Legendary football players have always come from South America. The region has produced some of the world’s most famous athletes, from Pelé’s flair to Maradona’s brilliance. Football is more than just a game to South Americans; it’s a way of life, a culture, and a love. In 2025, athletes from the current generation will be lighting up leagues all across the world, demonstrating how brilliant that fire is. The top 20 South American football players of all time are honoured in this list according to their individual skill, contribution to the team, reliability, and degree of competitiveness.
20. Rodríguez James
Club: León
Nation: Colombia
After a turbulent career in Europe, James Rodríguez, formerly the golden boy of the 2014 World Cup, has found a new home at León in Liga MX. With his vision and technique, the Colombian playmaker continues to tug strings in midfield. Rodríguez is still a fan favourite and a class act, even though his time at Real Madrid seems like a faraway past.
19. Pacho, William
Paris Saint-Germain is the club.
Ecuador is the country.
Paris Saint-Germain is the club.
Ecuador is the country.
Ever since joining PSG, William Pacho has been a revelation. After a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Liverpool, the young Ecuadorian defender has fit right in with the Parisian backline and helped the team advance to the Champions League quarterfinals. He has been a key component of PSG’s success in Ligue 1 and beyond this season because to his poise and physicality.
18. Cunha Matheus
Club: Wanderers of Wolverhampton
Nation: Brazil
In the Premier League, Wolves is fighting relegation, but Matheus Cunha has been their bright spot. Despite competition from larger teams like Manchester United and Arsenal, the Brazilian forward’s goals and unwavering enthusiasm have kept the side afloat. Cunha is a gifted player who is bound for greatness, regardless of Wolves’ outcome.
17. Caicedo Moisés
Club: Chelsea; Ecuador is the country.
Chelsea’s midfield has been anchored by Moisés Caicedo’s unwavering work ethic and tactical acumen. Those who questioned the Ecuadorian’s high price tag have been hushed by his impressive displays under Chelsea’s new manager. He is already among the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League at the age of 23.
16. Marquinhos
Paris Saint-Germain is the club.
Nation: Brazil
Marquinhos is still a defensive powerhouse for PSG at the age of thirty. The Brazilian captain provides stability and leadership to a backline striving for both national and European championships. As PSG navigates a challenging Champions League season, his experience has been crucial, demonstrating that he is far from finished at the top level.
15. Guimarães Bruno
Newcastle United is the club.
Nation: Brazil
Bruno Guimarães’ risky decision to join Newcastle rather than Arsenal has paid off handsomely. The midfielder played a key role in their Champions League qualification a few seasons ago, and his skill is evident even as Newcastle won their first trophy in almost 56 years. The next move Bruno makes could be a game-changer because Manchester City is allegedly interested in replacing Rodri.
14. Fernández Enzo
Club: Chelsea; Argentina as the country
At Chelsea, Enzo Fernández has developed into a master of the midfield. With his pushing and passing, the Argentine World Cup champion propels the team ahead with a blend of style and determination. He is one of the biggest stars in South America in 2025 because of his impact on Chelsea’s comeback.
13. Rodrigo De Paul
Club: Real Madrid
Argentina is the country.
Rodrigo De Paul is a standout for Atletico Madrid because of his work ethic and adaptability. With unrelenting intensity, the Argentine midfielder links attack and defence in a tussle for every ball. De Paul is the beating core of Diego Simeone’s tough side and a major contributor to Argentina’s recent international triumphs.
12. Becker, Alisson
Country: Brazil; Club: Liverpool
In the Premier League, Alisson continues to be the standard for goalkeepers. Despite this season’s injury setbacks, the Brazilian’s ability to stop shots and remain composed under duress is unparalleled. He is still among the greatest in the world, as seen by Liverpool’s invincibility when he is in goal.
11. Díaz Luis
Club: Liverpool; Colombian nation
At Liverpool in 2025, Luis Díaz has achieved unprecedented success. Early criticism of the Colombian winger’s final product has been dispelled by his stunning regularity in scoring goals and providing assists. He has transformed into the explosive force Sadio Mané once was under the new management, leading Liverpool to yet another Premier League championship.
10. Allister, Alexis Mac
Club: Liverpool; Argentina as the country
The decision to go to Liverpool for Alexis Mac Allister has paid off. Under new tactics, he is now flourishing in a more attacking role after first being used as a deeper midfielder. The World Cup winner is an essential link between Liverpool’s defence and their deadly front line because of his inventiveness and poise.
9. Martínez Emiliano
Club: Aston Villa
Argentina is the country.
Emiliano Martínez is the best goalie in the game. His exploits for Aston Villa and Argentina highlight his clutch mindset, and his back-to-back FIFA Best Keeper and Yashin Trophies attest to his genius. His ability to control the box and perform well under pressure is unmatched by many.
8. Rodrygo Goes
Real Madrid is the club.
Nation: Brazil
Real Madrid now relies heavily on Rodrygo Goes. The 24-year-old Brazilian was instrumental in their Champions League victory, scoring 14 goals in a season. He is an essential piece in Madrid’s star-studded machine because of his ability to step up when it counts most.
7. Magalhães, Gabriel
Club: Arsenal
Nation: Brazil
For Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhães has been a titan. In addition to his aerial prowess and set-piece goals, he has partnered with William Saliba to form one of the Premier League’s tightest defences. His big shoulders are crucial to Arsenal’s chances of winning the title.
6. Martínez Lautaro
Inter Milan is the club.
Argentina is the country.
The goal-scoring machine is Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine striker led Inter Milan’s push in Italy and Europe in 2025 after finishing as Serie A’s top scorer the previous season. He is among the best forwards in the world because of his work ethic and precision finishing.
5. Júnior Vinícius
Real Madrid is the club.
Nation: Brazil
The phenomena is Vinícius Júnior. The FIFA The Best Award winner’s speed, cunning, and finishing are shattering defences. He has already won several titles with Real Madrid at the age of 24, and his potential appears to have no boundaries. At the moment, he is the most captivating talent in South America.
4. Lionel Messi
Club: Miami Inter
Argentina is the country.
Lionel Messi continues to defy rationality at the age of 37. The Argentine legend, who is currently playing brilliantly for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, never ceases to wow fans with his brilliant moments. Even at the end of his career, he is a force few can equal, and his trophy cabinet is brimming with awards.
3. Valverde Federico
Real Madrid is the club.
Uruguay is the country.
The full midfielder is Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan has become Real Madrid’s mainstay because to his passing, work ethic, and devastating long-range shots. Valverde, who is already a modern-day superstar, is taking over as the club’s future as Modrić deteriorates and Kroos retires.
2. Álvarez Julián
Club: Real Madrid
Argentina is the country.
The transfer of Julián Álvarez to Atletico Madrid has been a brilliant move. With 23 goals to date in Spain, the World Cup winner has jumped right in after scoring 32 goals at Manchester City. He is a deadly finisher at 25 with a promising future.
1. Raphinha
Club: Barcelona
Nation: Brazil
In 2025, Raphinha has taken back his place among the best. Under Hansi Flick, the Brazilian winger has been outstanding for Barcelona, joining Lewandowski and Yamal to form a lethal trio. He is the best player in South America this year, and his productivity and consistency have generated discussion about a Ballon d’Or.
xz
