The Premier League has long been a stage for football’s greatest talents, and few regions have contributed more flair, passion, and raw ability than South America. Since the turn of the 21st century, South American players have made an undeniable impact on English football, bringing their unique style and redefining roles across the pitch.
From prolific goal scorers who delivered in the biggest moments to midfield maestros who controlled games with precision, and defensive stalwarts who anchored title-winning teams, these players have left an enduring legacy. Whether it was Sergio Agüero’s title-winning heroics, Luis Suárez’s mesmerizing brilliance, or Fernandinho’s midfield mastery, South Americans have been central to the league’s evolution.
This ranking highlights the Top 10 South American players to have played in the Premier League in the 21st century, considering their individual brilliance, consistency, and overall impact on the league. Each name on this list has left an indelible mark, shaping the history of English football in their own way.
10. Alisson Becker (Brazil) – Liverpool (2018-Present)
- Clean Sheets: 94
- Major Honors: 1x Premier League, 1x FA Cup, 1x EFL Cup, 2x Golden Glove (2018-19, 2021-22)
- Why? Alisson’s impact on Liverpool’s transformation is undeniable. His exceptional shot-stopping ability, remarkable distribution, and composure have solidified his place among the league’s elite goalkeepers. His headed goal against West Bromwich Albion in 2021 was a historic moment, making him the first goalkeeper to score a competitive goal for Liverpool. He has been a critical part of Liverpool’s defensive solidity.
9. Roberto Firmino (Brazil) – Liverpool (2015-2023)
- Goals: 82
- Assists: 50
- Major Honors: 1x Premier League, 1x FA Cup, 1x EFL Cup, 1x Champions League.
- Why? Firmino’s unique role in Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool system made him an indispensable player. His intelligent movement, relentless pressing, and creative link-up play were pivotal to Liverpool’s attacking success. He was the linchpin that allowed Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah to flourish. He was a key part of Liverpool ending their 30 year title drought.
8. Gabriel Jesus (Brazil) – Manchester City, Arsenal (2017-Present)
- Goals: 95
- Assists: 46
- Major Honors: 4x Premier League, 1x FA Cup, 4x EFL Cup
- Why? A versatile forward with exceptional technical ability, Gabriel Jesus played a vital role in Manchester City’s title-winning campaigns. His work rate, pressing, and clinical finishing made him a valuable asset. Since moving to Arsenal, he has been a key player in their attack.
7. Fernandinho (Brazil) – Manchester City (2013-2022)
- Goals: 20
- Assists: 29
- Major Honors: 5x Premier League, 6x EFL Cup, 1x FA Cup.
- Why? Fernandinho’s tactical intelligence, positional awareness, and combative nature made him a vital cog in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City machine. He provided defensive stability and acted as a crucial link between defense and attack. He was a leader on and off the field.
6. Gilberto Silva (Brazil) – Arsenal (2002-2008)
- Goals: 17
- Assists: 10
- Major Honors: 1x Premier League (Invincibles season), 2x FA Cup.
- Why? A key component of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” season, Gilberto Silva provided defensive solidity and tactical discipline in midfield. His understated yet crucial contributions made him one of the most underrated players of his era.
5. Philippe Coutinho (Brazil) – Liverpool, Aston Villa (2013-2018, 2022-2023)
- Goals: 41
- Assists: 37
- Major Honors: None in the Premier League.
- Why? Coutinho’s creativity, dribbling, and long-range shooting made him a fan favorite at Liverpool. His ability to create chances and score spectacular goals made him one of the most exciting players in the league.
4. Alexis Sánchez (Chile) – Arsenal, Manchester United (2014-2019)
- Goals: 63
- Assists: 45
- Major Honors: 2x FA Cup.
- Why? At his peak with Arsenal, Alexis Sánchez was a force of nature. His dribbling, work rate, and goal-scoring ability were exceptional. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year and was a key player in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumphs.
3. Carlos Tevez (Argentina) – West Ham, Manchester United, Manchester City (2006-2013)
- Appearances: 202
- Goals: 84
- Assists: 34
- Major Honors: 3x Premier League, 1x FA Cup, 2x League Cup, 1x Champions League.
- Why? Tevez’s tenacity, work rate, and goal-scoring prowess made him a valuable asset to every team he played for. His controversial move from Manchester United to Manchester City added to his legacy. He won the league with both Manchester clubs.
2. Luis Suárez (Uruguay) – Liverpool (2011-2014)
- Appearances: 110
- Goals: 69
- Assists: 39
- Major Honors: PFA Player of the Year (2014), Golden Boot (2013-14)
- Why? Luis Suárez’s time at Liverpool was nothing short of spectacular. His dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring ability were exceptional. His 2013-14 season, in which he scored 31 goals in 33 games, was one of the greatest individual seasons in Premier League history.
1. Sergio Agüero (Argentina) – Manchester City (2011-2021)
- Appearances: 275
- Goals: 184
- Assists: 47
- Major Honors: 5x Premier League, 1x FA Cup, 6x EFL Cup.
- Why? Sergio Agüero is the most prolific South American goal-scorer in Premier League history. His clinical finishing, dribbling, and ability to score crucial goals made him a legend. His iconic last-minute goal against Queens Park Rangers in 2012 secured Manchester City’s first league title in 44 years. He holds the record for most premier league hat tricks, with 12.
DATA CONTAIN ONLY THIER PREMIER LEAGUE STATS
Honorable Mentions:
- Juninho Paulista (Brazil) – Middlesbrough
- Oscar (Brazil) – Chelsea
- Gabriel Heinze (Argentina) – Manchester United
- Lucas Leiva (Brazil) – Liverpool
- Nolberto Solano (Peru) – Newcastle United, Aston Villa
- Ederson (Brazil) – Manchester City.
