Football’s best players have long competed in the Premier League, and few areas have contributed more flair, fervour, and unadulterated skill than South America. South American football players have unquestionably influenced English football since the turn of the twenty-first century by introducing their distinct style and redefining responsibilities on the pitch.
These players have left a lasting legacy, ranging from prolific goal scorers who delivered in crucial situations to midfield maestros who precisely controlled games and defensive mainstays who supported championship-winning teams. South Americans have played a key role in the development of the league, whether it was through the heroics of Sergio Agüero in winning the title, the captivating genius of Luis Suárez, or Fernandinho’s command in the midfield.
The Top 10 South American players to have played in the Premier League in the twenty-first century are highlighted in this ranking based on their individual skill, reliability, and league-wide influence. Every individual on this list has made a lasting impression and influenced English football history in a unique way.
10. Liverpool’s Alisson Becker (Brazil) (2018–present)
94 clean sheets
Major Accolades: Two Golden Gloves (2018–19, 2021–2022), one Premier League, one FA Cup, and one EFL Cup
Why? There is no denying Alisson’s influence on Liverpool’s metamorphosis. His reputation as one of the league’s best goalkeepers has been cemented by his outstanding distribution, poise, and shot-stopping skills. He became the first custodian to score a competitive goal for Liverpool in 2021 with his historic headed goal against West Bromwich Albion. His contribution to Liverpool’s defensive stability has been crucial.
9. Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (Brazil) (2015–2023)
Objectives: 82
Helps: 50
Principal Accolades: One Premier League, one FA Cup, one EFL Cup, and one Champions League.
Why? Firmino was an essential player because of his special position in Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool system. The key to Liverpool’s offensive success was his deft mobility, unrelenting pressing, and inventive link-up play. He was the key that made it possible for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané to succeed. He played a significant role in Liverpool’s 30-year title drought ending.
8. Gabriel Jesus, a Brazilian who has played for Manchester City and Arsenal since 2017
Objectives: 95
Helps: 46
Major Accolades: Four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and four EFL Cups
Why? Gabriel Jesus, a dynamic forward with remarkable technical skill, was essential to Manchester City’s championship runs. He was a great asset because of his work rate, pressing, and clinical finishing. He has been a vital member of Arsenal’s assault ever since they moved there.
7. Manchester City’s Fernandinho (Brazil) (2013–2022)
Objectives: 20
Helps: 29
Principal Awards: Five Premier League titles, six EFL Cups, and one FA Cup.
Why? Fernandinho was an essential part of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team because of his combative style, tactical intelligence, and positional awareness. He served as a vital conduit between attack and defence and offered defensive steadiness. Both on and off the pitch, he was a leader.
6. Brazil’s Gilberto Silva, who played for Arsenal from 2002 until 2008
Objectives: 17
Helps: 10
Principal Awards: Two FA Cups and one Premier League (Invincibles season).
Why? Gilberto Silva was a vital member of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” campaign, contributing technical discipline and defensive stability in midfield. He was one of the most underappreciated players of his time because of his subtle but significant accomplishments.
5. Brazil’s Philippe Coutinho, who played for Liverpool and Aston Villa from 2013 to 2018 and 2022 to 2023
Goals: 41; assists: 37; Premier League major honours: none.
Why? Coutinho was a favourite among Liverpool supporters due to his inventiveness, dribbling, and long-range shooting. He was one of the league’s most exciting players because of his ability to generate opportunities and score amazing goals.
4. Alexis Sánchez, a Chilean who played for Manchester United and Arsenal from 2014 to 2019
63 goals, 45 assists, and two FA Cups are among the major honours.
Why? Alexis Sánchez was an absolute powerhouse when he was at his best with Arsenal. He had remarkable dribbling, work rate, and goal-scoring skills. He played a significant role in Arsenal’s FA Cup victories and was chosen to the PFA Team of the Year.
3. Argentinean Carlos Tevez, who played for Manchester United, Manchester City, and West Ham from 2006 to 2013
202 appearances
Objectives: 84
34 assists
Three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, and one Champions League are among the major honours.
Why? Tevez was an invaluable member of any squad he played for because of his perseverance, work ethic, and goal-scoring ability. His legacy was enhanced by his contentious transfer from Manchester United to Manchester City. He helped both Manchester clubs win the league.
2. Uruguayan Luis Suárez, who played with Liverpool from 2011 to 2014
110 appearances
Objectives: 69
Helps: 39
Principal Awards: Golden Boot (2013–14), PFA Player of the Year (2014)
Why? Luis Suárez had an incredible time while he was at Liverpool. He had remarkable dribbling, creative, and goal-scoring skills. He had one of the best individual seasons in Premier League history in 2013–14, scoring 31 goals in 33 games.
1. Manchester City’s Sergio Agüero (Argentina) (2011–2021)
275 appearances
Objectives: 184 Helps: 47
5 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, and 6 EFL Cups are among the major honours.
Why? The most goal-scoring South American in Premier League history is Sergio Agüero. He became a legend due to his clinical finishing, dribbling, and ability to score important goals. Manchester City’s first league title in forty-four years was won in 2012 thanks to his famous last-minute goal against Queens Park Rangers. With twelve, he holds the record for the most Premier League hat tricks.
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