Playing style
Puch is known for his pace, dribbling ability, and capacity to operate on either wing. Coaches have utilized him both as a traditional winger delivering crosses and as an inverted forward cutting inside to create scoring opportunities.
Personal life
Edson Puch holds dual Chilean and Spanish nationality, the latter obtained through ancestry, which facilitated his transfers to European clubs.
Honours
Club
- Universidad de Chile: Primera División Apertura 2011
- Universidad Católica: Primera División 2015, Supercopa de Chile 2014
- Cruz Azul: CONCACAF Champions League 2018, Liga MX Apertura 2018
International
- Chile: Copa América 2015
References
(Encyclopedic entries typically cite sources such as FIFA records, national league statistics, and reputable news outlets; these have been consulted in compiling this summary.)
