Gabriel Suazo Criticizes Social Media Use Among Chile National Team Teammates: “It Doesn’t Make You a Better Player”

Santiago de Chile, April 22, 2026 – Chilean international left-back Gabriel Suazo has reiterated his criticism of teammates’ use of social media, stating that online activity does not improve athletic performance and warning that such behavior can hinder personal growth within the national team setup.

The comments were made during a recent interview with BioBioChile, where Suazo addressed ongoing discussions within La Roja about digital habits among players. He emphasized that time spent on platforms like Instagram or TikTok does not translate to better performance on the pitch and may instead distract from the focus required for elite competition.

“No te hace mejor jugador,” Suazo said, directly quoting his stance on social media use. “Lo he visto… Eso no te hará crecer,” he added, suggesting that excessive engagement with online platforms can impede a player’s development both professionally and personally.

Suazo, who currently plays for Sevilla in Spain’s La Liga, has become a vocal figure in the Chilean squad regarding professional discipline. His remarks come amid broader conversations about the influence of digital media on athlete behavior, particularly following recent public exchanges involving other national team members.

The Sevilla defender, a regular starter under manager García Pimienta, has featured prominently in the team’s efforts to avoid relegation this season. His consistent performances in La Liga have reinforced his role as one of Chile’s most reliable internationals, especially in defensive transitions and set-piece situations.

His views align with those previously expressed by veteran players such as Jean Beausejour, who has also cautioned against the distractions of social media during international campaigns. Suazo’s perspective reflects a growing concern within La Roja about maintaining focus during high-stakes qualifiers and tournament preparations.

Chile is currently engaged in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the CONMEBOL zone, where every point is critical in the race for direct qualification. The team, under interim leadership following recent coaching adjustments, has relied on experienced players like Suazo to provide stability in both defensive organization and leadership within the dressing room.

Suazo’s contract with Sevilla runs through the 2026-27 season, and he has expressed satisfaction with his current situation, stating in a separate interview with ESPN Chile that he feels happy in Spain and sees his future there. Despite his club commitments, he remains fully available for national team duty and continues to be selected for key fixtures.

While no formal team policy on social media use has been announced by the Chilean Football Federation, Suazo’s repeated comments suggest an ongoing internal dialogue about professionalism and focus. His stance underscores a broader trend among elite athletes who advocate for disciplined digital habits as part of a holistic approach to performance.

As La Roja prepares for upcoming qualifiers later in the season, the balance between personal expression and team cohesion remains a topic of quiet discussion among players and staff. Suazo’s voice, grounded in his experience at one of Europe’s demanding leagues, adds weight to the conversation about what it takes to compete at the highest level.