Vinicius, Martinez and 5 best South American football players in 2024

South American footballers frequently assert their dominance in the leagues they inhabit, showcasing flair, passion, and physical prowess.

Numerous players from the continent have ascended to the status of football icons, including Pele, Diego Maradona, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, and Kaka, among others.

With a wealth of talent spread throughout the footballing landscape, Sports Brief undertakes the task of ranking the top current players hailing from South America.

Best South American football players in 2024

5. Julian Alvarez

Julian Alvarez has been in outstanding form for Manchester City throughout the 2023/24 season, boasting 26 goal contributions in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Surpassing last season's total of 22 goal contributions, the Argentina international is poised to conclude the campaign with remarkable statistics.

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4. Rodrygo

Rodrygo has emerged as another standout performer for Real Madrid in the 2023/24 season. With 20 goal contributions in 37 appearances, including 13 goals, the forward has showcased his prowess across all competitions.

He has made significant contributions in the Champions League, tallying three goals and two assists. His consistent performances have solidified his position as one of Real Madrid's key players, alongside earning 20 caps for his national team and scoring four goals.

3. Exequiel Palacios

For those less acquainted with Bundesliga football, Exequiel Palacios might come as a surprise name on the list. Nevertheless, he has played a pivotal role in Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen squad, which is poised to secure their inaugural Bundesliga title, currently holding an eight-point lead over Bayern Munich.

Palacios has contributed seven goals in 22 appearances across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen during the 2023/24 campaign.

His presence in the starting lineup for 16 out of the opening 17 games underscores his significance to Alonso's team, as Leverkusen emerged victorious in 14 of those matches.

Palacios has already matched his goal contributions from the previous season and is gradually making his mark in the Argentina national team, having earned 28 caps since 2018.

2. Lautaro Martinez

The Argentine player ended the 2022/23 season with 39 goal contributions in 57 appearances for the Serie A club. Continuing his exceptional performance, he has maintained his fine form with 30 goal contributions in 33 appearances for Inter during the 2023/24 campaign.

Equally remarkable is his international record, boasting 21 goals in 54 appearances since his full debut for Argentina in 2018. He played a pivotal role in Argentina's triumph in the Copa America in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022

1. Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior hasn't reached the heights of his outstanding 2022/23 campaign, where he recorded an impressive 44 goal contributions in 55 appearances for Real Madrid.

However, he's still having a notable season under Carlo Ancelotti, with 19 goal contributions in 22 appearances.

Unfortunately, a series of hamstring injuries limited his playing time during the 2023/24 campaign, causing him to miss eight games.

Despite his remarkable performance for Real Madrid, Vinicius hasn't replicated the same level of success for Brazil, scoring only three times in 26 appearances.