Natalia Salvador: Chile’s Hockey Goalkeeper on the World Stage
Chilean field hockey goalkeeper Natalia Salvador is making waves in the international hockey scene, recently joining the Indian Hockey League and preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Her journey reflects a growing trend of Chilean athletes gaining experience in professional leagues worldwide.
Early Career and Club Hockey
Natalia Belén Salvador Marambio, born on September 28, 1993, began her field hockey career playing for Universidad Católica in Chile [1]. In 2020, she expanded her horizons by moving to Spain to play for Junior [1]. She later played for Crefelder HTC in Germany in 2022 [1], before returning to Universidad Católica and then moving to Real Sociedad de Tenis de la Magdalena in Spain in August 2024 [1].
Joining the Hockey India League
In 2025, Salvador achieved a milestone by becoming the first Chilean player to join the Hockey India League, signing with the Soorma club [3]. She expressed her honor at the opportunity, stating her desire to represent Chile to the best of her ability and hoping to see more Chilean players participate in the league in the future [3]. She is currently training alongside Savita Punia, a three-time FIH Goalkeeper of the Year [3], and playing with fellow South American teammates Jimena Cedrés and Victoria Sauze [3].
National Team Achievements
Salvador debuted for the Chilean national team in 2012 and has been a consistent presence ever since [1]. She secured a bronze medal at the 2019 FIH Series Finals in Hiroshima [1] and a silver medal at the 2022 Pan American Cup in Santiago [1]. She similarly participated in the FIH World Cup in Terrassa and Amsterdam in 2022 [1] and the FIH Nations Cup 2023–24 in Terrassa [1].
Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup
As of March 18, 2026, Salvador and the Chilean national team are preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15-30. Players like Doménica Ananias acknowledge the challenge of facing top-ranked teams like the Netherlands, but emphasize the team’s determination to compete at the highest level [1]. The team will also participate in the Nations Cup in New Zealand in June as preparation for the World Cup [1].
Natalia Salvador’s Stats
As of March 18, 2026, Natalia Salvador has played 62 matches, winning 26 and drawing 9, while maintaining a clean sheet with 0 goals scored as a goalkeeper [2]. She has 57 caps for Chile [1].