Gabriel Suazo: Leadership, Colo-Colo Roots, and the 'Fighting' Mentality

To start, can you tell us about your childhood in Chile and your relationship with football?

You might find it surprising, but there are pictures of me, at the age of two, playing with a football while wearing a Colo-Colo jersey (Chile’s most popular club). I was too young to remember, but I already had a ball! My mother told me that whenever there was no school, I’d wake up at dawn and wake up all my little neighbors so we could play together. I’d also play with my brother’s friends, who were five years older than me. Since I was the youngest, they’d put me in goal. They’d give me these giant gloves—snow gloves—so I wouldn’t hurt myself. And they’d shoot hard at me! (laughs) A five-year difference is huge at that age! That’s how I fell in love with football. It’s an almost innate love. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved football, and I always will love this amazing sport.

You mentioned wearing a Colo-Colo jersey at just two years old. Does that mean you grew up in a family of Colo-Colo supporters?

Exactly. I come from a family where almost everyone supports Colo-Colo: my parents, my grandparents... I said almost everyone, but it’s really everyone! I was lucky enough to join Colo-Colo’s youth teams at 8 or 9 years old. I later made my professional debut there, became captain, and won the Chilean championship with the armband. My story with Colo-Colo is fantastic, and it’s something I’ll carry with me forever.

As a child, you didn’t just play football; you also played tennis...

Yes, I started around 7 or 8, and, not to brag, but I was pretty good. There’s a small collection of trophies at my parents’ place to prove it (laughs). People even nicknamed me “Marcelo Ríos” (Chilean tennis player and former world number one) because, like him, I played double-handed backhands and while jumping! Honestly, I’m too young to have seen him play, but when people started mentioning it, I watched videos. It’s true—I did play my backhands like him. By the way, it’s not exactly the easiest way to hit a backhand (laughs), but it felt natural to me. That was just my style.

And then?

Until I was about 13 or 14, I split my time equally between tennis and football. Then, I had to choose because things were getting serious at Colo-Colo, with training almost every day. When I was younger, I dabbled in many sports. Even now, I watch a lot of other sports, especially tennis and padel.

Between football and tennis, did you still manage to go to school?

Of course! And I did pretty well at school too. I had a very good average. The grading system in Chile is different from France’s. For us, the highest grade is 7. I always had an average of 6.7 or 6.8. My parents always emphasized the importance of education, and they wouldn’t have let me pursue sports if my studies weren’t going well. I’m grateful to them for that. Every day, I realize how important a good education is, even for giving interviews!

Speaking of your move to France in January 2023, it seems former Chile player and coach Eduardo Berizzo played a key role in your signing with Toulouse FC…

Eduardo knew I had the opportunity to go to Europe, which was one of my dreams as a professional player. He told me to consult him if I had any questions or needed information about certain destinations. He wanted to help because he played and coached in Europe (notably for Marseille and Celta Vigo, among others). When I told him about Toulouse’s interest, he was thrilled and 100% supported the idea. He said the French league is very competitive and physical, which could help me improve a lot. He was absolutely right—the league is exactly as he described. I’m grateful for his advice. I’m very happy to be here living my dream.

How was your adaptation?

It went very well. It was my first time leaving Chile, but within two weeks, I was already playing for Toulouse. My teammates helped me integrate quickly. At first, the French language was a challenge, but after a few months, I began understanding a lot and speaking a bit of English. The club also had Spanish-speaking staff, which helped a lot. Privately, my wife came to France almost immediately, which was very important to me. Above all, I was determined to come to Europe and make my mark quickly, so I did everything I could to adapt as fast as possible.

And off the field? Was life in France challenging for you?

To be honest, it was harder for my wife. When we arrived, she was pregnant. I’m incredibly grateful to her for making that sacrifice. It wasn’t easy for her to leave Chile and her family during such a time. Moving here, far from her mother and mine, to give birth to our son in a country where she didn’t speak the language or have familiar surroundings... It was a drastic change. While someone from the club helped us in our daily lives, they couldn’t be there all the time. For all of that, my wife deserves a huge round of applause. Thanks to her, I could focus on football and my performances. Her support means so much. This dual change—city and life—was the hardest part of our move to France, but I’m so happy with how we’ve been treated here, as if we were French. And I’m proud my son was born in Toulouse, especially since I adore the French way of life.