Tomás Chancalay

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    Tomás Alejandro Chancalay Bio

    Tomás Alejandro Chancalay (born 1 January 1999) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club New England Revolution. Standing 179 cm tall, he has built a career that began in the Argentine Primera División and now extends across South America, the Middle East, and North America.

    A product of Colón’s youth system, Chancalay earned a reputation as a quick, direct wide player before taking his talents abroad. He has represented Argentina at the under-20 level and is recognized for decisive goals in important matches, including the first goal ever scored at Centreville Bank Stadium.

    Early Life and Background

    Tomás Alejandro Chancalay was born on 1 January 1999 in Viale, a city located in Entre Ríos Province, Argentina. He grew up in a footballing environment and joined the youth ranks of his hometown club, Arsenal de Viale, before taking a major step in his development in 2006 when he moved into the youth academy of Colón, one of the historic clubs in the Primera División.

    At Colón’s academy, Chancalay refined his skills as a winger and progressed through the club’s age-group teams. His development in Santa Fe laid the foundation for his later transition to senior football, and the move in 2006 is widely regarded as the formative moment that set him on a professional pathway.

    Path to Soccer

    Chancalay advanced steadily through Colón’s reserve and youth teams, eventually signing his first professional contract with the club on 10 February 2017. That agreement marked his official entry into professional football and confirmed the club’s faith in his long-term potential.

    He was promoted to Colón’s first team ahead of the 2017–18 campaign, where he made his senior debut on 26 August 2017, entering as a second-half substitute for Nicolás Leguizamón in a 1–1 away draw against Rosario Central. Two weeks later, on 8 September, he netted his first senior goal in a victory over Arsenal de Sarandí, signaling an early scoring touch that would become a hallmark of his career.

    Tomás Alejandro Chancalay Career

    Early Career (2017–2020)

    In his first senior season with Colón, Chancalay made twenty-four appearances and scored multiple goals, including efforts against San Martín and Godoy Cruz. His contributions helped Colón qualify for the 2018 Copa Sudamericana, a continental competition that provided him with additional experience at a higher level.

    Over the following seasons, Chancalay continued to feature for Colón, developing into a regular contributor in the Primera División. His performances at the Santa Fe-based club attracted interest from larger Argentine sides and ultimately led to his move in early 2021.

    Colón Breakthrough and Racing Club Move (2017–2022)

    Chancalay’s breakthrough came during his time at Colón, where consistent appearances and goals helped establish him as one of the promising wide players in Argentine football. The exposure generated by regular first-team football paved the way for a transfer to Racing Club, another storied Argentine club.

    On 5 February 2021, Chancalay joined Racing on a loan deal for the remainder of the year, with Racing paying approximately 100,000 US dollars for the arrangement. On 14 January 2022, Racing triggered the purchase option, acquiring 50 percent of his contract for 1,250,000 dollars, and the player signed a deal through the end of 2024.

    Al-Wasl Loan (2022–2023)

    On 7 September 2022, Chancalay left Racing to join Emirati side Al-Wasl on a loan deal that ran until June 2023. The move gave him an opportunity to experience football outside Argentina and adapt to a different league and playing style.

    Though brief, his time in the UAE added international experience to his résumé before he returned to South America and eventually transitioned to North American football.

    New England Revolution Era (2023–Present)

    On 10 July 2023, Chancalay joined Major League Soccer club New England Revolution on loan for the remainder of the 2023 season, with a purchase option and an option to extend the loan through 2024. He made his first appearance for the Revolution on 13 August 2023, though his early minutes were cut short by a thigh contusion.

    On 2 September 2023, Chancalay scored two goals for the Revolution against Austin FC, marking his arrival as an attacking contributor. On 28 November 2023, he was permanently transferred from Racing to New England Revolution as a Designated Player, signing a contract through the 2026 MLS season with an additional one-year club option. His transfer fee was reported at approximately 3.1 million dollars, including a 25 percent sell-on fee.

    Driving Style and Strengths

    Chancalay is recognized for his pace, direct dribbling, and willingness to attack defenders in wide areas. As a winger, he combines quick combinations in tight spaces with the ability to finish in front of goal, evidenced by his early brace against Austin FC and his consistent scoring record in Argentine football.

    Notable Events and Milestones

    Among his career highlights, Chancalay scored the first-ever goal in Centreville Bank Stadium history on 7 May 2025, finding the net in the Revolution’s 2–1 victory over Rhode Island FC in the U.S. Open Cup. The moment cemented his place in the club’s record books.

    Tomás Alejandro Chancalay Career Wins

    Tomás Alejandro Chancalay has built a reputation for decisive goals across multiple competitions. From his early senior goals with Colón to his impactful performances for Racing Club and his current contributions in MLS, he has consistently delivered in important moments.

    New England Revolution Highlights

    Since joining the Revolution, Chancalay has scored multiple goals, including a two-goal outing against Austin FC on 2 September 2023 and the historic first goal at Centreville Bank Stadium in May 2025. His designation as a Designated Player reflects the club’s long-term investment in his attacking potential.

    Other Wins and Performances

    Beyond his MLS output, Chancalay contributed to Colón’s qualification for the 2018 Copa Sudamericana and featured in Argentine Primera División football with both Colón and Racing Club. He also represented Argentina at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, where he appeared in two matches before Argentina’s elimination by Mali on penalties.

    Tomás Alejandro Chancalay Family

    Family Background and Racing Lineage

    Tomás Alejandro Chancalay was raised in Viale, Entre Ríos, where his footballing journey began at local side Arsenal de Viale. His move to Colón’s youth setup in 2006 at a young age reflected an early family commitment to his athletic development.

    Personal Life

    Chancalay continues his professional career in Major League Soccer with New England Revolution, where he is contracted through the 2026 season. Public details about his personal and family life remain limited.

    2025 Season Performance

    The 2025 MLS season represents an important chapter in Chancalay’s tenure with the New England Revolution as a Designated Player. With a contract that runs through 2026, the club’s investment in his continued development underscores expectations that he will remain a central figure in the attack.

    On 7 May 2025, Chancalay opened the scoring in the Revolution’s 2–1 U.S. Open Cup victory over Rhode Island FC, netting the first goal in Centreville Bank Stadium history. The moment highlighted his knack for rising to the occasion in landmark fixtures.

    Heading into the remainder of the 2025 campaign, Chancalay’s combination of pace, finishing, and experience across multiple leagues positions him as a key contributor for the Revolution as the club pursues success in both domestic and cup competitions.