Alexis Sánchez will play in the MLS: where and how to watch the games of the Niño Maravilla in the North American league

Alexis Sánchez has officially joined the CF Montreal of the Major League Soccer (MLS), marking a new chapter in his career after nearly two decades playing in European leagues. The move was confirmed by the club following reports from local media outlet El Deportivo, which had previously revealed the deal exclusively. Sánchez will play for the Canadian team over the next two seasons, with an option to extend his contract into the 2027–2028 season. His arrival has drawn widespread attention both domestically and internationally, with many highlighting his storied career and potential impact on the team. The agreement came after Sánchez completed his transfer from Spanish side Sevilla, where he had been playing since 2021. His departure from Europe marks the end of an 18-year professional journey that began in South America with clubs such as Cobreloa, Colo-Colo, and River Plate before moving to top-tier European teams including FC Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Marseille. During this time, he scored 215 goals and recorded 154 assists in 788 matches while winning 20 titles at the club level. Additionally, he played a key role in Chile’s national team, helping secure back-to-back Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016 and reaching the FIFA Confederations Cup final in 2017. In his first comments as a Montreal player, Sánchez expressed excitement about joining the club. “I’m very happy to join Montreal and take on this new challenge,” he said. “I want to thank the club for their trust in me. I want to put my experience at the service of the team to achieve our goals and share great moments with our fans. I’m here to give everything for this club and this city.” He will wear the number 10 jersey, a symbol of leadership and creativity on the field. CF Montreal’s senior director of sports recruitment and methodology, Luca Saputo, praised Sánchez’s qualities and the significance of his signing. “Alexis possesses exceptional technical skills and experience at the highest level of world football. His personality, leadership, and competitive mindset align perfectly with the identity and ambitions of our club. We believe he will have an immediate impact both on the field and in the locker room,” Saputo stated. The club emphasized that Sánchez’s arrival represents a major step forward in its sporting project. Internationally, the signing received considerable attention. In Canada, Le Journal de Montreal reported that Sánchez would arrive in the city under a two-year contract, noting his extensive career in some of the biggest European clubs. Meanwhile, La Presse highlighted how long the Montreal fanbase had waited for his arrival, calling him the team’s “star player.” The newspaper recalled Sánchez’s early days in the city, having participated in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup with Chile, where they defeated Nigeria 4–0 in the quarterfinals at the Olympic Stadium. In the United States, Fox Sports covered the move extensively, emphasizing that Sánchez signed as a free agent after leaving Sevilla. The network noted that the 37-year-old forward signed a two-season deal with the MLS franchise, describing the acquisition as one of the standout moves of the summer transfer window. It also pointed out that Sánchez will be designated as a “Franchise Player,” a special status allowing the club to exclude much of his salary from the league’s salary cap. This designation underscores the importance placed on his presence within the squad. Meanwhile, in Argentina, TyC Sports reported that Sánchez’s move to the MLS marks his return to the Atlantic side of the continent after 18 years away. His last experience in North America was during his time with River Plate in the 2007–08 season, when he helped the club win the Clausura title. This will be his first time playing in the northern part of the continent, offering him the chance to face Lionel Messi again, with whom he shared a successful period at Barcelona. The MLS itself celebrated the signing, acknowledging Sánchez’s achievements with the Chilean national team. The league highlighted that he is a two-time Copa América champion with Chile and holds records for goals (51) and international caps (168) for his country. His inclusion in the Montreal roster is expected to bolster the team’s attacking options, especially given the club’s recent struggles in the postseason. For fans looking to follow the action, Apple TV has secured the rights to broadcast the MLS in Chile, offering access through a subscription model. The platform plans to invest heavily in the league, paying $200 million just for the current season and $107.5 million for the transitional tournament scheduled for February to May 2027. As the MLS adapts its schedule to align more closely with the European calendar, Apple TV is projected to pay up to $275 million for the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 seasons. This financial commitment reflects the growing interest in the league, particularly among South American audiences.