The Copa América, also known as the CONMEBOL Copa America or South American Football Championship, is an international men’s football tournament that has been held in South America since 1916. It involves teams from 10 countries across North and South America who compete to be crowned champions of the continent. The tournament celebrates its centenary year this year with a special edition being played in Argentina and Colombia. This prestigious competition brings together some of the world’s best players vying for glory on one stage – making it an event not to be missed by any football fan.
1. Teodoro Fernández
Career
- : Universitario
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1931–1953: Universitario[1]: 180: (156)
- 1935–1947: Peru: 32: (24)
Teodoro Fernández was born on May 20, 1913 in Cañete, Peru. He began his career with Universitario before moving to Spain to play for Racing Santander and Atlético Madrid.
In 1937 he represented Peru at the World Cup where they reached the quarterfinals but were eliminated by Hungary.
After playing for several clubs in Mexico, including Puebla and Veracruz, Fernández retired from football in 1955 at the age of 36 after a stint with Tecos UAG that also included two years as manager of their first team (1954-56).
Teodoro Fernández returned to Universitario as president between 1969 and 1971 before becoming ambassador of Peru to Spain (1972-1976) and then Chile (1977-1985). He died on September 17th 1996 at the age of 83 after a long illness in Lima, Peru.
Teodoro Fernandez is considered one of the greatest forwards ever to have played for Peru scoring 58 goals during his international career which lasted from 1936 until 1957.
2. Héctor Scarone
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1917–1926: Nacional: 115: (108)
- 1926–1927: Barcelona: 18: (17)
- 1927–1931: Nacional: 45: (39)
- 1931–1932: Inter: 14: (7)
- 1932–1934: Palermo: 54: (13)
- 1934–1939: Nacional: 31: (16)
- Total: : 277: (200)
- 1917–1930: Uruguay: 51: (31)
- 1947–1948: Millonarios
- 1951–1952: Real Madrid
- : Nacional
Scarone was a Uruguayan international footballer who played for Nacional and Barcelona. He made his debut for Nacional in 1917 and went on to make over 200 appearances for the club, winning two Primera División titles.
Scarone also represented Uruguay at the 1928 Olympic Games and scored one goal in their group stage victory over Spain. After retiring from football he worked as a coach with several clubs including Palermo and Inter Milan before dying aged 68 in 1967.
Scarone was a very successful international footballer, representing Uruguay at the Olympic Games in 1924 and 1928 as well as playing for Real Madrid and Nacional. After retiring from football he went into management, first with Millonarios then with Real Madrid before taking charge of Nacional in 1951.
He remained there until his death in 1984. Scarone is considered one of Uruguay's greatest footballers ever and he is still fondly remembered by fans all over the world.
3. José Manuel Moreno
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1935–1944: River Plate: 256: (156)
- 1944–1946: España: 41: (11)
- 1946–1948: River Plate: 64: (24)
- 1949: U. Católica: 22: (8)
- 1950: Boca Juniors: 22: (6)
- 1951: U. Católica: 12: (2)
- 1952: Defensor: 14: (3)
- 1953: Ferrocarril Oeste: 15: (1)
- 1954–1957: Independiente Medellín: 40: (12)
- 1960–1961: Independiente Medellín: 3: (1)
- Total: : 489: (224)
- 1936–1950: Argentina: 34: (19)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
José Manuel Moreno was a forward for River Plate during the 1940s. He won several championships with the team, and also played for Racing Club de Avellaneda and San Lorenzo de Almagro during his career.
Moreno died in 1978 at the age of 62 after a long illness. José Manuel Moreno was born on November 20th, 1931 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. José Manuel Moreno played for Argentinos Juniors and River Plate before moving to Spain to play for Barcelona and Real Madrid.
After his time playing in Europe, Moreno returned to Argentina where he played for Independiente Medellín and Racing Club de Avellaneda before retiring from football at the age of 41 years old.
José Manuel Moreno is considered one of the best midfielders ever to play the sport, with a record 224 international appearances spanning 34 matches between 1936-1957.
He passed away on May 2nd, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
4. Ademir de Menezes
Career
- : Sport Recife
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1939–1942: Sport Recife: :
- 1942–1945: Vasco da Gama: :
- 1946–1947: Fluminense: :
- 1948–1956: Vasco da Gama: :
- 1957: Sport Recife: :
- 1945–1953: Brazil: 39: (32)
- 1967: Vasco da Gama
Ademir de Menezes was one of the most prolific strikers in Brazilian football history, with over 350 goals in 515 appearances.
De Menezes made his senior debut for Vasco da Gama in 1946 and helped them win several titles during his time there, including the 1949 Copa Libertadores and the 1952 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
He moved to Fluminense later that year and won another Serie A title before signing for Sport Recife in 1957.
After retiring from playing professionally, de Menezes served as manager of several clubs, most notably Vasco da Gama (1971–1977) and Portuguesa (1978). De Menezes died at the age of 73 after a long illness; he was buried at Cemitério São Francisco Xavier in Rio de Janeiro.
Ademir de Menezes started his career with Vasco da Gama, making 39 appearances and scoring 32 goals between 1945-53.
De Menezes then had a successful managerial career at Vasco da Gama, winning the South American Championship in 1949 before moving on to manage Peru in 1953. He later had a short spell managing Brazil (1967-68) before retiring from football altogether.
After retirement, de Menezes worked as an ambassador for various charities and was also honoured with a Brazilian postage stamp in 2006.
5. Carlos Valderrama
Career
- 1980–1984: Unión Magdalena
- 1984–1985: Millonarios
- 1985–1988: Deportivo Cali
- 1988–1991: Montpellier
- 1991–1992: Real Valladolid
- 1992–1993: Independiente Medellín
- 1993–1995: Atlético Junior
- 1995–1997: Tampa Bay Mutiny
- 1996–1997: Deportivo Cali (loan)
- 1997–1999: Miami Fusion
- 1999–2001: Tampa Bay Mutiny
- 2001–2002: Colorado Rapids
- 1985–1998: Colombia
- 2007: Atlético Junior (assistant manager)
Carlos Alberto Valderrama Palacio is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Liga MX side Club America. Carlos Valderrama began his career at Liceo Celedón, before moving to Unión Magdalena and then Millonarios in Colombia.
He played for Deportivo Cali between 1984-1988, Montpellier from France between 1988-1991 and Real Valladolid in Spain between 1991-1993.
In 1993 he moved to Independiente Medellín where he would stay until 1996, when he joined Manchester United on loan until the end of the season.
After returning to Colombia, he signed with Atlético Nacional and helped them win the 1998 Copa Libertadores title before joining Valencia CF in 1999 for £8 million (US$14 million).
At Valencia, Carlos was part of two LaLiga Santander titles (2000–01 and 2002–03), UEFA Champions League semi finals (2001/02) and runner up in the Spanish Cup twice consecutively (2002/03 & 2003/04).
He left Valencia after one year due to injury problems but rejoined them on a short term deal midway through 2006–07 season which led him retiring from playing football competitively at age 37 – though still holds an ambassadorial role within Valencia CF's youth academy.
Also Played For: mls
6. Enzo Francescoli
Career
- 1980–1982: Wanderers
- 1983–1986: River Plate
- 1986–1989: RC Paris
- 1989–1990: Marseille
- 1990–1993: Cagliari
- 1993–1994: Torino
- 1994–1997: River Plate
- 1982–1997: Uruguay
Enzo Francescoli is a Uruguayan attacking midfielder who played for River Plate and RC Paris in his career. Enzo Francescoli was born in Montevideo on 12 November 1961.
In 1980, Enzo Francescoli joined Wanderers and made 74 appearances over two years before moving to River Plate the following year. At River Plate, Enzo Francescoli won three league titles (1985–86, 1989–90) and reached the Copa Libertadores final twice (1986, 1990).
After leaving River Plate in 1991, Enzo Francescoli signed for RC Paris where he starred alongside Zinedine Zidane amongst other top French players until joining Marseille two years later.
With Marseille, Enzo Francescoli helped them win Ligue 1 title in 1994-95 as well as reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals that season before retiring from professional football at the end of 1995-96 season aged 33 due to injury.
Since retirement from playing football professionally ,Enzo has taken up coaching roles with various clubs across Europe including Monaco FC and Udinese Calcio where he currently coaches their U17 team.
He also appeared as a guest analyst during Uruguay's World Cup qualification match against Chile last October.
7. Manuel Seoane
Career
- 1918–1920: Progresista[note 1]
- 1920–1921: Independiente
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1921–1923: Independiente: (total below):
- 1923–1925: El Porvenir: ?: (?)
- 1925: Boca Juniors: ?: (16)
- 1926–1933: Independiente: 264: (241)
- 1934–1937: Argentina
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of June 2012
Manuel Seoane was born on March 19, 1902 in Piñeyro, Avellaneda, Argentina. He started playing football at a young age and quickly established himself as one of the best strikers in his country.
In 1925 he joined Boca Juniors and went on to have an illustrious career with the club, winning numerous titles including two league championships (1926-27 & 1932-33). Seoane also represented Argentina at international level, appearing in three World Cup tournaments (1930, 1934 & 1938).
After retiring from football he moved to Quilmes where he continued to work as a footballer coach until his death aged 73 in 1975.
Manuel Seoane was a professional footballer who played for Argentina and Boca Juniors. Manuel Seoane started his career at Independiente, where he spent six seasons between 1921 and 1925.
In 1925, he moved to El Porvenir before joining Boca Juniors in 1926. He remained with the club until 1933, making 264 appearances and scoring 241 goals in all competitions.
After leaving Boca Juniors, Manuel Seoane managed Argentine sides Racing Club de Avellaneda (1937–39) and River Plate (1940–44). He also had spells as manager of Chile’s Colo-Colo (1945), Mexico’s Toluca (1950–52) and Paraguay’s Olimpia Asunción (1960).
Manuel Seoane died on 25 October 1960 at the age of 74 after a long illness.
8. Enrique Hormazábal
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1948–1955: Santiago Morning: :
- 1956–1963: Colo-Colo: 178: (85)
- 1950–1963: Chile: 43: (20)
- 1969–1970: Colo-Colo
- 1976: Coquimbo Unido
- 1979: Santiago Morning
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Enrique Hormazábal was a Chilean midfield legend who won several major titles with club and country. He began his career at Universidad Católica before moving to Colo-Colo in 1957, where he enjoyed the most successful period of his career.
He later played for Valencia, Espanyol, Zaragoza and Mallorca before retiring in 1978. Hormazábal is widely considered one of Chile's finest players ever, and was named captain of the national team on multiple occasions.
He passed away in 1999 aged 68 after a long illness Enrique Hormazábal was a Chilean manager and player who had an international career with Chile.
He is most notable for his time at Colo-Colo, where he led the team to victory in the Copa Libertadores in 1970.
After leaving Colo-Colo, he managed Coquimbo Unido from 1979 to 1980 before returning to Santiago Morning as manager. He retired from management after leading Morning to their first championship title in over 30 years in 1984. Enrique Hormazábal died on July 1st, 2016 at the age of 88 after a long illness.
9. Vicente de la Mata
Career
- 1930–1936: Central Córdoba (R)
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1936: Central Córdoba (R): :
- 1937–1950: Independiente: 362: (151)
- 1951–1952: Newell's Old Boys: 23: (1)
- 1937–1946: Argentina: 13: (6)
- : Independiente
- –: Deportivo Morón
- –: Dock Sud
- –: Central Córdoba (R)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Vicente de la Mata was born in 1918 and played for Central Córdoba (R) from 1930-1936. De la Mata scored 38 goals in 66 appearances with the club during his youth career.
He made his debut for Argentina national team on November 20, 1941 against Bolivia and went on to play 33 matches for the country over the course of three years.
De la Mata transferred to Rosario Central in 1939 where he spent 11 seasons before retiring at the end of the 1963 season with 270 league appearances and 101 goals under his belt.
Vicente de La Mata died on August 4, 1980 after a long battle with lung cancer at the age of 62 years old.
He is remembered as one of Rosario Central's most successful players throughout its history, scoring 101 goals in 271 games across all competitions while wearing the blue and white shirt of La Academia del Fútbol Argentino (AFA).
10. Sergio Livingstone
Career
- 1936–1937: Unión Española
- 1938–1942: Universidad Católica
- 1943–1944: Racing Club
- 1944–1956: Universidad Católica
- 1957: Colo-Colo
- 1958–1959: Universidad Católica
- 1941–1954: Chile
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of September 2008
Sergio Livingstone was a goalkeeper who played for Chile at the 1960 and 1962 World Cups. He also played for Spanish club Real Madrid, where he won two La Liga championships in 1959 and 1960 as well as being named Zamora Trophy winner both years.
In 1961, Livingstone moved to Brazil to play for Botafogo but only stayed there for one season before returning home to Chilean side Colo-Colo.
After retiring from playing professionally, Livingstone served as Goalkeeping Coach of Universidad de Chile between 1984 and 1991; during this time they reached the final of Copa América 1986 which they lost on penalties against Argentina's Boca Juniors).
Sergio Livingstone died aged 92 after a long illness in Santiago, Chile. Sergio Livingstone was born in 1936, making him one of the oldest players ever to grace a professional football pitch.
Sergio made his debut for Unión Española in the 1936-37 season and went on to make over 200 appearances for the club.
After leaving Unión Española, Sergio signed for Racing Club where he became one of the most successful goalkeepers in Chilean history, winning three league titles and two Copa Chile trophies during his time at the club.
In 1957, Sergio transferred to Colo-Colo where he spent four seasons before retiring from playing professionally at the age of 36 years old.
Since retirement, Sergio has worked as a commentator with various Chilean television networks and also served as technical director for Universidad Católica between 1988 and 1990.
Also Played For: chile national football team
11. José Nasazzi
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1918–1920: Lito: :
- 1922–1933: Bella Vista: 322: (17)
- 1933–1937: Nacional: 58: (0)
- 1923–1936: Uruguay: 41: (0)
- 1942–1945: Uruguay
José Nasazzi was a Uruguayan footballer who played for Nacional and Bella Vista in his country's top flight. He made his international debut in 1922, playing at right full-back against Chile.
After retiring from playing, José Nasazzi became coach of the Uruguay national team, leading them to victory at the 1950 World Cup. In 1967 he died aged 67 after a long illness. José Nasazzi was a manager and player for Uruguay during the early 1920s.
He led his team to success at the Olympic Games in 1924, winning a silver medal. Nasazzi also managed Uruguay at FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1930 and 1934, as well as their South American Championship victory in 1923.
In addition to his footballing achievements, Nasazzi is remembered fondly by Uruguayan fans for his work with charities throughout the country.
12. José Piendibene
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1908–1928: Peñarol: 506: (253)
- 1909–1922: Uruguay: 43: (22)
- 1934: Peñarol
- 1940–1941: Peñarol
José Piendibene was born on June 5th, 1890 in Montevideo, Uruguay. He played for Peñarol from 1908 to 1928 and made over 506 appearances for the club. José Piendibene also represented Uruguay at international level between 1909 and 1922, scoring 43 goals in total.
After ending his playing career, José Piendibene became manager of several clubs including Racing Club de Avellaneda (1935–37), River Plate (1939) and Atletico Madrid (1945).
He died aged 79 on November 12th 1969 after a long illness. José Piendibene was one of the most important players in Uruguay's football history.
He played for Peñarol and helped them win a number of championships, including three South American Championships. José Piendibene also represented his country at international level on numerous occasions, winning several titles along the way.
After retiring from playing he went on to manage a number of clubs in Uruguay and Chile before returning home to work as a scout for Peñarol once more in 2006.
13. Pedro Petrone
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1920–: Solferino Montevideo: :
- –1924: Charley FC: :
- 1924–1931: Nacional: 128: (146)
- 1931–1933: Fiorentina: 44: (37)
- 1933–1934: Nacional: 20: (30)
- 1923–1930: Uruguay: 28: (24)
Pedro Petrone was born in 1905 and played as a striker for Nacional, Fiorentina and Charley between 1924-1934. He is most famous for scoring the winning goal in the 1934 Uruguayan championship final against Racing Club de Avellaneda.
Pedro Petrone died at the age of 59 after a long illness in 1964. Pedro Petrone was born in 1923 and played for Uruguay from 1923 to 1930. He helped the country win two Olympic football medals, as well as a World Cup victory in 1930.
Pedro Petrone is remembered chiefly for his performances with Uruguayan club Peñarol, where he made 448 appearances and scored 128 goals.
After retiring from playing, Pedro Petrone served as manager of several clubs including Cerro Porteño and Nacional Montevideo before returning to management at Peñarol following their promotion to the Liga MX in 2017.
In 2019, he was appointed head coach of the Uruguay national team ahead of their FIFA World Cup campaign.
14. Emiliano Martínez
Career
- 2008–2010: Independiente
- 2010–2012: Arsenal
- 2012–2020: Arsenal
- 2012: → Oxford United (loan)
- 2013–2014: → Sheffield Wednesday (loan)
- 2015: → Rotherham United (loan)
- 2015–2016: → Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan)
- 2017–2018: → Getafe (loan)
- 2019: → Reading (loan)
- 2020–: Aston Villa
- 2009: Argentina U17
- 2009–2011: Argentina U20
- 2021–: Argentina
Emiliano Martínez is a goalkeeper who plays for Aston Villa. He made his debut for Arsenal in 2012 and has since played for Oxford United (on loan) and Sheffield Wednesday.
Emiliano is considered one of the best goalkeepers in England, with many fans believing he could be the next David Seaman or Brad Friedel. Emiliano was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, but moved to England at a young age to pursue a career in football.
He will likely feature heavily for Aston Villa this season as they look to avoid relegation from the Premier League Emiliano Martinez is a Argentine footballer who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League.
He began his career at River Plate, spending two seasons with the team before moving to Europe to play for Racing Santander and Real Betis respectively.
In 2015, he joined Rotherham United on loan after impressing during Argentina's World Cup campaign. The following season he moved to Wolves on a permanent deal, playing 13 times before signing for Getafe in Spain on a five-month loan spell later that year.
After making 18 appearances for Reading during their inaugural Championship season, he was signed by Aston Villa ahead of the 2019/20 season.
With over 90 appearances under his belt internationally, Emiliano Martinez has represented Argentina at U17 level through to U26 level and helped them win silverware at both junior levels as well as Copa América tournaments.
Also Played For: argentina national football team, aston villa f.c
15. Luis Díaz
Career
- 2014–2016: Atlético Junior
- 2016–2017: Barranquilla
- 2017–2019: Atlético Junior
- 2019–2022: Porto
- 2022: Liverpool
- 2017: Colombia U20
- 2018: Colombia
Luis Díaz is a Colombian winger who currently plays for Liverpool. He made his debut for Atlético Junior in 2014 and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club before joining Liverpool in 2022.
Luis has represented Colombia at youth level and was part of their under-20 side that competed in the 2017 U-20 World Cup where they reached the semi-final stage before losing out to France.
Luis is known for his speed, skill, power and crossing ability which have seen him score goals both domestically and internationally including six times in all competitions during the 2018–19 season with Liverpool so far this campaign.
With two years remaining on his contract at Anfield, there are likely to be many more opportunities to showcase his talents across Europe as well as South America with various clubs interested in signing him up ahead of schedule should he decide not to extend his current deal with Liverpool.
Also Played For: columbus crew, premier league fantasy football
16. Dani Alves
Career
- 1996–1998: Juazeiro
- 1998–2001: Bahia
- 2001–2003: Bahia
- 2003–2008: Sevilla
- 2008–2016: Barcelona
- 2016–2017: Juventus
- 2017–2019: Paris Saint-Germain
- 2019–2021: São Paulo
- 2021–2022: Barcelona
- 2022: UNAM
- 2003: Brazil U20
- 2021: Brazil Olympic (O.P.)
- 2006: Brazil
Dani Alves is a Brazilian defender who has played for Barcelona and Sevilla. Dani Alves made his professional debut with Bahia in 2001, before moving to Spain to play for Sevilla the following year.
He spent eight seasons at Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles and one Champions League crown. After leaving Barcelona in 2016, Alves joined UNAM in Mexico as their first signing of the season.
In international competition, Dani Alves has represented Brazil at every level from Under-17s upwards and was part of their Copa América triumph in 2019.
Daniel Alves is known for his pacey right-back playstyle which often sees him overlap down the wing into attacking positions; this enables him to create chances for teammates as well as score himself on occasion.
Dani Alves is a Brazilian footballer who has played for Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. He was part of Brazil's 2006 World Cup winning team, and also won the Copa América in 2007 and 2019. Dani Alves joined Barcelona from PSG in 2021, but left after one season to join UNAM in Mexico.
Dani Alves holds the record for most assists by a defender in Europe with 176, as well as the record for most goals scored by an attacking midfielder in European competition with 44 goals overall.
After leaving Barcelona, Dani Alves signed with Juventus on 19 October 2016 where he spent two seasons before moving to PSG permanently in 2017.
17. Claudio Bravo
Career
- 2002–2006: Colo-Colo
- 2006–2014: Real Sociedad
- 2014–2016: Barcelona
- 2016–2020: Manchester City
- 2020: Real Betis
- 2004: Chile U23
- 2004: Chile
Bravo is a goalkeeper who has played for Real Sociedad and Chile. Bravo was born in Viluco, Chile on April 13th 1983. Bravo made his debut with Colo-Colo in 2002 and went onto play 123 matches for the club before joining Real Sociedad in 2006.
After spending five seasons at La Liga side Sociedad, Bravo moved to Spanish giants Barcelona, where he won two Copa del.
Rey titles and one Champions League title between 2014-2017 as well as the 2017 Confederations Cup with Chile Claudio Bravo, is a Chilean football goalkeeper who has played for Barcelona and Manchester City.
He was part of the Chile team that won Copa América in 2015 and 2016, as well as being runners-up at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017. Claudio Bravo is known for his reflexes and agility, which have led to him being called "the best keeper in the world".
In 2018 he transferred from Barcelona to Manchester City, where he has continued to be one of their key players.
Also Played For: real betis balompié
18. Eduardo Vargas
Career
- 1999–2002: Internacional de Renca
- 2003–2004: Puerto Montt
- 2005–2006: Cobreloa
- 2006–2009: Cobreloa
- 2010–2011: Universidad de Chile
- 2012–2015: Napoli
- 2013: Grêmio (loan)
- 2014: Valencia (loan)
- 2014–2015: Queens Park Rangers (loan)
- 2015–2017: 1899 Hoffenheim
- 2017–2020: Tigres UANL
- 2020: Atlético Mineiro
- 2009: Chile U23
- 2009: Chile
Vargas is a forward and winger who has played for Atlético Mineiro since 2011. Vargas was born in Santiago, Chile in 1989. He started his career at Internacional de Renca before moving to Puerto Montt and Cobreloa.
In 2006, he joined Universidad de Chile where he spent five seasons injury-free before rejoining Atlético Mineiro in 2011.
Vargas has scored 17 goals in 85 appearances for the "Atleti" shirt, including one goal during the Copa Libertadores semi-final against São Paulo which led to their eventual victory on penalties (1-1 after extra time).
He made his international debut for Chile in 2009 and has since earned 43 caps, scoring eight times including three World Cup qualifiers as well as two friendlies against Argentina and Brazil respectively Eduardo Vargas is a Chilean football player who has played for clubs in his home country and abroad.
Eduardo Vargas started his career with Colo-Colo before moving to Europe to join Valencia and Queens Park Rangers, respectively.
In 2015 he joined Hoffenheim of the Bundesliga where he made 29 appearances over two seasons before joining Tigres UANL in Mexico last year.
Eduardo Vargas was part of Chile’s Copa Américawinning team in 2015 as well as their FIFA Confederations Cup runner-up performance in 2017.
Also Played For: tigres uanl
19. Paolo Guerrero
Career
- 1992–2002: Alianza Lima
- 2002–2003: Bayern Munich
- 2002–2006: Bayern Munich II
- 2004–2006: Bayern Munich
- 2006–2012: Hamburger SV
- 2012–2015: Corinthians
- 2015–2018: Flamengo
- 2018–2021: Internacional
- 2022: Avaí
- 2000–2001: Peru U17
- 2004: Peru U23
- 2004: Peru
Paolo Guerrero is a striker for Avaií who was born in Lima, Peru. He began his career with hometown club Alianza Lima before signing with Bayern Munich II in 2002.
Guerrero spent four seasons at Hamburger SV before joining Avaií in 2012. The 39-year-old has scored 46 goals in 137 appearances for his country and helped Peru qualify for their first World Cup since 1982 this year.
Paolo Guerrero will be looking to help Avaií reach the knockout stages of the tournament when they face Uruguay on 16 June 2018 Paolo Guerrero is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Corinthians and the Brazil national team.
He was born in Peru, but moved to Brazil as a teenager to start his professional career. In 2007, he helped Corinthians win the Copa Libertadores, becoming the first player from his country to do so.
After again helping Corinthians win the Copa Libertadores in 2016, he signed with Flamengo at the end of that year.
He has also represented Brazil at two World Cups (2010 and 2014), as well as four Copa Américas (2007, 2011, 2013 and 2015).
On 15 May 2019 he scored his 100th international goal in a friendly against Spain; this made him only the fourth player ever to score 100 goals for both club and country while playing primarily at left back or left midfield positions behind center forwards or number 10s.
20. Javier Mascherano
Career
- 1999–2003: River Plate
- 2003–2005: River Plate
- 2005–2006: Corinthians
- 2006–2007: West Ham United
- 2007–2010: Liverpool
- 2010–2018: Barcelona
- 2018–2019: Hebei China Fortune
- 2019–2020: Estudiantes
- 2001–2002: Argentina U17
- 2003–2004: Argentina U20
- 2005: Argentina U21
- 2004: Argentina U23
- 2008: Argentina Olympic (O.P.)
- 2003–2018: Argentina
- 2021–: Argentina U20
Javier Mascherano is a former professional footballer who now coaches Argentina's U20 team. Mascherano was born on 8 June 1984 in San Lorenzo, Argentina and started his career with local side Cerámica San Lorenzo.
He joined River Plate in 2003 and played for them until 2006 before moving to Corinthians the following year. In 2007, he signed for English side West Ham United where he made five appearances before retiring from football at the age of 26 due to injury.
Since retiring from playing, Javier has taken up coaching duties with Argentine side Club Atlético Independiente (head coach) as well as their U20 team squad which competes in the South American Youth Championship yearly.
Javier Mascherano is a professional football player who plays for Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
Mascherano started his career at River Plate, before moving to Liverpool in 2007. He won two Premier League titles with Liverpool, as well as the Champions League in 2005 and 2008.
In 2010, he moved to Barcelona where he has since played 203 games and helped them win La Liga twice (2013–14, 2015–16), Spanish Cup (2015) and European Supercup (2017).
Mascherano was also a part of the Argentina squad that competed at the FIFA World Cup in 2014, reaching the semi-finals before being beaten by Germany on penalties.
After missing out on qualification for Russia 2018 due to injury, Mascherano returned to help lead his country to third place at their Copa America campaign; they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Uruguay however.
21. Gary Medel
Career
- 1997–2006: Universidad Católica
- 2006–2009: Universidad Católica
- 2009–2011: Boca Juniors
- 2011–2013: Sevilla
- 2013–2014: Cardiff City
- 2014–2017: Inter Milan
- 2017–2019: Beşiktaş
- 2019–: Bologna
- 2007: Chile U20
- 2008: Chile U23
- 2007–: Chile
Gary Medel was born in 1987 and started his career with Universidad Católica. He joined Boca Juniors in 2009, playing 46 games for them before moving to Sevilla the next year.
Gary is a versatile defender who can also play midfield if needed, which has seen him start 39 of 78 appearances he's made for Sevilla thus far.
With Chile, he won silver at the 2011 South American Youth Championship and gold at the 2013 Copa América Centenario where he captained the side to victory over Argentina in the final (the first Chilean team ever to do so).
In May 2017, it was announced that Gary had signed for Italian club Bologna on a three-year contract. Gary is married with two children and is often involved in charity work alongside his wife.
Gary Medel is a Chilean international footballer who most recently played for Inter Milan. Gary was born in Santiago and started playing football at an early age with local side Colo-Colo before joining the English club Cardiff City in 2013.
After impressing whilst on loan at Italian side Internazionale, he joined the Serie A giants permanently in 2014 where he went on to make 91 appearances across three seasons.
In 2017, after spells with Beşiktaş and Bologna, Gary moved to Chile where he signed for Primera División champions Unión Española.
Having made 83 appearances for his new team over two years, Gary has now decided it's time to retire from professional football and return home to Chile.
22. Norberto Doroteo Méndez
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1941–1947: Huracán: 177: (67)
- 1947–1954: Racing Club: 128: (47)
- 1954–1956: Tigre: 46: (7)
- 1956–1958: Huracán: 38: (11)
- 1945–1956: Argentina: 31: (19)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Norberto Méndez was a highly successful inside-forward for Argentina, winning several international titles during his playing career. He made his full international debut in 1946 and went on to earn 43 caps over the course of five years.
After retiring from competitive football in 1955, Méndez became a coach with various clubs before joining the Argentine Football Association as an administrator in 1978.
In 1998, he was appointed president of CONMEBOL following its merger with FIFA and remained in that post until his death two years later at the age of 75.
Norberto Doroteo Méndez is regarded as one of Argentina's all-time greatest players and has been inducted into both the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) and Argentinian Football Association (AFA) Halls of Fame."
Norberto Doroteo Méndez – Inside Forward: 1923-1998" by José Luis García Paz de la Torre Norberto Domingo Mendes was born on 5 January 1923 Buenos Aires, son to Don Julio Mendes y Cáceres, who worked as an accountant at El Mercurio newspaper.
His maternal grandfather had immigrated to Spain from Portugal. At school, Mendes showed sporting talent especially in tennis which would lead him down the footballer’s path when he joined Club Atlético Independiente aged 16 on 1 July 1941 becoming first team player.
Within year earning promotion twice more before leaving River Plate after the 1943 season whereupon he spent four seasons playing 141 games scoring 66 goals for Racing Club between 1944/45 and 1948/49.
Then played again 41 games scoring 2 goals for CD Unión Española between 1949/50 – 1951/52 returning permanently to Racing Club midway through 1952 season whereupon retired aged only 26 having scored 119 times including 27 league goals.
On 9 November 1947 Mendes debuted for national side against Chile being captain 6 months later leading them to World Cup finals held Brazil where they were knocked out 3rd round losing 0–1 home game against.
Czechoslovakia despite having drawn their opening match 4–0 also away game lost 1–0 against Sweden but managed to draw home game 2–2 against Uruguay , finishing tournament top scorer with 7 goals helping.
Argentina finish second overall behind hosts Brazil however this success did not last long due to political instability back home saw Mendes return once more starting 34th fixture nation’s run towards World Cup 1954 hosted.
23. Gabriel Batistuta
Career
- 1987–1989: Newell's Old Boys
- 1989: Sportivo Italiano (loan)
- 1988–1989: Newell's Old Boys
- 1989–1990: River Plate
- 1990–1991: Boca Juniors
- 1991–2000: Fiorentina
- 2000–2003: Roma
- 2003: Inter Milan (loan)
- 2003–2005: Al-Arabi
- 1991–2002: Argentina
Gabriel Batistuta is regarded as one of the greatest strikers in history and was voted the best player in Serie A by fans during his time at Roma.
He began his career at Newell's Old Boys before joining River Plate and then Boca Juniors, where he won two league titles.
After a spell with Fiorentina, Batistuta joined Roma where he helped them to successive title wins and also became the first Argentine player to win a European Cup.
In 2003, after six years with Rome, Batistuta left Italy for Manchester United where he spent four seasons before retiring in 2007 aged 37 due to injury.
Since retirement, Batistuta has worked as a football commentator for various networks around the world and served as president of Atlético Madrid from 2012-2014 Batistuta is a legend of Argentine football and one of the most prolific strikers in history.
He played for some of the country's biggest clubs, including River Plate, Boca Juniors and Inter Milan, before moving to Italy where he became one of the best-known players in Europe.
Batistuta was known for his explosive pace and clinical finishing ability; he is also considered one of Argentina's greatest ever players.
His international career saw him win 78 caps, scoring 56 goals – making him the all-time leading scorer for his country.
After retiring from playing Batistuta turned to coaching; he has worked with several top teams around Europe, most notably AS Roma and Valencia CF. In 2016 he returned to play for Al Ain in Qatar League 1.
24. Severino Varela
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1932–1935: River Plate Montevideo: :
- 1935–1942: Peñarol: 74: (46)
- 1943–1945: Boca Juniors: 67: (43)
- 1946–1947: Peñarol: :
- 1935–1942: Uruguay: 24: (19)
Severino Varela was a Uruguayan striker who played for River Plate and Peñarol during his senior career. Varela scored 46 goals in 74 appearances for River Plate, and 67 goals in 43 appearances for Boca Juniors.
After retiring as a player, Severino became manager of Peñarol following the death of Hugo Sánchez in 1955. He remained at the club until his retirement from management in 1978. Severino died aged 81 on 29 July 1995 after suffering from Alzheimer's Disease for many years.
Severino Varela played for Peñarol from 1946 to 1947 and was an international player for Uruguay in 1935-1942. He won the South American Championship with Uruguay in 1942, as well as runner up titles with Peru in 1939 and Argentina in 1937.
Severino Varela retired from playing football after winning the Copa Centenario tournament with Peñarol later that year.
25. Zizinho
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1939–1950: Flamengo[2]: 172: (88)
- 1950–1957: Bangu[3]: 147: (65)
- 1957–1960: São Paulo[4]: 35: (19)
- 1959: → São Bento de Marília (loan)[5][6]: 9: (2)
- 1961: Audax Italiano[7]: 16: (3)
- Total: : 379: (177)
- 1942–1957[8]: Brazil: 53: (30)
- 1960: Bangu
- 1965–1966: Bangu
- 1967: Vasco da Gama
- 1972: Vasco da Gama
- 1980: Bangu
Zizinho was a Brazilian attacking midfielder who played for several teams in his career. Zizinho is most famous for winning the 1958 World Cup with Brazil, and also playing in the 1970 World Cup.
After retiring from football, Zizinho worked as a coach at various clubs across Brazil. On 8 February 2002, aged 80, Zizinho died of natural causes in Niterói, Brazil. He spent time on loan at São Bento de Marília during 1961 before returning to Audax Italiano later that year.
Thomaz Soares da Silva made 379 appearances for Flamengo (177 goals), Bangu (65 goals), São Paulo (19 goals) and Audax Italiano (16 goals). Brazil 53(30);(1958-60)Sao Paulo 35(19);(1960-61)São Bento de Marília 9(2).
Zizinho is one of the most decorated players in Brazilian football history and has won a total of 24 titles, including five with Vasco da Gama.
Zizinho was famed for his powerful goalscoring instincts and wizardry on the ball, which made him an ideal target man for some of Brazil's greatest sides of the 1980s and 1990s.
He also enjoyed a successful international career, playing at three FIFA World Cups (including runner-up 1950) and helping Brazil win South American Championship twice (1949 & 1949).
After retiring from playing Zizinho went on to manage several clubs in his homeland before taking up a role as ambassador for Vasco da Gama in 2006.
26. Jair
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1938: Barra Mansa: :
- 1938–1943: Madureira: :
- 1943–1947: Vasco da Gama: :
- 1947–1949: Flamengo: :
- 1949–1955: Palmeiras: :
- 1956–1960: Santos: :
- 1961: São Paulo: :
- 1962–1963: Ponte Preta: :
- 1940–1956: Brazil: 39: (22)
- 1963: São Paulo
- 1971–1972: Vitória
- 1972: Santos
- 1975–1976: Fluminense
Jair was born in Quatis, Rio de Janeiro on 21 March 1921. Jair began his career with Barra Mansa before joining Vasco da Gama in 1943. He won three Brazilian Championships (1947, 1948 and 1949) and two South American Championships (1948 and 1951).
Jair played over 600 games for Vasco da Gama scoring 133 goals and helping the club to nine league titles between 1945-1960.
After retiring from football, he worked as a coach at Santos between 1961-1963 and then Ponte Preta before returning to Santos again as assistant manager between 1978-1979 season.
Jair died aged 84 on 28 July 2005 after a prolonged illness in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Jair was born in 1940, which makes him a relatively young player when Brazil won their first FIFA World Cup. Jair played for several Brazilian clubs before moving to Santos in the early 1970s.
He helped the team win two championships there and also represented his country at international level on many occasions, most notably at the FIFA World Cup where they reached the final but lost to Uruguay.
After leaving Santos, Jair had spells with Fluminense and Vitória before retiring from football in 1976. He later worked as a manager of lower-league teams before passing away in 2012 aged 78 years old.
27. Ricardo Gareca
Career
- 1977: Boca Juniors
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1978–1984: Boca Juniors: 130: (64)
- 1981: → Sarmiento (loan): 33: (13)
- 1985: River Plate: 12: (4)
- 1985–1988: América de Cali: 53: (31)
- 1989–1992: Vélez Sarsfield: 118: (24)
- 1993–1994: Independiente: 41: (11)
- Total: : 387: (147)
- 1981–1986: Argentina: 20: (5)
- 1996–1997: Talleres
- 1997: Independiente
- 1997–2000: Talleres
- 2000: Colón
- 2001: Talleres
- 2002: Quilmes
- 2003: Argentinos Juniors
- 2005: América de Cali
- 2006: Santa Fe
- 2006: Talleres
- 2007–2008: Universitario
- 2009–2013: Vélez Sarsfield
- 2014: Palmeiras
- 2015–2022: Peru
Ricardo Gareca has managed Peru since December 2017 after spending two years as head coach of Chilean side Universidad de Chile. As a player, he spent most of his career with Boca Juniors where he won the Copa Libertadores three times and the Intercontinental Cup once.
After retiring from playing, Gareca worked in various coaching positions including at River Plate and Independiente before taking over at Universidad de Chile.
He is known for his attacking style of play which has seen him win numerous titles with clubs such as Boca Juniors and River Plate, as well as guiding Peruvian side América to their first Copa America title in 24 years this year Ricardo Gareca is a Brazilian football manager who has been in charge of several clubs, most notably Vélez Sarsfield and Palmeiras.
He was appointed Peruvian national team head coach in 2015, after previously being assistant to Jorge Sampaoli with Chile. His first major tournament as Peru boss was the Copa America Centenario where they reached the semi-finals before losing narrowly to Brazil.
In his second year in charge, 2018, he led Peru to their first ever World Cup qualification victory over Ecuador - a match that drew an attendance of over 100,000 people at the Universitario Stadium alone.
As well as managing club sides he also has experience as an assistant coach at international level with Argentina and Chile respectively.
Finally Ricardo Gareca’s footballing CV includes stints playing for some of Brazil’s biggest clubs including Flamengo and Internacional - both of whom he helped win titles during his time there.
Overall Ricardo Gareca is one of the most experienced managers currently working in world football; having worked extensively across different continents and levels within the game.
28. Casemiro
Career
- 2002–2010: São Paulo
- 2010–2013: São Paulo
- 2013: Real Madrid Castilla (loan)
- 2013: Real Madrid (loan)
- 2013–2022: Real Madrid
- 2014–2015: Porto (loan)
- 2022: Manchester United
- 2009: Brazil U17
- 2011: Brazil U20
- 2011: Brazil
Casemiro is a Brazilian defensive midfielder who has played for Manchester United since 2016. Casemiro started his career at São Paulo and made 92 appearances before joining Real Madrid in 2013 on a loan deal.
He was part of the team that won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League during his time at Madrid, before returning to United in 2018.
Casimiro has also represented Brazil at various youth levels and was called up to their senior squad in 2017.
As a result of his impressive performances with both club and country, he has been named one of the world's best midfielders by several publications.
With over 250 appearances under his belt, Casemiro is now looking forward to helping United win more trophies in the future Casemiro started his career at Porto and was loaned out to Manchester United in 2014.
He has since represented Brazil at several international tournaments, including the Copa América and FIFA U-20 World Cup. Casemiro is a commanding midfield presence who excels in controlling the tempo of games.
His calmness under pressure makes him an ideal captain for any team. With further honors likely forthcoming, Casemiro could soon be considered one of Brazil's greatest-ever footballers.
29. Marquinhos
Career
- 2002–2011: Corinthians
- 2012: Corinthians
- 2012–2013: Roma
- 2013: Paris Saint-Germain
- 2011: Brazil U17
- 2014: Brazil U21
- 2016: Brazil U23
- 2013: Brazil
Marquinhos is a Brazilian defender who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Marquinhos made his senior debut with Corinthians in 2011, and he has since played for Roma and PSG.
He was part of Brazil's gold medal winning squad at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Marquinhos is often deployed as a defensive midfielder, and he is also known for his powerful free kicks.
Marquinhos has been described as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe, and he could be an important player in PSG's future successes. Marquinhos is one of the most promising young defenders in world football.
Marquinhos has represented Brazil at various youth levels and was a part of the team that won Copa América in 2019. He joined Paris Saint-Germain from Brazilian club Flamengo in 2013, and has since made over 250 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.
Marquinhos is known for his pace, ability to read the game well, and strong passing skills; he also possesses good defending capabilities.
With PSG having reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals this season, Marquinhos will be looking to help them win their fourth title in five years next year too.
30. Francisco Maturana
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1970–1980: Atlético Nacional: 359: (15)
- 1981: Atlético Bucaramanga: 22: (0)
- 1982: Deportes Tolima: 32: (0)
- Total: : 413: (15)
- 1981: Colombia: 6: (0)
- 1986: Once Caldas
- 1987–1990: Atlético Nacional
- 1987–1990: Colombia
- 1990–1991: Real Valladolid
- 1992–1993: América de Cali
- 1993–1994: Colombia
- 1994: Atlético Madrid
- 1995–1997: Ecuador
- 1998: Millonarios
- 1999: Costa Rica
- 1999–2000: Peru
- 2001: Colombia
- 2002: Al-Hilal
- 2002–2003: Colombia
- 2004: Colón de Santa Fe
- 2007: Gimnasia La Plata
- 2008–2009: Trinidad and Tobago
- 2011–2012: Al Nassr
- 2017: Once Caldas
- 2019: Venezuela (assistant)
- 2019: Royal Pari
- 2021: Independiente Medellín
- 2021: Atlético Nacional
Francisco Maturana is a Colombian defender who played for Atlético Nacional and Deportes Tolima during his career. He returned to coaching in 1986, taking over at Once Caldas.
In 2004, he was appointed manager of the Venezuela national team, but he resigned after just one match due to health issues.
Francisco Maturana passed away on October 15th 2017 aged 73 years old Francisco Maturana is a Chilean scientist who has made significant contributions to the study of cognition and neuroscience.
He was born in Santiago in 1933, and studied at the University of Chile before moving to the United States to further his education.
His work on cognitive science has had a major impact on our understanding of how humans think and learn, particularly in relation to perception, action, and consciousness. He returned to Chile in 1980, where he continues his research into cognitive sciences at Universidad de Concepción.
31. Arnoldo Iguarán
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1978–1981: Cúcuta Deportivo[1]: 156: (44)
- 1982: Deportivo Táchira: :
- 1982: Deportes Tolima[2]: 18: (4)
- 1983: Independiente Santa Fe: 11: (3)
- 1983–1991: Millonarios[3]: 258: (88)
- 1992: Atlético Junior[4]: 28: (3)
- 1993–1995: Millonarios: 78: (32)
- 1995–1997: Cúcuta Deportivo: 35: (14)
- 1979–1993: Colombia: 68: (25)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Arnoldo Iguarán was born on January 18, 1957 in Riohacha, Colombia. He played for several Colombian teams during his career including Millonarios and Atlético Nacional.
Iguaran made his international debut for Colombia in 1978 and went on to make 54 appearances for the country. In 1988 he moved to Spain where he spent two seasons with Levante before retiring from football at the age of 36 years old due to injury.
After retirement, Iguaran worked as a football commentator for various Colombian television stations before moving back to his home country in 2001 where he currently resides with his wife and three children Arnoldo Iguarán is a Colombian football midfielder who played for Millonarios and Cúcuta Deportivo.
He was part of the Colombia national team that won the Copa América in 1979 and reached the final of the World Cup in 1990.
After retiring from professional football, he became a coach with Atlético Junior and then Independiente Santa Fe before rejoining Millonarios as assistant manager in 2007.
32. José Pérez
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1913–1920: Uruguay: 20: (3)
José Pérez was born in 1897, and died in 1988. José Pérez was a Spanish composer who is best known for his work on the film industry. José Pérez composed over 200 songs during his lifetime, many of which are still popular today.
He also wrote music for various films and television shows throughout his career, including "The Three Musketeers" and "The Adventures of Tintin".
José Pérez has been described as one of Spain's most important composers ever, and he has received numerous awards over the years for his work both inside and outside the film industry José Pérez was a forward for Uruguay who played in the 1913-1920 era.
Perez made 20 appearances for his country, scoring three goals. He passed away on 5 December 1920 at the age of 23 from an illness.
33. Máximo Mosquera
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1943–1948: Deportivo Municipal: :
- 1949–1950: Deportivo Cali: :
- 1951–1955: Alianza Lima: :
- 1956–1958: Sporting Cristal: :
- 1959–1960: Alianza Lima: :
- 1961–1962: Atlético Baleares: 20: (10)
- 1962–1963: Cádiz: 17: (7)
- 1947–1957: Peru: :
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Máximo Mosquera was a striker who played for Peru during the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for his time with Club Universitario de Deportes (UdeD) where he won two Peruvian league titles, as well as the Copa Libertadores in 1962.
Mosquera also appeared for several other clubs including Atlético Nacional, River Plate and Racing Santander, before retiring in 1970. Máximo Mosquera died on 27 July 2016 at the age of 88 after a long illness surrounded by his family and friends.
Mosquera was born in 1943 and played for Deportivo Municipal from 1943 to 1948. Mosquera then moved on to play for Deportivo Cali from 1949 to 1950. He next played for Alianza Lima from 1951 to 1955, where he won 2 league titles and a Copa Libertadores title.
In 1956, he joined Sporting Cristal before returning to Alianza Lima the following year.
Mosquera spent 1959-1960 with Atlético Baleares before joining Cádiz in 1962 where he stayed until 1963 when Peru called him up for their World Cup campaign which they lost in the quarter finals against Brazil 3-1 on aggregate (Mosquera scored one of Peruvian's goals).
After his time with Peru, Máximo retired from playing football professionally at the age of 26 years old due to injury sustained during a match against Barcelona SC of Ecuador.
34. José Vanzzino
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1913–1927: Uruguay: 38: (0)
José Vanzzino was born on July 5th, 1893 in a small Italian town. As a young man, José worked as an accountant and then turned to writing full-time.
Over the course of his career, José wrote over 30 books of fiction and nonfiction including The Catcher in the Rye and For Whom the Bell Tolls.
In addition to his literary work, José also served in World War II as an artillery officer before retiring at age 50.
José passed away on December 3rd, 1966 after a long battle with leukemia but remains widely beloved for his timeless works of literature. José Vanzzino was a midfielder for Uruguay during the 1930s and 1940s.
He played in 38 international matches for his country, scoring zero goals. After retiring from playing, Vanzzino became a manager.
He led Uruguayan clubs Nacional and Liverpool to Copa Libertadores titles in 1978 and 1979 respectively. José Vanzzino died on 29 June 1977 at the age of 83 after a long illness.
35. Pascual Somma
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- : Nacional: :
- : Defensor Sporting: :
- : Nacional: :
- 1911–1923: Uruguay: 41: (3)
Pascual Somma was a forward who played for Nacional in Uruguay during the early part of the 20th century. He represented his country internationally between 1911 and 1923, scoring 41 goals in total.
After retiring from playing, Somma became manager of Defensor Sporting before dying at the age of 43 in 1930. Pascual Somma is a Uruguayan football manager who has coached clubs in Uruguay, Chile and Argentina.
He made his coaching debut with Cerro Porteño in 1992 and managed the club until 1997 when he was appointed head coach of Universidad de Chile.
In 2000, he left Universidad de Chile to take over at Club Atlético River Plate where he remained for two years before returning to Universidad de Chile as head coach in 2002.
After three years at Universidad de Chile, Pascual Somma left the club to take charge of Argentine side Independiente for two seasons from 2004-2006 which saw him win the Copa Sudamericana in 2005.
He then returned to Unión Espíritu Santo where he led them to victory in the Apertura 2007 Clausura 2008 season which earned him promotion back into La Liga Paraguay after being relegated four times since 2001 including twice during his time at Independiente (2005/2006).
He signed a one year contract with newly formed Chilean club Huachipato on 29 January 2016 but resigned on 7 February 2016 due to personal reasons.
36. Óscar Tabárez
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1967–1971: Sud América: 73: (1)
- 1972–1973: Sportivo Italiano: 18: (0)
- 1975: Montevideo Wanderers: 9: (0)
- 1976: Fénix: 7: (0)
- 1976–1977: Puebla: 29: (2)
- 1977–1979: Bella Vista: 80: (1)
- Total: : 216: (4)
- 1980–1983: Bella Vista
- 1983: Uruguay U20
- 1984: Danubio
- 1985–1986: Montevideo Wanderers
- 1987: Peñarol
- 1987: Uruguay U20
- 1988: Deportivo Cali
- 1988–1990: Uruguay
- 1991–1993: Boca Juniors
- 1994–1996: Cagliari
- 1996: Milan
- 1997–1998: Real Oviedo
- 1998–1999: Cagliari
- 2001: Vélez Sársfield
- 2002: Boca Juniors
- 2006–2021: Uruguay
- 2012: Uruguay U23
Tabárez is a former Uruguayan footballer who played as defender. He managed Uruguay between 1980 and 1983, before moving into coaching. Tabárez led Bella Vista to two Primera División championships in his three seasons in charge, as well as the Copa Libertadores title in 1981.
After leaving management, he began working with Uruguayan club Nacional on their coaching staff from 1998 onwards.
In 2017 he was appointed manager of the national team for the final World Cup qualifying round match against Colombia which ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of play.
This meant that Uruguay qualified for Russia 2018 as Group A winners despite being considered outsiders at start of qualification process Tabárez will be entering his 75th year when he takes charge of Uruguay's first game at the World Cup finals - they take on France on 16 June.
37. Félix Loustau
Career
- : Sportivo Brandsen
- –: Racing Club de Avellaneda
- –: Dock Sud
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1942–1957: River Plate: 365: (101)
- 1957–1958: Estudiantes: ?: (?)
- 1945–1952: Argentina: 28: (10)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of June 2007
Loustau was one of the most prolific left wingers in Argentine football history, playing for River Plate, Boca Juniors and Independiente. He helped River Plate to win two Copa Libertadores titles and three Intercontinental Cups between 1952 and 1960.
Loustau also won seven league championships with Boca Juniors and Independiente during his time in Argentina.
After retiring from professional football, Loustau worked as a coach at several clubs including Racing Club de Avellaneda, Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba y San Martín de Tucumán and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata amongst others.
Félix Loustau died aged 80 after a long battle with cancer on 5 January 2003 Felix Loustau was born on March 20, 1923 in Avellaneda, Argentina. He began his career with Racing Club de Avellaneda before moving to Dock Sud in 1957.
In international play, he appeared for Argentina from 1945-1952 and helped the team win a silver medal at the 1950 World Cup.
After retiring as a player, Loustau served as manager of several clubs including River Plate and Estudiantes during his time spent outside of professional football. Felix Loustau passed away on October 1, 2006 after suffering from heart problems for many years.
38. Andrés Mazali
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1919–1930: Nacional: 267: (12)
- 1924–1929: Uruguay: 20: (0)
Andres Mazali was a goalkeeper who played for Nacional in Uruguay. He represented his country at international level from 1924-1929, winning 20 caps. Mazali retired from playing in the late 1930s, but remained involved with football administration and coaching until his death in 1975.
Mazali is considered one of Uruguay's greatest ever goalkeepers and will be inducted into the Uruguayan Football Hall of Fame later this year.
He remains fondly remembered by fans across Latin America for his graceful style on the pitch and gentlemanly personality off it Andrés Mazali represented Uruguay at the Olympic Games in 1924, where they finished fourth.
Mazali also won the South American Championship twice - firstly with Uruguay in 1923 and then again with Chile in 1926.
He played for several clubs including Cerro Porteño, River Plate and Boca Juniors before retiring from football in 1929. Andrés Mazali is remembered as one of Uruguay's greatest ever players and was named by FIFA as one of the 125 most famous people who have played football throughout history.
39. José Salomón
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1934: Talleres-Lanus: 3: (0)
- 1934–1938: Talleres (RE): 93: (0)
- 1939–1946: Racing Club: 215: (0)
- 1947: Liverpool de Montevideo: : (0)
- 1950: Talleres (RE): 9: (0)
- 1939–1946: Argentina: 44: (0)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
José Salomón was a defender who played for several clubs in Argentina and Chile. He is best known for his time at Universidad de Chile, where he won two Chilean league titles and the Copa America title in 1962.
José Salomón also represented his country at the 1958 World Cup and the 1970 World Cup, both of which they reached the semi-finals. After retirement from football, José Salomón ran a sports clothing store in Santiago until his death 20 years later.
José Salomón was a prolific goalscorer during his playing career, amassing 215 goals in just 47 appearances for Racing Club. José Salomón also had an international career with Argentina, scoring 44 goals in just 9 appearances.
After finishing his playing days, José Salomón went on to have a successful coaching career at various clubs across the country.
40. Herminio Masantonio
Career
- : Sportivo Villa Albino
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1931–1943, 1945: Huracán: 349: (254)
- 1943: Defensor: 11: (3)
- 1944: Banfield: 9: (2)
- 1935–1942: Argentina: 19: (21)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 2007
Herminio Masantonio was born on 5 August 1910 in Ensenada, Argentina. He enjoyed a long and successful career with Huracán, playing from 1930 until his death in 1956.
Masantonio was one of the most prolific scorers in Argentine football history, scoring 189 goals in total for Huracán and other clubs during his career.
He is also widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers to have played the game, and he is considered by many to be Argentinian football's all-time leading scorer.
Masantonio has been honored by both FIFA and La Liga with him being inducted into their respective Halls of Fame.
While he also holds several other prestigious awards including induction into the Argentina Football Association Hall of Fame and placement on the International Federation of Football History & Statistics' 'World XI' list of greats at number 10 overall.
Following his death in 1956, Masantonio was buried in Ensenada's General Mitre Cemetery alongside notable figures such as Isidoro Díaz (former president) and Jorge Luis Borges (writer)..
41. Roberto Porta
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1930–1931: Nacional: 3: (1)
- 1931–1934: Independiente: 96: (19)
- 1934–1936: Internazionale: 53: (12)
- 1936–1946: Nacional: 307: (133)
- Total: : 459: (165)
- 1935: Italy: 1: (0)
- 1937–1945: Uruguay: 34: (14)
- 1973–1974: Uruguay
Roberto Porta was a forward who played for Nacional and Independiente in Uruguay and Internazionale in Argentina. He is most famous for his time at Inter, where he won three Serie A titles before joining Napoli in Italy.
Roberto Porta also represented Uruguay at international level, winning 36 caps between 1934 and 1946. After retiring from playing, he became manager of several clubs including Nacional and River Plate. Roberto Porta died aged 70 after a long illness in 1984 Roberto Porta is one of the most successful footballers in history.
He has played for both Italy and Uruguay, and won a wealth of honours along the way. Roberto Porta was born on July 1, 1935 in Rome, Italy. At just 17 years old, he made his debut for Italy in a World Cup Qualifying match against Austria in October 1952.
In total, Porta played 134 matches for Italy between 1952 and 1963 before moving to Uruguay to play 34 matches between 1967 and 1973.
His international career finished with four appearances for Uruguay at the Central European International Cup (in 1983-85).
After retiring from playing professionally, Roberto Porta became manager of Italian side Lazio Roma between 1993 and 1994 before taking over as coach of Uruguayan club Peñarol later that year - where he remained until 1998.
42. René Pontoni
Career
- Gimnasia y Esgrima de Santa Fe
- 1940–1944: Newell's Old Boys
- 1945–1948: San Lorenzo
- 1949–1952: Independiente Santa Fe
- 1953: Portuguesa
- 1954: San Lorenzo
- 1942–1947: Argentina
- 1956 – 1957: Newell's Old Boys
- 1962: San Lorenzo
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15 November 2007
René Pontoni was a prolific striker who played for Newell's Old Boys in Argentina. He was part of the Argentine national team that won the gold medal at the 1950 World Cup and reached the final of the 1954 Copa America.
Pontoni died in 1983, aged 62 years old, after a long career playing football. René Pontoni was one of the greatest Argentine footballers and managers of all time.
René Pontoni is considered to be one of the architects of modern-day Argentinian football, playing a huge role in setting up both Newell's Old Boys and San Lorenzo as top teams in their respective leagues.
René Pontoni also enjoyed successful managerial spells with San Lorenzo and Portuguesa, guiding both clubs to multiple titles and cup victories during his time at the helm.
After leaving professional management behind, RenéPontoni took on a coaching role with Argentina's national team from 1987 until 1994, helping them reach the World Cup finals twice (1986 & 1990).
In recent years, he has been involved in several projects aimed at developing youth football within Argentina - most notably becoming president of AFA in 2006/07 season after previously serving as vice president for two terms between 1997-2002.
Also Played For: san lorenzo de almagro
43. Santos Urdinarán
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1919–1933: Nacional: 318: (124)
- 1923–1930: Uruguay: 20: (2)
Santos Urdinarán was a Uruguayan forward who played for Nacional and Uruguay in international competition. He made his debut for Nacional in 1919, and went on to play 318 games for the club over the course of nine seasons.
Santos Urdinarán also represented Uruguay at international level, playing 20 matches between 1923 and 1930. After retiring from playing football, Santos Urdinarán worked as a coach at various clubs across Uruguay.
He died aged 79 years old in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1979 Santos Urdinarán is one of the most decorated footballers in Uruguayan history.
He has won a total of 18 club titles, including seven league championships and five Copa Libertadores. Santos Urdinarán was also part of Uruguay's Olympic team that competed at the 1924 Paris Olympics where they reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual gold medal winners France.
In 1928, he helped his country win their first ever continental title when they triumphed over Chile in the South American Championship tournament.
Two years later, he led Uruguay to their second consecutive South American Championship victory by beating Argentina 1-0 in the final match played at Santiago de Chile's Estadio Nacional stadium - this time with goals from Alberto Spencer and José Herrera netting for Uruguay respectively.
Santos Urdinarán represented his country internationally on many occasions, playing alongside other legends such as Alcides Ghiggia and Jorge Rial during FIFA World Cup tournaments between 1930 and 1950 which saw them crowned champion on two occasions (1930 & 1950).
Finally, after spending three decades representing his home nation with distinction, Santos Urddarinan retired from professional football following Uruguay's 3-1 aggregate victory over.
Brazil in the semi-finals stage of CONMEBOL'S Copa America Centenario held back-to-back across both countries between June 25th and July 8th 2016.
44. Ángel Romano
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1910: Nacional: :
- 1911–1913: CURCC: :
- 1913–1915: Boca Juniors: :
- 1915–1930: Nacional: :
- 1911–1927: Uruguay: 70: (28)
Romano was a Uruguayan international player who played for Nacional from 1911 to 1927. Romano is most famous for his time with Boca Juniors, where he won five championship titles between 1913 and 1930.
Romano also earned caps for Uruguay at the Copa America in 1916, 1924 and 1928, as well as the World Cup in 1930. In addition to his playing career, Ángel Romano served as president of Nacional between 1945 and 1951.
After retiring from footballing activity, Ángel Romano continued to work in football administration until his death in 1972 at the age of 79 years old. Romano is Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer. Romano was part of the Uruguayan squad that won the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.
Romano also represented his country at the South American Championship on multiple occasions, including winning titles in 1916 and 1917. After retiring from playing, Ángel became a manager with clubs such as Cerro Largo and Peñarol before returning to coaching duties with Nacional in 1974.
On 17 May 1984, aged 46 years old, Ángel died after collapsing during a game against Racing Club de Avellaneda - an event which led to him being honoured by FIFA with their Fair Play Award posthumously five years later on 10 December 1988.
45. Antonio Urdinarán
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- : Defensor Sporting: :
- : Nacional: :
- : Central Español: :
- 1916–1932: Uruguay: 18: (2)
Antonio Urdinarán was a defender who played for Nacional and Central Español during his career. He became Uruguay's first-ever international captain in 1928, and led the team to victory at the 1930 Copa América.
Urdinarán retired from playing in 1935 after captaining Nacional to their third league title, but remained with the club as manager until 1940. After retiring as a player, he worked as a football commentator for Radio Continental before returning to manage Central Español in 1945.
Urdinarán died aged 62 years after battling cancer for several years Antonio Urdinarán was a Uruguayan international footballer who played for clubs in Uruguay and Brazil. He is best known for his participation at the 1924 Olympic Games as part of the Uruguay national football team, where they reached the semi-finals.
After retiring from playing he served as manager of several clubs, most notably Nacional de Montevideo during their championship-winning period in 1938–39. Antonio Urdinarán died in 1962 at the age of 79 years old.
46. Alfredo Zibechi
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- : Montevideo Wanderers: :
- : Nacional: :
- 1915–1924: Uruguay: 38: (1)
Alfredo Zibechi was a defender who played for Uruguay national team between 1915 and 1924. He is best remembered for his time with Montevideo Wanderers, where he won two league titles and one Copa America.
After retiring from football, Alfredo focused on business ventures in Uruguay and Argentina. He died in 1958 at the age of 63 after a long battle with cancer. Alfredo Zibechi was born on February 2, 1888 in Montevideo, Uruguay.
He played as a defender for clubs including Nacional and Racing Club de Montevideo before joining River Plate in 1907. Zibechi helped River Plate win two league championships and the Copa América in 1917.
After retiring from playing football, he became manager of several Uruguayan sides including Peñarol and Independiente Santa Fe.
In 1937 he was appointed president of the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) which he held until his death on December 26, 1966 at the age of 76 years old.
Zibechi is considered to be one of Uruguay's greatest footballers ever and has been inducted into both the International Federation Of Football History And Statistics' World Player Of The Year Awards (1915).
South American Footballer Of The Year Awards (1916), FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1950) as well as being named by Pelé as one of his five idols when he first started playing football.
47. Guillermo Stábile
Career
- : Sportivo Metán
- 1920–1923: Huracán
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1924–1930: Huracán: 119: (102)
- 1930–1935: Genoa: 41: (15)
- 1935–1936: Napoli: 20: (3)
- 1936–1939: Red Star Paris: 19: (2)
- Total: : 240: (138)
- 1930: Argentina: 4: (8)
- 1931–1932: Genoa (co-manager)
- 1937–1939: Red Star Paris
- 1939–1940: San Lorenzo
- 1939–1960: Argentina
- 1940–1941: Estudiantes LP
- 1940–1949: Huracán
- 1949–1960: Racing Club
Guillermo Stábile was born on January 17, 1905 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He started his professional career with Sportivo Metán in 1920 and then moved to Huracán the following year.
In 1930 he joined Genoa where he spent four seasons before joining Napoli in 1935. During World War II (1939-1945), Stábile played for Red Star Paris while serving as a military policeman in Italy.
After the war he rejoined Napoli and retired from football at the end of the 1946 season aged 36 years old having scored 102 goals in 119 appearances for Huracán, Genoa and Napoli combined.
Guillermo Stábile was born on January 17, 1905 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.He started his professional career with Sportivo Metán in 1920 and then moved to Huracán the following year. In 1930 he joined Genoa where he spent four seasons before joining Napoli in 1935 . During World War II (1939-1945), Stábile played for Red Star Paris while serving as a military policeman in Italy .
After the war he rejoined Napoli and retired from football at the end of the 1946 season aged 36 years old having scored 102 goals.
48. Félix Castillo
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1945–1949: Alianza Lima: :
- 1950–1951: América de Cali: :
- 1952–1960: Alianza Lima: :
- 1947–1956: Peru: 31: (8)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Felix Castillo was a renowned Peruvian author who is best known for his novel "The House of the Spirits". He died from lung cancer at the age of 50 in 1978.
Felix Castillo was born on 21 February 1928 in Lima, Peru. His writing career began in the 1960s and he wrote many novels, short stories and essays throughout his life.
Félix Castillo's most famous work is "The House of the Spirits", which has been translated into over 25 languages around the world and won numerous awards including the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.
Felix Castillo was a highly respected writer and his death marked a major loss to Peruvian culture Castillo began his career with Alianza Lima in 1945. He was a part of Peru's national team from 1947 to 1956.
Castillo was most successful while playing for Alianza Lima, where he won 8 league titles and 31 caps. After retiring as a player, Castillo became an assistant coach for the club between 1977 and 1986.
In 1987, Castillo took over as manager of Alianza Lima, leading them to three victory trophies in four years before being replaced by Manuel Pellegrini in 1990.
Castillo later managed several lower-division clubs before becoming president of Liga MX side Pachuca FC in 2006
49. Óscar Gómez Sánchez
Career
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1952–1958: Alianza Lima: :
- 1959–1960: River Plate: 49: (10)
- 1961–1963: Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata: 64: (17)
- 1964–1965: Alianza Lima: :
- 1953–1959: Peru: 26: (14)
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Gómez Sánchez was a forward who played for several clubs in Peru and Spain. He won the Copa América with Peruvian side Alianza Lima in 1966 and the European Cup with Spanish side Valencia CF in 1984.
In 2007, he was inducted into the Peruvian National Football Hall of Fame. Gómez Sánchez died at the age of 73 after a long battle with cancer. Gómez Sánchez was born on January 8, 1938 in the city of Lima, Peru.
Alianza Lima before moving to the Argentine giants River Plate in 1959. After two seasons at River Plate, Oscar moved to Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata where he would play for four more years.
In 1964, Óscar signed a contract with Peruvian side Universitario and helped lead them to their first Copa Libertadores title in 1966.
50. Alfio Basile
Career
- : Bella Vista de Bahía Blanca
- Years: Team: Apps: (Gls)
- 1964–1970: Racing Club: 163: (19)
- 1971–1975: Huracán: 97: (4)
- 1968–1973: Argentina: 8: (1)
- 1975–1976: Chacarita Juniors
- 1976: Rosario Central
- 1978: Racing Club
- 1979: Racing de Córdoba
- 1980: Instituto de Córdoba
- 1981: Racing de Córdoba
- 1982: Huracán
- 1982: Nacional
- 1983: Racing de Córdoba
- 1983: Talleres de Córdoba
- 1984–1986: Vélez Sársfield
- 1986–1989: Racing Club
- 1989–1990: Vélez Sársfield
- 1991–1994: Argentina
- 1995: Atlético de Madrid
- 1996–1997: Racing Club
- 1998: San Lorenzo
- 2000–2001: América
- 2004: Colón de Santa Fe
- 2005–2006: Boca Juniors
- 2006–2008: Argentina
- 2009–2010: Boca Juniors
- 2012: Racing Club
Basile played for Racing Club and Huracán in Argentina before moving to the United States to play for Chacarita Juniors. He later managed both Rosario Central and Racing de Córdoba before retiring from playing football in 1984.
Basile was named captain of Argentina national team in 1973, but he did not make an appearance for his country until 1968.
Alfio Basile is widely considered one of the best centre-backs of all time, having won multiple awards throughout his career including three Copa Libertadores titles with Racing Club and two Argentine Cups with Rosario Central.
In 2013, Basile was awarded a life membership by Argentinian Football Association (AFA) in recognition of his contribution to the sport domestically and internationally over 50 years ago. Alfio Basile was born on December 25, 1978 in Córdoba, Argentina.
He started his professional career playing for Instituto de Córdoba and Racing de Córdoba before joining Vélez Sársfield in 1988.
In 1990 he transferred to Racing Club where he played until 1994 when he signed with Argentine team River Plate. After one season with River Plate Alfio returned to Vélez Sársfield and then moved abroad to play for Atlético Madrid from 1995-1997 before returning home to Boca Juniors in 1998.
From 2000-2001 Alfio spent two seasons with America before rejoining Boca Juniors again from 2004-2006 where he helped the club win their first league title in 17 years as well as the Copa Sudamericana that year scoring twice against.
Ecuador during the tournament's semifinal stage including a famous volley at full stretch which still remains one of Boca's most iconic goals ever scored (watch below).
On July 9th 2006 Basile announced his retirement from football after announcing that he would be moving into coaching following a long injury layoff caused by an irregular heartbeat sustained while playing against San Lorenzo back in 2005.
however this did not stop him from occasionally making guest appearances for both teams over the next few years up until 2009.
When finally hanging up his boots completely due to chronic pain suffered throughout his body (which doctors attributed largely due to repetitive trauma injuries sustained throughout his career).
51. Álex Aguinaga
Career
- 1984–1989: Deportivo Quito
- 1989–2003: Necaxa
- 2003–2004: Cruz Azul
- 2004–2005: LDU Quito
- 1987–2004: Ecuador
- 2011: América (assistant)
- 2011: Barcelona SC
- 2012: San Luis
- 2013–2014: LDU Loja
- 2014–2015: Correcaminos UAT
- 2015–2016: Deportivo Cuenca
- 2016: LDU Quito
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Aguinaga was a midfielder for Ecuadorian side Deportivo Quito and Mexican outfit Necaxa. Aguinaga started his coaching career in 2015 with Deportivo Cuenca, who he led to the Liga de Ascenso title that season.
In 2017, Aguinaga took charge of Club Santos Laguna in Mexico's second tier. He left this position after one year to take over at newly-promoted Club Tijuana. Aguinaga played for Cruz Azul from 2003 to 2004, during which time the team finished in 14th place.
After leaving Cruz Azul, Aguinaga had a successful international career with Ecuador. He made 109 appearances and scored 23 goals over a nine-year period.
In 2011, Aguinaga became an assistant manager at América de Quito before moving on to Barcelona SC two years later as head coach.
His tenure was short-lived however, as he was fired after just one season in charge of the club. Aguinaka then took up posts with LDU Loja (2013), Correcaminos UAT (2014–2015) and Deportivo Cuenca (2016).
All four clubs were unsuccessful in qualifying for the Liga MX playoffs during his managerial stints there respectively.
Also Played For: ecuador national team
Final Words
. . The Copa America, also known as the CONMEBOL Copa America or South American Football Championship, is an international football tournament held every four years between national teams representing member associations of CONMEBOL.
The current champion is Argentina who won their fourth title in 2016.
