Rafael Olarra Biography: Age, Football Career, Olympic Bronze & Pedro Pascal Relationship

Rafael Andrés Olarra Guerrero is a Chilean former professional footballer who enjoyed a distinguished 20-year career as a defender, winning multiple domestic titles across three countries and capturing an Olympic bronze medal with the Chilean national team. Since retiring in 2016, he has established himself as a prominent sports commentator and television personality. In February 2026, Olarra made international headlines when he was spotted with Hollywood star Pedro Pascal in New York City, sparking widespread speculation about a potential romantic relationship between the two prominent Chileans.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Youth Career

Rafael Andrés Olarra Guerrero was born on May 26, 1978, in Santiago, the capital of Chile . He grew up in a country passionate about football, where he would eventually become one of the most recognizable defenders of his generation.

Olarra began his football journey at the youth academy of Audax Italiano, one of Chile’s historic football clubs, where he developed from 1983 to 1996 . The club, founded by Italian immigrants, provided the foundation for his professional career and instilled in him the defensive discipline that would define his playing style.

Professional Playing Career (1996–2016)

Audax Italiano (1996–1997)

Olarra made his professional debut with Audax Italiano in 1996 at age 18, playing as a centre-back . He spent two seasons with the club, making 27 appearances and scoring 2 goals, establishing himself as a promising young defender in the Chilean Primera División .

Universidad de Chile (1998–2001, 2002–2003, 2007–2010)

Olarra’s career is most closely associated with Club Universidad de Chile, where he enjoyed three separate spells and achieved his greatest successes:

First Spell (1998–2001): Joining “La U” in 1998, Olarra became a mainstay in defense, making 83 appearances and scoring 5 goals. He won his first major trophies during this period:

• Copa Chile (1998)
• Primera División de Chile (1999)
• Copa Chile (2000)
• Primera División de Chile (2000)

This period also marked his emergence on the international stage, as he earned his first cap for the Chilean national team in 1998 .

Second Spell (2002–2003): After a brief stint in Spain, Olarra returned to Universidad de Chile for the 2002–03 season, adding 32 appearances and 4 goals .

Third Spell (2007–2010): Following successful periods abroad, Olarra returned to Universidad de Chile for his most impactful spell. He was named team captain and became a defensive leader, making 86 appearances and scoring 6 goals. The highlight of this period was winning the 2009 Apertura championship and reaching the semifinals of the 2010 Copa Libertadores, South America’s most prestigious club competition .

However, in December 2010, new manager Jorge Sampaoli decided to remove Olarra from his plans, leading to his departure from the club .

European & International Stints

CA Osasuna, Spain (2001–2002): Olarra’s first move abroad took him to La Liga, Spain’s top division, with CA Osasuna. However, the experience was disappointing—he played only 335 minutes (5 appearances) and failed to establish himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues . This brief, unsuccessful spell in Europe would be his only experience playing in one of the continent’s “Big Five” leagues.

CA Independiente, Argentina (2003–2004): Seeking to revive his career, Olarra moved to Argentina to play for Club Atlético Independiente, one of the country’s most storied clubs. He made 29 appearances and scored 1 goal, but described his performance as “poor” during this period .

CD Universidad Católica (2004–2005): Returning to Chile, Olarra made a controversial move to Universidad Católica, the arch-rival of his beloved Universidad de Chile. Despite the switch, he contributed to the team’s success, winning the 2005 Clausura championship . He made 44 appearances and scored 4 goals during his single season with “La UC” .

Maccabi Haifa, Israel (2005–2007): Olarra’s most successful international stint came in Israel with Maccabi Haifa. He established himself as an “undisputed starter” and won major honors:

• Israeli Premier League (2005–06)
• Toto Cup (2005–06)

He made 46 appearances for the Israeli club, gaining valuable experience in European competitions .

Later Career & Retirement

Unión Española (2011–2012): After leaving Universidad de Chile in 2010, Olarra joined Unión Española for two seasons, making 56 appearances and scoring 2 goals. The club reached the Clausura 2012 final but lost to Huachipato .

Audax Italiano (2013–2016): Olarra completed the circle of his career by returning to his first club, Audax Italiano, in 2013. He spent three final seasons with the club, making 82 appearances and scoring 2 goals before announcing his retirement on February 17, 2016, at age 37 .

Career Statistics Summary

International Career & Olympic Glory

Chile National Team (1998–2006)

Olarra earned 30 caps for the Chilean senior national team between 1998 and 2006, scoring 1 goal . He represented Chile in:

• 1997 Copa América (as a squad member)
• 2000 Summer Olympics (Olympic team)
• 2004 Copa América

2000 Sydney Olympics – Bronze Medal

The pinnacle of Olarra’s international career came at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. As a member of the Chilean Olympic football team, he helped the squad achieve a historic bronze medal—the only Olympic football medal in Chile’s history .

The Chilean team, coached by Nelson Acosta, defeated the United States 2–0 in the bronze medal match. Olarra played alongside notable teammates including goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and forward Iván Zamorano . This achievement remains one of the most celebrated moments in Chilean football history.

Post-Retirement Career

Broadcasting & Media (2016–Present)

Immediately after retiring, Olarra transitioned into sports media. He joined Fox Sports Chile as a commentator and television host, where he worked until 2019 . In 2019, he was dismissed from Fox Sports amid controversy, with reports citing “controversial departures” .

He subsequently joined ESPN Chile, where he continues to work as a football commentator and analyst . His outspoken nature and willingness to criticize players and clubs have made him a polarizing but popular figure in Chilean sports media.

Football Management Education

In December 2024, Olarra graduated as a football manager from INAF (National Institute of Football, Sports and Physical Activity of Chile), earning his coaching credentials . This qualification opens the door for a potential return to football in a managerial capacity.

Art Direction & Faena Hotel

Following his retirement from football, Olarra also pursued a career in art direction. According to reports from 2021, he was working as Art Director at the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida . This creative pursuit demonstrated his versatility beyond sports, though his primary focus remained football commentary.

Personal Life & Relationships

Marriage to Carolina Zaio (2003–2018)

Olarra was married to Carolina Zaio from 2003 to 2018, a 15-year marriage that produced two children:

• Josefa Olarra (born August 21, 2003)
• Rafael Olarra Jr. (born October 29, 2012)

The couple divorced in 2018, ending one of the longer marriages in Chilean football .

Relationship with Luke Evans (2019–2021)

In 2019, Olarra began a relationship with Welsh actor and singer Luke Evans, known for roles in Beauty and the Beast, The Hobbit, and Fast & Furious. The couple went Instagram official in 2019, with Evans sharing photos of their trips together, including one to Hawaii with the caption, “He loves my welsh humour….no, honestly!! he does!!”

However, the relationship ended in 2021, with both deleting photos of each other from social media. Evans addressed the split with characteristic understatement: “It is what it is” . The breakup marked Olarra’s first public same-sex relationship.

Relationship with Lucila Vit (2020–2022)

In December 2020, Olarra began dating Lucila Vit, a Chilean model and television presenter . In September 2021, the couple announced they were expecting a child, and on April 6, 2022, Vit gave birth to a daughter . This made Olarra a father for the third time.

Rumored Relationship with Pedro Pascal (February 2026)

On February 16, 2026, Olarra made international headlines when he was spotted with Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal in New York City. TMZ published photos of the two “linking arms” while walking through the Lower East Side of Manhattan on their way to lunch .

The images sparked widespread speculation about a romantic relationship. Both men were born in Santiago, Chile—Pascal in 1975, Olarra in 1978—and have been outspoken about their Chilean heritage. Pascal has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and his sister Lux Pascal came out as transgender .

The timing was notable: earlier in February 2026, Pascal had been confirmed to star in the revived gay romance film De Noche, replacing Joaquin Phoenix who backed out days before production . Olarra’s previous relationship with openly gay actor Luke Evans added fuel to speculation that he and Pascal might be dating.

Neither Pascal nor Olarra has publicly confirmed or denied the relationship, maintaining their characteristic privacy regarding personal matters .

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“I love to not have a monotonous life. I love doing a million different things at the same time.” — On his post-football career, 2019

“It is what it is.” — Luke Evans on his breakup with Olarra, 2021

“He loves my welsh humour….no, honestly!! he does!!” — Luke Evans on Instagram about Olarra, 2019

Favorites

• Nickname: Rafa (used by friends and media)
• Position: Centre-back (preferred), Left-back (alternative)
• Clubs: Universidad de Chile (emotional favorite), Audax Italiano (first love)
• Career Highlight: 2000 Olympic Bronze Medal
• Post-Career: Sports commentary, art direction
• Hobbies: Traveling, extreme sports, horseback riding, beach activities
• Residences: Santiago, Chile / Miami, Florida

Earnings & Net Worth

While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Olarra’s earnings have come from multiple sources:

• Football Career (1996–2016): Estimated $2–4 million in salary across Chile, Spain, Argentina, and Israel
• Broadcasting Career (2016–present): Estimated $200,000–$500,000 annually as ESPN commentator
• Art Direction: Income from Faena Hotel position
• Endorsements: Various Chilean and international brands during playing career

His estimated net worth is believed to be in the range of $3–6 million, though this is speculative given limited public financial disclosures.

Interesting Facts

• Olarra is of Basque and Spanish descent, common among Chileans with European ancestry
• He is one of the few Chilean footballers to have played professionally in four countries: Chile, Spain, Argentina, and Israel
• His move from Universidad de Chile to arch-rival Universidad Católica in 2004 was highly controversial among fans
• He won the Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Haifa in 2006, becoming one of the few Chileans to claim a European league title
• Olarra and Pedro Pascal were both born in Santiago, Chile, and are approximately 3 years apart in age
• He has been described as an “adventurous traveler and extreme sports lover” in his Instagram bio
• Olarra has three children with two different partners, spanning 19 years (Josefa born 2003, Rafael Jr. born 2012, daughter with Vit born 2022)
• He is one of the most decorated defenders in Universidad de Chile history, winning 5 titles with the club

Did You Know?

• Olarra’s 2000 Olympic bronze medal remains Chile’s only Olympic football medal in history
• He played alongside Claudio Bravo (future Barcelona and Manchester City goalkeeper) on the 2000 Olympic team
• Olarra’s total of 490+ career appearances places him among the most durable defenders in Chilean football history
• He is the only Chilean player to have won league titles in both Chile (3) and Israel (1)
• His rumored relationship with Pedro Pascal in February 2026 made him a trending topic on social media worldwide
• Olarra has been openly supportive of LGBTQ+ causes through his relationships and public statements

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @rafaolarra19
• Twitter/X: @rafaolarra19
• IMDb: Rafael Olarra (for television appearances)
• Transfermarkt: Rafael Olarra Profile
• Wikipedia: Rafael Olarra

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rafael Olarra?
Rafael Olarra is a Chilean former professional footballer who played as a defender from 1996 to 2016, primarily for Universidad de Chile. He won an Olympic bronze medal with Chile in 2000 and three Chilean league titles. Since retiring, he has worked as a sports commentator for ESPN and made headlines in February 2026 when spotted with actor Pedro Pascal .

Is Rafael Olarra dating Pedro Pascal?
As of February 2026, neither Rafael Olarra nor Pedro Pascal has confirmed a romantic relationship. However, they were photographed linking arms while walking in New York City on February 16, 2026, sparking widespread speculation about a potential romance .

What teams did Rafael Olarra play for?
Olarra played for Audax Italiano, Universidad de Chile (three spells), CA Osasuna (Spain), CA Independiente (Argentina), Universidad Católica, Maccabi Haifa (Israel), and Unión Española. He made over 490 career appearances .

How many children does Rafael Olarra have?
Rafael Olarra has three children: Josefa (born 2003) and Rafael Jr. (born 2012) with ex-wife Carolina Zaio, and a daughter (born April 2022) with former partner Lucila Vit .

Did Rafael Olarra win an Olympic medal?
Yes, Olarra won a bronze medal with the Chilean Olympic football team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. This remains Chile’s only Olympic football medal .

Who did Rafael Olarra date before Pedro Pascal?
Before the rumored relationship with Pedro Pascal, Olarra dated Welsh actor Luke Evans from 2019 to 2021, and Chilean model Lucila Vit from 2020 to 2022, with whom he had a daughter .

What is Rafael Olarra doing now?
As of 2026, Olarra works as a football commentator for ESPN Chile and graduated as a football manager from INAF in December 2024. He previously worked as an art director at the Faena Hotel in Miami .

Conclusion

Rafael Olarra’s journey from a young defender at Audax Italiano to an Olympic bronze medalist, three-time Chilean champion, and now media personality represents a remarkable career in South American football. His 20-year playing career saw him represent clubs in four countries, captain one of Chile’s most beloved teams, and earn 30 caps for his national team.

Since hanging up his boots in 2016, Olarra has successfully reinvented himself as a television personality and football analyst, while pursuing creative interests in art direction. His graduation as a football manager in 2024 suggests he may yet return to the sport in a coaching capacity.

The February 2026 sighting with Pedro Pascal has introduced Olarra to a global audience beyond football fans, highlighting the intersection of sports and entertainment in modern celebrity culture. Whether the rumored relationship is confirmed or not, Olarra’s status as one of Chile’s most accomplished defenders and a prominent media figure is secure.

As he enters his late 40s, Rafael Olarra embodies the modern athlete’s ability to evolve and remain relevant long after their playing days have ended. His story—from Santiago youth player to international footballer to media personality—reflects the diverse paths available to those who dedicate themselves to their craft.

Did you find this biography informative? Share this article with football fans and followers of Chilean sports, and stay tuned for updates on Rafael Olarra’s evolving career and personal life!