The 36-year-old Argentine midfielder Estefanía Banini returns to the Chilean club Colo Colo after her time at FC Badalona. The former player of the Badalona team arrives as a free agent to strengthen the four-time Chilean champions.
Estefanía Banini is already in Santiago, Chile. The Argentine footballer, who played the last seasons at FC Badalona, landed on Thursday night at Santiago Airport to rejoin the club where she made her mark: Colo Colo. The 36-year-old midfielder returns home after her time with the Badalona team, where she played following a stint at Atlético de Madrid.
A return with a taste of glory
Banini is not just any footballer: she debuted at Colo Colo in 2011 and lifted 10 titles with the white shirt, including the historic 2012 Women’s Copa Libertadores, the club's greatest achievement in the category. Now, the Cacique aims to repeat that feat and has bet on the Argentine's experience to lead the project.
The player arrives as a free agent after finishing her contract with FC Badalona, a team in the Spanish women's Second Division. During her time at the Badalona club, Banini left a good impression, although she did not reach the heights of her first spell in Chile.
“Very happy, very pleased. Now to rest because tomorrow I have a long day ahead. But very happy to be here at home,” Banini stated upon her arrival.
The Argentine also expressed her gratitude to the Colo Colo fans: “They are part of my heart, of what has made me come back here because they have supported me for many years and throughout my career.”
Objective: Get fit and contribute
Banini was cautious about her immediate role in the team. “For now, it’s about getting fit to be in the best shape possible and contribute,” she affirmed. The Colo Colo squad comes off being four-time champions of Chilean football and comfortably leads the 2026 tournament, so the demands will be high.
Banini's arrival strengthens a midfield that already boasts quality players. Her experience in Spain, where she played for Atlético de Madrid and FC Badalona, has given her tactical knowledge that could be key in the Women’s Copa Libertadores, the main objective of the year.
For FC Badalona, Banini's departure means losing one of their offensive leaders. The Badalona team, which competes in the second tier of Spanish women's football, will need to readjust their squad for the second half of the season. The Badalona fans will remember the Argentine for her quality and commitment in midfield.
In the province of Barcelona, women’s football continues to grow, and movements like Banini's highlight the international prospects of players who pass through clubs like FC Badalona. The midfielder, who has also been an international with Argentina, leaves a difficult gap to fill in the Badalona team.
Colo Colo, for its part, is rubbing its hands together. With Banini in their ranks, the Cacique aims to conquer their fifth consecutive title in Chile and compete for the Libertadores, a tournament that the Argentine already knows how to win. The Colo Colo fans are already dreaming of seeing her once again dressed in black and white.
Banini's official presentation as the new player of Colo Colo is scheduled for the coming days, when the Chilean club will hold a press conference. In the meantime, the Argentine will get fit under the guidance of the coaching staff to be available as soon as possible.
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