Roberto Chen


Roberto Leandro Chen Rodríguez is a Panamanian footballer who plays as a central defender for LD Alajuelense on loan from Árabe Unido. He is also capable of playing on the right side and is good with the ball at his feet.

Club career

Born in Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro, with Chinese heritage, Chen graduated from San Francisco's youth setup, and made his senior debuts in the 2010–11 campaign, aged only 17.
On 3 August 2013 Chen signed a three-year deal with La Liga side Málaga for a $500,000 fee. He made his debut for the Andalusians on the 17th, starting and being booked in a 0–1 loss at Valencia. He played his second match only on 26 October, starting in a 0–5 home loss against Celta de Vigo.
On 17 January 2014, Chen was loaned to Belgian Pro League side Zulte Waregem until the end of the season. He only appeared sparingly, and returned to Málaga in June.
On 22 August 2015 Chen was loaned to Segunda División B side Real Balompédica Linense, for a year.
On July 27, 2016, Chen signed a one-year contract with Categoria Primera A side Rionegro Águilas. He debuted in a 3-2 home loss against Atlético Bucaramanga.

International career

After appearing with the Panama national under-17 and under-20 teams, Chen played his first match with the main squad on 3 September 2011, replacing Luis Moreno on the 56th of a 0–2 home loss against Paraguay. He was also named in the 23-man final squad for 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, appearing in all matches as Panama finished second.
On 10 September 2013 Chen scored his first international goal, netting the last of a 2–2 draw against Honduras.

International goals

NoDateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.10 September 2013Estadio Tiburcio Carias Andino, Tegucigalpa, Honduras2–22–22014 FIFA World Cup qualification