8/8/2024–|Last update: 8/8/202404:56 PM (Makkah Time)
For decades, South America has been a fertile ground for many of the greatest footballers who have achieved football glory and whose legacy remains etched in the memory of football fans around the world.
Argentine Lionel Messi, the star of the American Inter Miami, is considered the best player in the history of South America, thanks to his amazing success with the Tango team and Barcelona.
Many also consider the late Diego Maradona to be the best player in history, having led Argentina to win the 1986 World Cup. Despite Maradona's passing, he is still present in the hearts of football fans around the world.
For millions of Brazilians and football fans around the world, Pele is considered the greatest player to ever play the beautiful game.
Pele, who died on December 29, 2022, is the only player to have won the World Cup three times.
On the first anniversary of his death, Brazil lit up Rio's famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue, displaying Pele's jersey.
The Give Me Sport website relied on a number of criteria to rank the best 11 players in the history of South America:
- Personal achievements and titles.
- Leadership role.
- The aura.
- Historical legacy.
1- Argentine Lionel Messi: 827 goals and 401 assists.
2- Brazilian Pele: 1281 goals.
3- Argentine Diego Maradona: 359 goals.
4- Brazilian Ronaldo Nazario: 360 goals and 108 assists.
5- Argentine Alfredo Di Stefano: 504 goals.
6- Brazilian Garrincha: 124 goals.
7- Brazilian Zico: 545 goals.
8- Brazilian Ronaldinho: 203 goals.
9- Brazilian Socrates: 56 goals.
10- Brazilian Carlos Alberto: 51 goals.
11- Brazilian Romario: 542 goals.
