Diego Palacios

Diego José Palacios Espinoza (born 12 July 1999), commonly known as "Chiqui", is an Ecuadorian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Universidad Católica on loan from Corinthians and the Ecuador national team.

During the 2020 CONCACAF Champions Cup, he won the award for Best Young Player.

Club career Early career Born in Guayaquil, Palacios made his senior debut with Deportivo Azogues in the 2014 Segunda Categoría. After a short period at Norte América, he moved to Aucas in 2016 after both clubs had a partnership.

Palacios spent a season with the youth sides before making his first team debut for Aucas in 2017, in the Ecuadorian Serie B. A regular starter, he helped the club in their promotion to the Ecuadorian Serie A, and made his debut in the category in 2018.

Willem II In July 2018 he agreed a season long loan with Willem II. He made his debut in the Dutch Eredivisie on 11 August 2018 playing the full 90 minutes against VVV-Venlo.

Los Angeles FC On 12 August 2019, Palacios signed a contract with Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC.

Corinthians On 2 January 2024, Palacios was announced at Corinthians.

International career In October 2018 he made his debut for the Ecuador national team in a friendly game against the Qatar national team.

Palacios was selected in the 28 player Ecuador squad for the 2021 Copa América.

Palacios was named in the Ecuadorian squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Career statistics Career statistics

International

Honours Los Angeles FC MLS Cup: 2022 Supporters' Shield: 2022 CONCACAF Champions League runner-up: 2020

Ecuador U20 U-20 South American Championship: 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup third place: 2019

Corinthians Campeonato Paulista: 2025

Individual South American Youth Championship Team of the Tournament: 2019 CONCACAF Champions League Best Young Player: 2020 CONCACAF Champions League Team of the Tournament: 2020, 2023 MLS All-Star: 2022