South America has always been a breeding ground for footballing greatness. From the flair of Pelé to the genius of Maradona, the continent has gifted the world some of its most iconic players. For South Americans, football isn’t just a game, it’s a passion, a culture, a way of life. That fire burns brightly in the current generation, with players lighting up leagues across the globe in 2025. This list celebrates the 20 best South American footballers today, based on their individual brilliance, team impact, consistency, and the level of competition they face.
20. James Rodríguez
Club: León
Country: Colombia
Once the golden boy of the 2014 World Cup, James Rodríguez has found a new home at León in Liga MX after a rollercoaster career in Europe. The Colombian playmaker still possesses that magic touch, pulling strings in midfield with his vision and technique. While his days at Real Madrid feel like a distant memory, Rodríguez remains a class act and a fan favorite.
19. William Pacho
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Country: Ecuador
William Pacho has been a revelation since joining PSG. The young Ecuadorian defender has slotted seamlessly into the Parisian backline, helping the club reach the Champions League quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Liverpool. His composure and physicality have made him a cornerstone of PSG’s success in Ligue 1 and beyond this season.
18. Matheus Cunha
Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers
Country: Brazil
Wolves are battling relegation in the Premier League, but Matheus Cunha has been their shining light. The Brazilian forward’s goals and relentless energy have kept the team afloat, even as bigger clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal circle. Regardless of Wolves’ fate, Cunha’s stock continues to rise—he’s a talent destined for the top.
17. Moisés Caicedo
Club: Chelsea
Country: Ecuador
Moisés Caicedo has been a rock in Chelsea’s midfield, anchoring the team with his tireless work rate and tactical nous. The Ecuadorian’s standout performances under Chelsea’s latest manager have silenced doubters who questioned his hefty price tag. At just 23, he’s already one of the Premier League’s elite defensive midfielders.
16. Marquinhos
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Country: Brazil
At 30, Marquinhos is still a defensive titan for PSG. The Brazilian captain brings leadership and consistency to a backline that’s chasing domestic and European glory. His experience has been vital as PSG navigate a tricky Champions League campaign, proving he’s far from done at the elite level.
15. Bruno Guimarães
Club: Newcastle United
Country: Brazil
Bruno Guimarães took a gamble joining Newcastle over Arsenal, and it’s paid off handsomely. The midfielder was instrumental in their Champions League qualification a couple of seasons back, and even as Newcastle won their first trophy in nearly 56 years, his quality shines through. With Manchester City reportedly eyeing him as a Rodri replacement, Bruno’s next move could be seismic.
14. Enzo Fernández
Club: Chelsea
Country: Argentina
Enzo Fernández has grown into a midfield maestro at Chelsea. The Argentine World Cup winner combines elegance with tenacity, driving the team forward with his passing and pressing. His influence has been key to Chelsea’s resurgence, making him one of South America’s brightest stars in 2025.
13. Rodrigo De Paul
Club: Atlético Madrid
Country: Argentina
Rodrigo De Paul’s work rate and versatility make him a standout for Atlético Madrid. The Argentine midfielder battles for every ball, linking defense and attack with relentless energy. A key figure in Argentina’s recent international successes, De Paul is the heartbeat of Diego Simeone’s gritty side.
12. Alisson Becker
Club: Liverpool
Country: Brazil
Alisson remains the benchmark for goalkeepers in the Premier League. Despite injury setbacks this season, the Brazilian’s shot-stopping and composure under pressure are unrivaled. When he’s between the posts, Liverpool look unbeatable—proof that he’s still one of the world’s best.
11. Luis Díaz
Club: Liverpool
Country: Colombia
Luis Díaz has hit new heights at Liverpool in 2025. The Colombian winger has shaken off early criticism about his end product, delivering goals and assists with dazzling regularity. Under new management, he’s become the explosive force Sadio Mané once was, pushing Liverpool toward another Premier League title.
10. Alexis Mac Allister
Club: Liverpool
Country: Argentina
Alexis Mac Allister’s move to Liverpool has paid dividends. Initially deployed as a deeper midfielder, he’s now thriving in a more attacking role under fresh tactics. The World Cup winner’s creativity and composure have made him indispensable, linking Liverpool’s defense with their lethal front line.
9. Emiliano Martínez
Club: Aston Villa
Country: Argentina
Emiliano Martínez is a goalkeeper at the peak of his powers. Back-to-back Yashin Trophies and FIFA Best Goalkeeper awards speak to his brilliance, while his heroics for Argentina and Aston Villa underline his clutch mentality. Few can match his ability to dominate the box and deliver in big moments.
8. Rodrygo Goes
Club: Real Madrid
Country: Brazil
Rodrygo Goes has become Real Madrid’s clutch performer. The 24-year-old Brazilian notched 14 goals and season, playing a starring role in their Champions League triumph. His knack for stepping up when it matters most ensures he’s a vital cog in Madrid’s star-studded machine.
7. Gabriel Magalhães
Club: Arsenal
Country: Brazil
Gabriel Magalhães has been a colossus for Arsenal. Paired with William Saliba, he’s formed one of the Premier League’s tightest defenses, while his aerial dominance and set-piece goals add an extra dimension. Arsenal’s title hopes rest heavily on his broad shoulders.
6. Lautaro Martínez
Club: Inter Milan
Country: Argentina
Lautaro Martínez is a goal-scoring machine. The Serie A top scorer last season, the Argentine striker has carried that form into 2025, leading Inter Milan’s charge in Italy and Europe. His work rate and clinical finishing make him one of the world’s premier forwards.
5. Vinícius Júnior
Club: Real Madrid
Country: Brazil
Vinícius Júnior is a phenomenon. The FIFA The Best Award holder is tearing defenses apart with his pace, trickery, and finishing. At 24, he’s already a multiple-time champion with Real Madrid, and his ceiling seems limitless. He’s South America’s most electrifying talent right now.
4. Lionel Messi
Club: Inter Miami
Country: Argentina
At 37, Lionel Messi still defies logic. Now dazzling in MLS with Inter Miami, the Argentine legend continues to produce moments of brilliance that leave fans in awe. His trophy cabinet is overflowing, and even in the twilight of his career, he’s a force few can match.
3. Federico Valverde
Club: Real Madrid
Country: Uruguay
Federico Valverde is the complete midfielder. The Uruguayan’s passing, work rate, and thunderous long-range strikes have made him Real Madrid’s engine. As Modrić fade and Kroos retired, Valverde is stepping up as the future of the club—and he’s already a present-day superstar.
2. Julián Álvarez
Club: Atlético Madrid
Country: Argentina
Julián Álvarez’s move to Atlético Madrid has been a masterstroke. After racking up 32 goal contributions at Manchester City, the World Cup winner has hit the ground running in Spain, netting 23 goals so far. At 25, he’s a lethal finisher with a bright future ahead.
1. Raphinha
Club: Barcelona
Country: Brazil
Raphinha has reclaimed his spot among the elite in 2025. The Brazilian winger has been sensational for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, forming a deadly trio with Lewandowski and Yamal. His consistency and output have sparked Ballon d’Or talk—he’s the cream of South America’s crop this year.
Notable Mentions
• Ederson (Brazil)
• Ronald Araujo (Uruguay)
• Bentancur (Uruguay)
• Cristian Romero (Argentina)
• Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)
• Jeolinton (Brazil)
• Savinho (Brazil)
• Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina)
• Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
• Pervis Estupinan (Ecuador)
• Salomon Rondon (Venezuela)
• Andy Polo (Peru)
