Sánchez was born in Barranquilla. He played for the Colombia national team from 1947 to 1962. He captained his country at the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile. He played for many club sides including Medellín, San Lorenzo and Atlas. He won the Colombian league title three times during his career. After retiring as a player, Sánchez became a manager. He managed the Colombia national team during three spells (1963, 1975, 1983–1984).