Ranking the 10 greatest South American players in the Premier League’s history
South American players are known for their unique approach to the game of football. While most of Europe follows a structured and organized style, these players bring their own touch to the game and often leave a big mark when they are done.
Many such players have graced the Premier League and have helped their respective teams win silverware and become successful. They have broken many records and have etched their name in the league’s folklore for years to come.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 10 greatest South American players in the Premier League.
10. Antonio Valencia | Ecuador
The Ecuadorian winger-turned-full-back first made a name for himself during a loan spell with Wigan Athletic from Villarreal between 2006-08. Antonio Valencia then joined Wigan on a permanent deal in 2008 and made a lasting mark in the Premier League. He made 89 appearances for Wigan, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists.
Seeing this, Manchester United signed him for £16 million in June 2009, penning a four-year contract. Valencia went on to make 339 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 25 goals and providing 58 assists. He won two Premier League titles, making him one of the greatest South American players in the Premier League.
9. Javier Mascherano | Argentina
Another South American known for representing two teams in the Premier League, Mascherano made a name for himself playing for West Ham United followed by Liverpool. He began his career in his native Argentina, before being signed by the Hammers in 2006. He made just seven appearances for them before Liverpool signed him in 2007.
A hard-tackling yet composed midfielder with the ball, Mascherano fit the league’s demands like a hand in a glove. He made 139 appearances for the Reds and scored two goals along with seven assists, becoming a key member of the team as they climbed back to becoming a contender.
8. Ederson | Brazil
Ederson came through the ranks in Brazil with Ribeirao and Rio Ave, before being scouted and signed by SL Benfica in 2015. He made 58 appearances for the Portuguese side, keeping a remarkable 32 clean sheets and caught Manchester City’s attention in 2017. The Cityzens paid £35 million to sign him.
Soon after joining, Ederson became a key component in Pep Guardiola’s team. Known for his confidence with the ball at his feet, the Brazilian is also capable of making some really decent saves. He has made 332 appearances for City, conceding just 257 goals and keeping 155 clean sheets in the process. He is a six-time league champion, making him one of the greatest South American players in the Premier League.
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7. Roberto Firmino | Brazil
Another great Brazilian who holds an undisputed spot among the greatest South American players in the Premier League, Firmino made the false nine position his own. He came to prominence in European football while with TSG Hoffenheim, scoring 49 goals and providing 36 assists in 153 appearances for the German side. Firmino was then signed by Liverpool in June 2015 for £29 million.
Roberto Firmino’s presence in the side allowed Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to exercise their attacking prowess on the team, making them a perfect front three. The Brazilian made 362 appearances for the Reds, scoring 111 goals and providing 75 assists as well. He helped Liverpool win the 2019/20 Premier League season in style, adding 12 goals and 13 assists in 52 games.
6. Alexis Sanchez | Chile
Chile’s greatest player of time makes it onto this list of the greatest South American players in the Premier League owing to his scintillating displays for Arsenal.
Alexis Sanchez joined the Gunners from Barcelona for nearly £32 million in July 2014. Within a few weeks after joining, he showed why he was so captivating, winning games single-handedly and producing some memorable moments.
Despite being short in stature, Sanchez packed a whole lot of strength and power and was a handful for defenders. He attempted long shots, dribbled past five players to score or even made goals for his teammates. Sanchez made 166 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 80 goals and providing 43 assists, winning two FA Cups with the club in 2015 and 2017.
5. Alisson Becker | Brazil
Another unique goalkeeper from Brazil, Alisson is more of a traditional goalkeeper than his compatriot Ederson, although both are good with their feet.
He joined Liverpool in July 2018 for a then-record £67 million fee, which was the world record fee for a goalkeeper. However, his assured nature and composed presence in goal instantly elevated the Reds’ level and made them competitive. Alisson can help his team maintain a high line and usually starts the moves from the back. He also has the ability to play lovely long balls to his wingers.
Alisson has made 263 appearances for the Reds, keeping 114 clean sheets in the process. He has also scored one and assisted four goals. He has won one Premier League title and has won two Golden Glove awards, making him one of the greatest South American players in the Premier League.
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4. Carlos Tevez | Argentina
The only player on this list to have represented three Premier League clubs, Tevez’s place among the greatest South American players in the Premier League is well-deserved.
He started his adventure in the PL with West Ham, before joining Manchester United, and then Manchester City under controversial circumstances. Blessed with the ability to score with either foot, Tevez was a lethal component in and around the 18-yard-box for his teams. He made 202 Premier League appearances, scoring 84 goals and providing 37 assists.
He won two Premier League titles with United and one with City.
3. Fernandinho | Brazil
Arguably the most underrated and under-appreciated player on this list, Fernandinho’s importance for Manchester City for nearly a decade cannot be underestimated. He joined them in a £34 million deal in June 2013 having played nearly 300 games for Shakhtar Donetsk before that.
Soon after joining, he became a crucial part of the team’s midfield, playing in various attacking or defensive roles, making himself the backbone of a side transitioning into one of the world’s best. He made a total of 383 appearances for Man City, scoring 26 goals and providing 31 assists.
He is a five-time league winner and one of City’s all-time greats, making him an easy pick for the greatest South American players in the Premier League.
2. Luis Suarez | Uruguay
One of the most divisive players during his time in England, Suarez’s abilities on the field set him apart from most others. He joined the Reds from Ajax in January 2011 for £23 million and immediately made an impact.
Suarez dribbled and shot with both feet, had incredible agility and strength and had one of the best first touches in the sport at the time. He made 133 appearances for the Reds, scoring 82 goals and providing 34 assists. He won just the League Cup (2012) in terms of trophies, but was named the Premier League Player of the Season for his incredible 2013/14 season with 31 goals and 13 assists in 33 PL games.
1. Sergio Aguero | Argentina
Aguero is the undisputed leader of the greatest players in the Premier League due to a few reasons. Firstly, the club Manchester City were before he joined compared to what they are now are two worlds apart. Secondly, his longevity in the league combined with his consistency, and lastly, the silverware he won.
He joined City in July 2011 from Atletico Madrid for £35 million and soon became an important first-teamer. At the end of that season, he scored the iconic winner against QPR to hand City their first-ever Premier League title ahead of rivals Manchester United on goal difference. Aguero is City’s all-time top scorer with 260 goals in 390 games and has provided 65 assists as well.
He is a five-time Premier League winner and also was inducted into the league’s Hall of Fame in 2022.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is the best South American to play in the Premier League?
A. Sergio Aguero is the best-ever South American PL player.
Q. Which South American player has the most PL appearances?
A. Antonio Valencia leads the list with 325 appearances for Wigan and Man United.
Q. How many South Americans play in the Premier League?
A. There are around 20 South Americans in the PL.
Q. Who was the first South American PL player?
A. Ipswich Town’s Adrian Paz became the first South American player in the PL in 1994.