South America is a continent full of talented soccer players. From Brazil to Argentina, Colombia to Uruguay, and Chile to Ecuador, players from all over the region have made their mark on the international game.
South American soccer is known for its flair, creativity, and passion, and the best players in the region have all these qualities as well as a desire to win. These players have achieved great success in their own countries, in Europe, and on the international stage.
We’ll take a look at some of the best players from South America and their accomplishments.
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi, famously known as Leo Messi, is an Argentine professional footballer. He currently plays as a forward for Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer club, and is the captain of both the club and the Argentina national team.
Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, having broken numerous records and won a plethora of individual awards throughout his career.Messi began his career playing for his hometown club, Newell’s Old Boys, before joining FC Barcelona’s youth academy in 2000.
He made his debut for the team at the age of 17 and quickly became one of the most important players in Barcelona’s history, winning multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles.
Messi has scored a record-breaking 634 goals in 728 appearances for Barcelona, making him the club’s all-time top goalscorer. In 2020, Messi joined Inter Miami, becoming the first player from Argentina to play in the MLS.
Despite playing in a new league, Messi has continued to impress, scoring three goals and recording two assists in his first seven matches.
He has also been named the team’s captain, showcasing his leadership skills. In addition to his club career, Messi has represented the Argentina national team since 2004, appearing in 139 matches and scoring 70 goals.
He has been an instrumental part of the team, helping them to win the Olympic gold medal in 2008 and reach the finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Overall, Lionel Andrés Messi is one of the most decorated and successful footballers of all time.
His incredible skill, leadership, and passion have made him a global icon, and he will no doubt continue to make a lasting impact on the game for many years to come.
2. Julián Álvarez
Julián Álvarez is an impressive player who has made a name for himself in the world of football. The Argentine professional footballer is currently playing for Manchester City in the Premier League, as well as the Argentina national team.
He is renowned for his aggression in pressing, dynamic scoring abilities and ability to link up well with his teammates.
Álvarez is widely regarded as one of the top young talents in the sport, and his impressive performances for both club and country have led to his recognition as a top player.
His pressing style helps him to win the ball back quickly, while his ability to score goals and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a valuable asset.
This combination of skills makes Álvarez an invaluable asset to any team he plays for, and it is easy to see why he is held in such high regard in the world of football.
3. Teófilo Cubillas
Teófilo Juan Cubillas Arizaga is a highly regarded former Peruvian footballer. He was an attacking midfielder who was renowned for his technical ability, shooting ability and free-kick ability.
He was widely respected for his playing style and was voted as Peru’s greatest-ever player in an IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics) poll. This recognition elevated him to the top 50 greatest players of all time in the world.
Cubillas began his professional career in Peru’s first division at the age of sixteen. He quickly made a name for himself and helped his team, Alianza Lima, to three league championships in 1969, 1970 and 1972.
He was also part of the Peru national team for the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups, where he scored three goals. Off the pitch, Cubillas was known for his passion and enthusiasm for the game.
He was a great ambassador for Peruvian football and promoted the sport throughout his playing career.
His commitment to the game has made him an inspiration for generations of footballers in Peru and around the world. Throughout his career, Cubillas has achieved a great deal of success and continues to be remembered and respected as one of the best players in Peruvian football history.
His skill, technique, and free kick ability have made him a true legend in the game.
4. Romário
Romário de Souza Faria, commonly known as Romário, is a former professional footballer and current Brazilian politician. He is regarded as one of the most prolific strikers of all time, renowned for his clinical finishing and his ability to score consistently.
During his time as a professional footballer, Romário scored over 700 goals, a feat only achieved by very few players. He is one of the few players to have scored at least 100 goals for three different clubs, making him a truly remarkable and feared goalscorer.
His skill and technical ability as a forward were unparalleled and he was able to bring a whole new level of attacking play to the game. Romário is an icon in the world of football and his legacy as a great goalscorer will continue to remain for many years to come.
5. Sócrates
Sócrates was an iconic Brazilian footballer who had an impressive career as a midfielder. He was renowned for his skillful and creative play, as well as his intelligence and political awareness.
His medical degree and his involvement in politics earned him the nickname “Doctor Socrates”. He was a key figure in the Corinthians Democracy Movement, which sought to give supporters of the Corinthians Football Club more say in the running of the club.
He was also a vocal critic of the Brazilian government and a champion of social justice and freedom of expression. His legacy as a footballer is remembered for his flair on the field and his uncompromising stance on political issues.
He was an important figure in Brazilian football history and is still remembered as a symbol of courage in the face of injustice.
6. Gabriel Batistuta
Gabriel Omar Batistuta is a former professional footballer from Argentina. He had a successful and illustrious career that saw him attain a number of accolades, such as being named the Argentine Footballer of the Year in 1999.
During his playing days, Batistuta was affectionately known by two different nicknames. The first nickname was Batigol, a portmanteau of his surname and the word ‘goal’, due to his prolific goalscoring ability. The second nickname was El Ángel Gabriel.
This was a more poetic name given to him by his fans, alluding to his seemingly divine ability as a football player.
Despite having retired from playing professionally in 2005, Batistuta remains one of the most beloved footballers in Argentina and is widely remembered for his incredible goalscoring record.
7. Carlos Valderrama
Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palacio is a Colombian former professional footballer who is widely known by his nickname “El Pibe”. He was an attacking midfielder during his time as a footballer and now works as a sports commentator for Fútbol de Primera.
Valderrama’s skill as an attacking midfielder was widely praised, with his ability to create chances and deliver effective passes making him an integral part of the Colombian national team.
He was also known for his distinctive hairstyle which has become an iconic symbol of Colombian football.
Valderrama’s successful career saw him play for numerous clubs including Cúcuta Deportivo, Montpellier, Real Valladolid, Independiente Medellín, Atlético Junior, and Colo-Colo.
He was also captain of the Colombian national team for 11 years, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest Colombian footballers of all time.
Even after his retirement from playing, Valderrama continues to make an impact in the world of football, as he works as a sports commentator for Fútbol de Primera..
8. Marquinhos
Marcos Aoás Corrêa, more commonly known as Marquinhos, is a professional Brazilian footballer who plays for the French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazilian national team.
Marquinhos mainly plays as a centre-back, but he is also capable of playing in other positions such as right-back or defensive midfielder. He is the current captain of Paris Saint-Germain and has helped the team to numerous successes since joining the club in 2013.
His ability to read the game and anticipate play has earned him praise from many in the footballing world, as well as admiration from his teammates.
Marquinhos is also a regular in the Brazilian national team, having made over 30 appearances for the Seleção since his debut in 2013. He has been a key figure in the team both on and off the pitch, and is seen as a leader by many of his peers.
His performances for club and country have seen him gain recognition from around the world, cementing his place as one of the best defenders in world football.
9. Cafu
Cafu is considered by many to be one of the greatest full-backs of all time. His real name is Marcos Evangelista de Morais, and he was a Brazilian professional footballer.
He primarily played in the right-back position, and he was known for his lightning-quick pace and energetic attacking runs down the right flank.
Cafu’s speed and aggression enabled him to create numerous opportunities for his side, and his consistent form throughout his career earned him the respect of peers and spectators alike.
His prowess on the pitch earned him a place in the FIFA 100 list, a compilation created by Pele of the greatest living footballers in the world.
Cafu’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of many, and his name will always be remembered as one of the greatest full-backs in the history of the game.
10. Juan Román Riquelme
Juan Román Riquelme is a renowned former professional footballer from Argentina who is currently serving as the vice-president of his beloved club, Boca Juniors.
A large part of his playing career was spent at Boca Juniors, and it is here where he has made the most notable accomplishments.
Riquelme is widely regarded as one of the greatest Argentine players of all time, with many journalists, players and coaches recognizing his immense talent.
He is known for his precise passing and sublime playmaking, which earned him many accolades over the course of his illustrious career. Riquelme also had a knack for scoring goals, something which he did regularly throughout his time at Boca Juniors.
His iconic ability to create assists and score goals set him apart from the rest, and it is this that has earned him the status of one of the greatest Argentine players of all time.
11. Mario Kempes
Mario Alberto Kempes Chiodi is an Argentine footballing legend. He was a striker or attacking midfielder, renowned for his prolific goalscoring capabilities. During his career, he was the top goalscorer in La Liga on two occasions.
His time with Valencia was especially successful, as he scored 116 goals in 184 league games. This incredible record made him one of the most feared strikers in the Spanish top-flight and further cemented his reputation as a lethal finisher in front of goal.
His performances for the Spanish side helped the club to a number of titles and served as a testament to his brilliance.
Kempes is one of the most iconic figures in Argentine and Spanish football, and his name will always be remembered as one of the greatest strikers to have ever graced the pitch.
12. Nahuel Molina
Nahuel Molina Lucero is an incredible talent in the world of football. He is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for La Liga club Atlético Madrid and for the Argentina national team.
His versatility is remarkable; he is able to play the positions of right-back, right-midfielder or right-winger. His skill was evident when he was part of the Argentina team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
His presence in the team was vital and contributed to the team’s victory. He is highly respected for his outstanding ability and sportsmanship. His talent has taken him far and is an inspiration to many aspiring footballers.
13. Carlos Tevez
Carlos Alberto Tevez is a highly accomplished footballer who has made a name for himself both on and off the field. He has had a long and successful career as a player and now a manager, having represented some of the biggest clubs in world football.
Tevez is known for his all-round ability as a forward, being quick, tenacious, powerful and hard-working. He has the agility and dynamism to play in a range of positions, from striker to winger to attacking midfielder.
His determination and commitment to the game have seen him become one of the most respected players in the sport. Tevez is also well-known for his leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch.
He is always willing to help and guide his teammates, providing an invaluable source of support. As a manager, Tevez is able to bring out the best in his players, helping them to reach their full potential and achieve success.
14. Bebeto
José Roberto Gama de Oliveira, commonly known as Bebeto, is a Brazilian former professional football player. He was an accomplished forward, having represented many of his country’s top clubs, including Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, Botafogo, and Cruzeiro.
After retiring from football, Bebeto decided to enter politics and in the 2010 Brazilian general elections, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro, representing the Democratic Labour Party.
He has since become a prominent figure in the Brazilian political landscape, advocating for the rights of the working class. Bebeto is an example of how an athlete can use their platform to make a positive impact on the world.
15. Elías Figueroa
Elías Ricardo Figueroa Brander is a Chilean former footballer who had a long and successful career in the sport. He played for several clubs, such as his hometown club Santiago Wanderers, Brazilian club Internacional, and Uruguayan club Peñarol.
During his career, Elías was also a very important part of the Chilean national team. He represented Chile 47 times, and also appeared in three FIFA World Cups – in 1966, 1974, and 1982.
This shows the level of his skill and dedication to the game, as well as the confidence the Chilean team had in him. Elías’ long career and his involvement in three FIFA World Cups will surely be remembered for years to come.
16. José Luis Chilavert
José Luis Félix Chilavert González is a Paraguayan former professional footballer who had a successful career that spanned over two decades. He began his career playing as a goalkeeper for Sportivo Luqueño, a club in his native Paraguay.
He then moved to the Argentine club Guaraní, where he gained notoriety for his outstanding ability and sharp reflexes. In 1997, Chilavert transferred to San Lorenzo de Almagro, where he enjoyed considerable success and won the Apertura tournament in 1998.
Following his success in Argentina, he signed with Real Zaragoza in Spain, where he was part of the squad that won the Copa del Rey in 2000. He then moved to Vélez Sarsfield the following year, and then to RC Strasbourg in 2003.
In 2005, Chilavert returned to his homeland to join Peñarol, before retiring from professional football in 2006.
Throughout his career, he also represented the Paraguay national team in international competitions, making him one of the most successful Paraguayan footballers of all time.
17. Marcelo Salas
José Marcelo Salas Melinao, commonly known by his nicknames Matador, El Fenómeno and Shileno, is a retired Chilean footballer who spent most of his career as a striker. Salas is widely regarded as the greatest striker in the history of Chilean football.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Salas made a name for himself in clubs such as Universidad de Chile, River Plate, Lazio and Juventus, displaying his remarkable goal scoring talents and ability to lead the attack.
His time at River Plate was especially successful, as he led the team to the 1997 Copa Libertadores title and the 1996 Intercontinental Cup. His time in Italy with Lazio and Juventus saw him score numerous goals and become a fan favorite.
Salas’ time in Europe was ultimately cut short when he decided to return to Chile and finish his career with Universidad de Chile, where he was able to win three consecutive league titles and a Copa Sudamericana.
Salas’ legacy as one of the greatest strikers in Chile and the world is cemented, and he will be remembered as an inspirational figure in Chilean football.
18. Enzo Francescoli
Enzo Francescoli Uriarte, more commonly known by his nickname “El Príncipe”, is a retired Uruguayan footballer. During his career he played in the attacking midfielder position, which enabled him to showcase his skills as a playmaker.
His talents were widely recognized and he is considered by many as one of the greatest players to ever come out of South America. His skill and talent have earned him recognition as one of the best playmakers of his era. Enzo Francescoli Uriarte was born in Uruguay in 1961.
He began his professional career with the Uruguayan club Peñarol in 1980 and played with them until 1988. He then went on to represent several other clubs, including Racing Club, River Plate, and Cagliari.
Throughout his career, he was praised for his intelligence, vision, and passing skills. He was also known for his ability to score from dead-ball situations and was known to take on defenders with his dribbling.
Enzo Francescoli Uriarte was also an important part of the Uruguayan national team. He appeared in four World Cups and was part of the squad that won the Copa América in 1983 and 1987.
He also earned several individual accolades throughout his career, including the South American Footballer of the Year in 1984 and Uruguayan Footballer of the Year in 1988. In 2005, Enzo Francescoli Uriarte was inducted into the Uruguayan Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his impressive career.
He was also selected as one of the greatest living footballers by the IFFHS in 2004 and was included in the FIFA 100 list in 2004, which was a list of the 125 greatest living footballers compiled by Brazilian legend, Pelé.Enzo Francescoli Uriarte is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever come out of Uruguay and South America.
His skill and talent have earned him the nickname “El Príncipe”, and his career is one that will forever be remembered by football fans around the world.
19. Tostão
Eduardo Gonçalves de Andrade, more commonly known as Tostão, is a former professional footballer from Brazil. He played the majority of his career as either a forward or an attacking midfielder. Tostão’s career began in 1967 when he was signed by Cruzeiro Esporte Clube.
During his time with the club, Tostão was part of the team that won the 1968 Copa Libertadores and the 1970 Intercontinental Cup. Tostão’s success with Cruzeiro led to him being selected for the Brazilian national team, and he played a key role in the 1970 FIFA World Cup, helping Brazil to a fourth-place finish.
He also participated in the 1974 World Cup for Brazil, and was part of the team that won the 1977 Copa América.
Throughout his career, Tostão earned numerous accolades, including the South American Footballer of the Year award in 1972. After retiring from professional football in 1978, Tostão pursued a career in medicine and journalism.
He wrote for several major Brazilian newspapers and was also a commentator for Globo TV. Tostão is widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time, and his legacy lives on in the country’s football culture.
20. Antonio Alzamendi
Antonio Alzamendi Casas is a retired Uruguayan footballer who had a highly successful career as a forward. He began his career with the Wanderers de Durazno, a Uruguayan team, and played in two FIFA World Cups – 1986 and 1990 – for his country.
In the 1986 Cup, Alzamendi scored a goal against West Germany, a memorable moment in his career. Alzamendi was known for his strong offensive play and ability to create goalscoring opportunities.
He was also highly skilled in ball control and passing, making him a valuable asset to any team.
During his playing career, he was a consistent performer and was part of several championship teams. After retiring from professional football, Alzamendi has continued to be an ambassador for the game.
He has been involved in various coaching and mentoring roles, helping to develop the next generation of Uruguayan footballers.
Alzamendi has also served as an ambassador for several FIFA World Cup tournaments, a fitting tribute to a player who had such a great impact on the game.
21. Miguel Borja
Miguel Ángel Borja Hernández is a talented Colombian footballer who is currently playing with the Argentine Primera División club River Plate and also with the Colombia national team.
He plays as a forward, a position in which he has earned numerous accolades and found great success.
His impressive performances have earned him the admiration of fans and scouts alike. A native of Medellin, Colombia, Miguel began his professional football career in 2012 with the Colombian side Atletico Nacional.
During his time there, he quickly rose to prominence, scoring 30 goals in 53 appearances.
In 2017, he joined the Argentine club River Plate, where he has become a regular starter, scoring 21 goals in 77 appearances. Miguel has also been a regular starter for the Colombian national team since 2014.
He has scored 15 goals in 47 appearances with the team, including five goals in the 2019 Copa America tournament. His impressive performances have earned him the admiration of fans and scouts alike, and he is widely considered to be one of the best forwards in the world.
Miguel Ángel Borja Hernández is a truly remarkable footballer, and his contributions to both club and national teams are highly appreciated.
22. Gonzalo Nicolás Martínez
Gonzalo Nicolás Martínez, more commonly known as Pity Martínez, is an Argentine professional footballer. He has had an extensive career in the sport, playing for numerous clubs in different competitions and countries.
Most recently, he was playing for Al Nassr, a Saudi Professional League club.
He primarily played as an attacking midfielder while at this club, supplying incisive passes and creating chances for his teammates. During his time in Saudi Arabia, he made a good impression, winning the Saudi Professional League twice and the Saudi Super Cup once.
He also won the 2019 AFC Champions League with Al Nassr, scoring a memorable goal in the final against Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds. Martínez is an experienced player, having represented clubs in Argentina, Mexico, and Portugal before moving to Saudi Arabia.
He has also played in the UEFA Champions League, the Copa Libertadores, the Copa Sudamericana, and the CONCACAF Champions League. Throughout his career, Martínez has established himself as a creative playmaker, capable of unlocking defenses with his vision, passing range, and technical ability.
He is also a strong dribbler and can create chances for his team with his individual skills. Pity Martínez has enjoyed a successful career in football, playing in some of the best leagues in the world.
He has won multiple trophies and has proven himself to be a dangerous attacking midfielder.
23. Teófilo Gutiérrez
Teófilo Antonio Gutiérrez Roncancio, commonly known as Teo, is a Colombian professional footballer who has been playing the sport for many years.
He currently plays as a forward and is a free agent, which means that he is not signed to any particular team, though he does play for the Colombian national team. Teo started his career in his native Colombia, playing for various clubs in the country.
He then moved to Europe in 2011, signing with Racing de Santander in Spain. He spent two years there before moving on to clubs in France, Greece, and Portugal.
He has also made numerous appearances for the Colombian national team, participating in the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2019 Copa America.
Overall, Teo has had an impressive career as a professional footballer, and he is still actively involved in the sport at the international level.
24. José Cardozo
José Saturnino Cardozo Otazú is a highly accomplished football figure both as a player and a manager. He is a Paraguayan who began his football career as a striker, and played for 10 years with Mexican club Toluca.
During his time with Toluca, he achieved remarkable success and is now considered the club’s all-time top goalscorer. In 2013, Cardozo took on the role of manager for Toluca and held the position for three years, until 2016.
His managerial skills earned him a great level of respect within the club, and even beyond the club, as he was able to lead the team to the Mexican Cup in 2015. Cardozo’s accomplishments as both a player and a manager make him a renowned figure in the football world.
25. Salvador Cabañas
Salvador Cabañas Ortega is a former professional footballer from Paraguay who played as a striker. Throughout his career, he played for multiple clubs in different countries, such as Paraguay, Chile, Mexico, and Brazil.
He began his career with Club 12 de Octubre, a club in Paraguay, before moving on to Guaraní, another Paraguayan club. He then went on to play for Audax Italiano in Chile, followed by Chiapas in Mexico.
Following that, he played for Club América, General Caballero, Tanabi, and Independiente F.B.C., all clubs in different countries. Cabañas had a successful football career, playing for clubs in multiple countries.
He was able to gain experience from all over the world and demonstrate his talents to a variety of audiences. He was able to show off his skill as a striker, and he was able to demonstrate the importance of teamwork and developing strategies to win games.
26. Martín Palermo
Martín Palermo is an accomplished football figure from Argentina. He has both managed and played for some of the most successful teams in the country. As a player, he was a striker for Boca Juniors, a popular Argentine club, and the Argentina national team.
His impressive performances led him to being the all-time leading scorer in the Argentine Primera División, with a record of 243 goals. After retiring from playing, Palermo moved on to a career in management.
He initially coached the Argentina under-20 national team and had a successful two-year spell with the team. His next managerial role was at the helm of another top Argentine club, Platense. In 2019, Palermo returned to Platense and currently manages the club.
Palermo’s success as both a player and manager has made him one of the most respected figures in Argentine football. He has the distinction of being one of the few people to have achieved both playing and managerial success in the country.
27. Claudio Caniggia
Claudio Paul Caniggia was an incredible talent in Argentine football. He was a forward or winger, making him a versatile and dangerous player on the pitch. Caniggia represented his country in the World Cup on three separate occasions, and his club career was just as impressive.
He was a member of two of the most successful teams in Argentina, River Plate and Boca Juniors. His time with the Argentina national team saw him play 50 times and make a name for himself as one of the top players of his generation.
He was a key part of the national team’s success in the World Cup, and his skill and ability to score goals made him a fan favorite. Caniggia’s career in football will always be remembered as one of the greatest in Argentine history.
28. Raúl Amarilla
Raúl Vicente Amarilla is a retired Paraguayan footballer who had a successful career playing as a striker. He was born in Paraguay and began his professional career at a young age.
During his time as a professional player, he won several domestic titles with Paraguayan teams, including the Paraguayan Primera División. Amarilla also represented his country, Paraguay, in the international arena.
He was selected to play for the Spanish Under-21 team and made several appearances for them.
In addition, he was also a part of the Paraguayan national team and was part of their squad for the 2006 World Cup. Throughout his career, Amarilla was widely considered to be one of the most talented strikers in South America.
He was known for his ability to score goals from both close and long range, as well as his awareness and positioning on the field.
Amarilla was also renowned for his leadership skills, which helped him to become a respected figure in the Paraguayan football community. Since retiring from professional football, Amarilla has become a successful coach.
He has managed several teams in Paraguay and is currently the head coach of Club Libertad. He is also very involved in the Paraguayan football scene, regularly giving interviews and attending matches as a guest.
29. Raí
Raí Souza Vieira de Oliveira, commonly known as Raí, is a Brazilian ex-professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Raí is remembered fondly as a key member of the Brazilian national football team for over ten years.
He was a key part of the squad that won the 1994 World Cup, the fourth championship for the country. During his time with the national team, Raí was known for his agility, vision, and powerful shot that could carve open even the toughest defenses.
As a professional, he played for some of the most successful clubs in Brazil, such as São Paulo FC and Paris Saint-Germain. He was also a part of Brazil’s 2002 FIFA World Cup squad, although the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Throughout his career, Raí was recognized for his undeniable talent and was inducted into the Brazilian Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
30. Luan Guilherme de Jesus Vieira
Luan Guilherme de Jesus Vieira is an accomplished Brazilian professional footballer. He currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Grêmio, a Brazilian football club based in the city of Porto Alegre.
Luan has been part of the Grêmio team since 2011 and has since made over 100 appearances for the club. Luan is a creative and dynamic midfielder who is renowned for his ability to control the game from the middle of the park.
He is a strong passer of the ball and has a keen eye for goal.
He is also known for his flair and ability to produce decisive moments when his team is in need of an offensive spark. Luan has had a successful career at Grêmio, lifting the Brazilian Championship title in 2016 and the Copa do Brasil in 2017.
He has also won the Copa Libertadores in 2017, becoming the first Brazilian midfielder in history to win the title. Luan is a highly respected player in Brazil and has even been named in the Brazilian national team squad on a number of occasions.
He is a key figure in the Grêmio team and is a player who can provide a spark in the midfield when his team needs it most.
31. Rubén Sosa
Ruben Sosa Ardaiz is a well-known Uruguayan former professional football forward.
He is widely recognized for his contributions to the Uruguay national team as well as his impressive career at Danubio, Zaragoza, Lazio, Inter Milan and Nacional. Ruben Sosa Ardaiz had significant stints at all five clubs during his career.
At Danubio, he was the club’s top scorer in the 1990-1991 season. He moved to Zaragoza in 1992 and made a name for himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Spanish La Liga.
After two successful seasons, he transferred to Lazio, where he won the Serie A title in 1997-1998. Then, Ruben Sosa Ardaiz signed for Inter Milan in 1998.
During his time at the club, he made several appearances in the Champions League and contributed to Inter Milan’s success in the 1999-2000 season.
He finished his career at Nacional, where he was the club’s top goalscorer for three consecutive seasons. Throughout his career, Ruben Sosa Ardaiz was also a valuable member of the Uruguay national team.
He represented the country in two FIFA World Cups and scored several key goals in the tournament.
He also helped Uruguay win the Copa America in 1995 and was part of the team that finished as runners-up in the 1997 edition. Overall, Ruben Sosa Ardaiz had an illustrious career as a professional footballer.
He was a prolific goalscorer and a valuable member of the Uruguay national team. He achieved success at several clubs and helped Uruguay win major tournaments. His legacy will live on for many years to come.
32. Marinho
Mário Sérgio Santos Costa, commonly known as Marinho, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Fortaleza in the Brazilian Série A.
Marinho began his career with Fluminense and made a name for himself by playing for various clubs in his native Brazil before he finally made a big impression with Vitória in 2016.
He has since established himself as a regular starter for Fortaleza and has been a key player for the club since joining in 2018. Marinho is known for his precise finishing and creative dribbling, which have enabled him to score some crucial goals for his teams.
His impeccable technique and eye for goal have made him a fan favorite at Fortaleza, and he is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in Brazil today.
33. Rubén Paz
Ruben Wálter Paz Márquez is a former Uruguayan professional footballer who enjoyed a long and successful career. He played as a midfielder and represented his country at two FIFA World Cups. In 1988, he was even named South American Footballer of the Year, an impressive feat.
After eighteen years of playing, Paz retired in 2006 at the age of 47. Since then, he has become Peñarol’s assistant coach, where he continues to make an impact on the world of football.
34. Diego Forlán
Diego Martín Forlán Corazo is an accomplished professional football manager and player from Uruguay. He played as a striker and was widely regarded as one of the most skilled forwards of his generation.
During his illustrious career, Forlán won two of the most prestigious awards in football: the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe.
The Pichichi Trophy is awarded to the top scorer in the Spanish La Liga, while the European Golden Shoe is presented to the most prolific goalscorer in the top division of every European national league. Forlán has achieved great success during his time in football.
He began his career with Uruguayan club Independiente, where he won the Uruguayan Primera División title in 1997. He then moved to Argentina to play for Argentine giants Independiente.
His impressive performances for the club earned him the 2001 Copa Libertadores Player of the Tournament award. Forlán then joined Spanish side Villarreal in 2004, where he won the Pichichi Trophy in 2004-05 and the European Golden Shoe in 2008-09.
He also had successful spells at Atlético Madrid and Internazionale. Today, Forlán works as a professional football manager, having most recently managed Uruguayan club Peñarol.
He has also served as the Uruguayan national team manager and was part of the coaching staff for the 2010 World Cup. In summary, Diego Martín Forlán Corazo is a highly respected and decorated former professional football player and current manager.
His achievements include two of the most prestigious individual awards in football, the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe.
He is also highly regarded for his successful managerial career, which has included stints with various Uruguayan clubs and the Uruguayan national team.
35. Daniel Passarella
Daniel Alberto Passarella is an Argentine former footballer and manager who is highly regarded for his accomplishments on the field. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest defenders of all time.
Passarella played for a number of different teams during his career, including River Plate, Fiorentina, and Inter Milan. He was a key member of the 1978 Argentine World Cup-winning team and captained the 1982 side that reached the final.
Throughout his career, Passarella was known for his leadership, strength, and aerial ability. He was a master of the offside trap, and his ability to read the game was second to none.
After retiring in 1989, Passarella moved into management, taking charge of teams such as River Plate, Parma, and the Argentine national team. He experienced success at the club level, winning the Copa Libertadores with River Plate in 1996.
At the international level, Passarella coached Argentina to the 1998 World Cup finals, where they were defeated by France in the final. Daniel Alberto Passarella is an example of a player who excelled both on and off the pitch.
His legacy will live on for generations, remembered as one of the greatest defenders of all time.
36. José Pékerman
José Néstor Pékerman Krimen is a highly successful professional football coach from Argentina. He is most well-known for his work with the youth levels of the Argentina national team, where he achieved extraordinary results.
He won the FIFA World Youth Championship three times, a competition that is held every two years and features some of the best youth teams in the world.
In addition to this, he also won the U20 South American Youth Championship twice. More recently, Pékerman Krimen managed the Venezuela national team for a period of time.
He was able to help the team to improve their performance and get some excellent results in international competitions. His experience and expertise was clearly evident, and it showed in the team’s results.
Overall, Pékerman Krimen is a highly successful and experienced football coach who has achieved great results with the teams he has managed.
His work with the youth teams of Argentina was especially impressive, as he was able to win the FIFA World Youth Championship three times and the U20 South American Youth Championship twice.
His time with the Venezuela national team was also successful, as he helped the team to improve their performance and get some excellent results in international competitions.
37. Ángelo Henríquez
Ángelo José Henríquez Iturra is a Chilean professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Russian club Baltika Kaliningrad. He began his career in his native Chile with Universidad de Chile, where he was able to attract the attention of Manchester United.
In 2012, he signed for the English club, becoming the first Chilean to play for the Red Devils. Henríquez quickly developed as a player at Manchester United and was able to make his first-team debut in 2013.
He would go on to make several appearances for the club but ultimately failed to establish himself as a regular member of the starting XI.
After a loan spell at Real Zaragoza, Henríquez moved to Russian club Baltika Kaliningrad in 2017, where he has since become a key figure in their attack. Throughout his career, Henríquez has also represented his nation at the international level, and is highly regarded in his homeland for his achievements.
He has been part of several Chilean squads and has been a regular in the national team since making his debut in 2018. Henríquez’s move to Manchester United and subsequent international recognition have earned him a prominent place in the history of Chilean football.
38. José Leandro Andrade
José Leandro Andrade was a Uruguayan footballer who is remembered for his impressive skills on the field. He was nicknamed “The Black Marvel” due to his remarkable ability to control the ball.
He played in the position of wing-half, which is a combination of a midfielder and defender. This position requires the player to be both offensively and defensively minded, and Andrade seemed to have mastered the art of both.
He was known for his tactical awareness and ability to anticipate plays before they happened. He was also incredibly fast on his feet, and could often be seen outrunning opponents as he raced down the pitch.
His impressive skills earned him a place in the Uruguayan national team where he went on to have a distinguished career. In addition to his success on the pitch, he was also a pioneer off the field, becoming one of the first professional footballers in South America.
His legacy continues to live on in the memories of his many fans and the game of football itself.
39. Omar Sívori
Enrique Omar Sívori was a legendary Argentine-Italian football player and manager. He was renowned for his skillful playing in the forward position.
Sívori was best known for his time spent with Italian side Juventus in the late 1950s, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the most talented forwards of the era.
During his time with Juventus, he won three Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, and two Intercontinental Cups.
He was also named the European Footballer of the Year in 1961, further cementing his place among Italian football’s elite. Sívori’s success at Juventus was not limited to the pitch, however. He was also an astute manager, leading the team to further success in the early 1960s.
During this period, he won two more Serie A titles, as well as a Coppa Italia and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.
He also served as a manager for the Argentine national team, where he achieved a memorable victory over England during their 1966 World Cup campaign. Enrique Omar Sívori’s career was a remarkable one, and his influence in the Italian football scene is still felt today.
His successes with Juventus and his managerial record with the Argentine national team are testament to his skill as both a player and a manager. He will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of football.
40. Nicolás Otamendi
Nicolás Hernán Gonzalo Otamendi is an Argentine professional footballer who has achieved great success in his career. He currently plays as a centre-back for Portuguese Primeira Liga club Benfica and is also part of the Argentina national team.
Otamendi has earned numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including being named the Copa America 2017 Player of the Tournament and the La Liga Defender of the Year in 2016.
He has also been named in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season in 2019 and 2020. Otamendi started his football career at Vélez Sarsfield in 2006 and moved to Portuguese club FC Porto in 2010.
During his time at Porto, he won the Primeira Liga title, the Taca de Portugal, and the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira.
In 2014, Otamendi signed with English Premier League club Manchester City and during his time there he won two Premier League titles, two League Cups, and one FA Cup.
In 2020, he joined Benfica and has since made a great impact in the Primeira Liga. Otamendi is a highly respected defender in both club and international football.
He has been capped over 50 times for the Argentina national team and has helped his country reach the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. He is known for his strength, speed, and intelligence on the pitch and is an asset to any team that he plays for.
Conclusion
The best players in South America are some of the most talented footballers in the world. They have the skill and determination to compete at the highest level and the potential to reach the very top.
They have had a major impact on the game of football around the world, and their legacy is sure to inspire generations of players to come.
