The Premier League has long been a hub for footballing talent from around the world, but how many South American superstars have truly made their mark on the English top tier?
Since its launch in 1992, the league has gradually opened its doors to all and sundry, including some of the best from Brazil, Argentina, and beyond.
In the early days, English fans had to rely on World Cups and European competitions to catch a glimpse of the likes of Romario, Maradona, and Zamorano in action.
It’s now a common sight to see a player from Brazil, Argentina, or Chile starting for one of the 20 Premier League teams, bringing a unique blend of skill and flair to the competition.
In this context, we’ll look at some South American players who have been invaluable to their teams, delivering performances destined to be cherished for generations.
Here are the 10 greatest South American players to have played in the top flight of English football.
1. Sergio Aguero
Aguero isn’t just a name etched in Premier League history; he’s a living legend whose boots have tread where few dare to dream.
With an awe-inspiring tally of 184 goals in just 275 appearances, his numbers do all the talking.
He arrived at Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2011 for what was then a club-record £38 million. Since then, he’s carved out a legacy as the club’s all-time leading scorer. His prowess on the pitch has cemented his status as one of the greatest strikers to ever grace the sport.
Aguero’s tenure at City is a tapestry of unforgettable moments, with the most iconic being his last-gasp winner against Queens Park Rangers in 2012.
That goal wasn’t just a game-winner; it was the stuff of legends, winning City’s first Premier League title in heart-stopping fashion.
The moment has been immortalized with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium, a fitting tribute to his legendary status among the City faithful and the football-mad city of Manchester.
Despite fierce competition, only four players in Premier League history have scored more goals than Aguero, which speaks volumes about his exceptional talent and unwavering consistency.
Every time he stepped onto the pitch, he brought with him a sense of anticipation and magic, the kind that turns a football match into a spectacle.
Aguero wasn’t just a striker; he was a phenomenon, and his legacy will echo through the halls of Premier League history for years to come.
2. Luis Suarez
Suarez is often heralded as one of the greatest strikers in football history.
His stint in the Premier League was relatively brief, which is why he doesn’t top the list of Premier League legends. Had he stayed longer, there’s no doubt he’d be competing for that top spot.
He spent just two and a half years at Liverpool before making a £75 million move to Barcelona in 2014, but during that short period, he made a monumental impact.
Despite his limited time in England, Suarez established himself as one of the best players ever to wear the No. 7 shirt for Liverpool. The Uruguayan forward almost single-handedly propelled Liverpool to their first Premier League title during the 2013/14 season, scoring a sweet 31 goals and providing 17 assists in just 33 matches.
His performances were so remarkable that he was named the PFA Player of the Year, becoming the first non-European to win the award.
Suarez’s on-field genius was matched only by his fiery passion and unyielding determination.
He has a unique blend of skill, creativity, and relentless work ethic, which made him a nightmare for defenders and a hero for fans. His goals were often works of art, combining audacious dribbling, pinpoint accuracy, and a touch of flair that left audiences in awe.
While his time in the Premier League was short-lived, Suarez’s legacy endures.
3. Gilberto Silva
Regarded as one of Arsenal’s greatest midfielders of all time, Gilberto joined the Gunners from Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro after his impressive performances in the 2002 World Cup, where he played well in Brazil’s triumph.
Known for his tireless energy and defensive abilities, Gilberto quickly became a key figure at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield. His presence allowed the more technically gifted players in front of him to flourish, providing the perfect balance for Arsène Wenger’s attacking philosophy.
He was exactly what Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ needed during their historic 2003-04 Premier League campaign.
As a tough-tackling midfielder who wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work, he provided the steel and grit necessary to complement the flair of players like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Robert Pires.
Despite often being the unsung hero of the team, his contributions were so major to Arsenal’s success.
Often the forgotten man of Arsenal’s glory days in the early 2000s, he remains one of the best South Americans to have graced the Premier League. Over his six-year stint at the club, he made 170 appearances in England’s top flight, becoming a fan favourite for his consistency and dedication on the pitch.
Nicknamed the “Invisible Wall,” Gilberto’s tactical intelligence and work rate were second to none.
He was a leader both on and off the field, often stepping up as captain when required and mentoring younger players.
His calm demeanour and professionalism set a standard for others to follow, and his legacy at Arsenal is still remembered fondly by fans who appreciated his quiet yet vital contributions to the team.
4. Carlos Tevez
The Argentine made a dramatic entrance to the Premier League when he joined West Ham United in 2006, fresh from proving his talents on the world stage at the World Cup.
His performances caught the attention of top clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, eager to secure the services of the tenacious Argentine forward. Though he spent just one season with the Hammers, he left a lasting impact, having scored seven key goals and providing three assists to help the team avoid relegation.
His memorable final-day winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford ensured West Ham’s Premier League survival, cementing his status as a club hero.
That summer, Tevez made the move to Manchester United on a two-year loan deal.
During his time with the Red Devils, the 76-cap Argentina international scored 34 goals and contributed 14 assists in just under 100 appearances. His tireless work ethic, fierce determination, and knack for scoring important goals quickly endeared him to the United faithful.
In 2009, Manchester City paid £25.5 million to bring Tevez across town, where he now elevated his game. At City, he became a major figure in the club’s rise to prominence, showing his exceptional skill and leadership qualities.
Tevez won the Premier League Golden Boot in his second season with City, further establishing himself as one of the league’s top forwards. His time at City was marked by memorable performances and key contributions to the club’s success.
13 years on, he left the Premier League for Serie A giants Juventus, departing England with three Premier League titles and a remarkable 84 goals to his name.
5. Fernandinho
When City shelled out £30 million to sign Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, they were investing in much more than just a defensive midfielder.
Over his glittering nine-year stay with the club, the Brazilian established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and an anchor in City’s success. A five-time Premier League winner, Fernandinho seemed to upgrade his game to new heights, especially under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
His leadership qualities were evident as he captained City on several occasions, and his willingness to play out of position as a centre-back proved his tremendous versatility and team-first mentality.
His ability to adapt and perform at a high level, regardless of the role was invaluable to City’s dominance in English football.
In 2018, Guardiola showered praise on Fernandinho, acknowledging his critical role in the team’s achievements:
“Everything we’ve done wouldn’t have been possible without him.”
He was a key component of City’s “centurion” team, which set a new benchmark by accumulating 100 points in the 2017-18 Premier League season, a record at the time.
His work rate, tactical intelligence, and defensive acumen made him an indispensable part of Guardiola’s system.
His presence on the field brought balance and stability to City’s midfield, allowing creative talents like Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva to thrive.
His tactical awareness and ability to break up opposition play were instrumental in City’s high-pressing style, and his leadership in the dressing room was crucial in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
As Fernandinho departed Manchester City in 2022, he left behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism.
6. Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian wasn’t your traditional striker or a classic No. 10. Instead, he thrived as a false 9, bringing a unique fluidity and flair to the Merseyside squad.
Since making a £29 million move from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in 2015, Firmino quickly established himself as an integral part of Liverpool’s attack, scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists in his debut season.
From the get-go, he proved that his contributions were about much more than just goals.
With 55 caps for Brazil under his belt, Firmino went on to score 111 goals for Liverpool and was instrumental in their historic Premier League title win in 2020, their first in 30 years. His influence, however, extended far beyond the scoresheet.
As the unselfish workhorse of the famed Salah-Mane-Firmino trio, Firmino’s best contributions often came off the ball, where his intelligent movement and relentless pressing created opportunities for his teammates.
During his time at Anfield, Firmino’s selfless style of play allowed Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to flourish, turning Liverpool’s front three into one of the most feared attacking units in football.
His vision and creativity unlocked defences, while his defensive work rate and ability to drop deep added a layer of unpredictability to Liverpool’s attack. Firmino’s ability to seamlessly link play and his knack for creating space for others made him an indispensable part of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
In 2023, Firmino left Liverpool to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, marking the end of an era at Anfield.
7. Alexis Sánchez
In 2014, Alexis Sanchez swapped Barcelona for Arsenal, with the Gunners shelling out around £35 million for the Chilean forward.
His time at Arsenal was nothing short of prolific: over three and a half years, Sanchez racked up 80 goals and 45 assists in 166 appearances.
He quickly became a fan favourite, scooping the PFA Fans’ Player of the Season award in his debut year and being named Arsenal’s Player of the Season twice.
Sánchez is a quick, creative, intelligent and hard-working player with an eye for goal, who is known in particular for his energy, strength, technical skills and work-rate on the pitch.
Although naturally right-footed, due to his ability with either foot, he is capable of playing anywhere along the front line, on either flank or through the centre of the pitch.
Throughout his career, he has excelled as a supporting striker, as a winger, as a false-9, and even as an attacking midfielder; he has also been deployed in a more advanced, central role, as a main striker, due to his physicality and ability to score from powerful long-distance strikes
In January 2018, Sanchez made a high-profile switch to Manchester United in a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
However, his magic seemed to fade at Old Trafford, managing just five goals and nine assists in 45 appearances.
Despite his struggles at United, Sanchez’s dazzling stint at Arsenal ensures his legacy as one of the finest South Americans to have played in the Premier League.
8. Pablo Zabaleta
Having joined the Citizens in the summer of 2008, just one day before Sheikh Mansour’s takeover sparked a new era for the club. After establishing himself as a reliable presence at Espanyol, he quickly became a revelation on the right side of the City’s defence.
Though not the flashiest signing, his tenacity and leadership qualities made him indispensable.
Zabaleta’s versatility allowed him to play as a full-back on both sides of the pitch, earning a reputation for his gritty, hard-nosed style of play.
He captained the team on numerous occasions, known for his tough tackling, straight-talking, fearless approach, and unwavering commitment. The term “adopted Mancunian” suits him perfectly.
After winning two Premier League titles with City, Zabaleta moved to West Ham United in 2017.
Over three years in East London, he brought his top-flight appearance tally to 303 before retiring as one of the Premier League’s finest right-backs. Often underrated during his time in Manchester, Zabaleta instilled a winning mentality at West Ham and left a lasting legacy as a remarkable play.
9. Ederson
Having joined Manchester City from Benfica in 2017 for £35 million and since then, the Brazilian international has firmly established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in Europe.
Known for his exceptional skill with the ball at his feet, Ederson has become a vital cog of City’s playing style, which relies heavily on building play from the back.
His distribution and calmness under pressure set him apart, making him a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s tactical system.
Since he arrived at the Etihad Stadium, he has won an impressive six Premier League titles. One of his standout achievements was during the 2022/23 season when he helped City secure a historic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.
His performances throughout the campaign were key to the team’s success, with major saves and moments of brilliance that contributed to their triumph.
At 30 years old, he remains one of the best shot-stoppers in the division.
His quick reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and ability to launch precise long balls make him a multi-skilled goalkeeper capable of influencing the game at both ends of the pitch.
10. Alisson Becker
When Alisson Becker joined Liverpool from Roma in the summer of 2018 for a world-record fee of £66.8 million, he became the most expensive goalkeeper in history surpassing the £32.6 million Juventus paid Parma for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001.
From the moment he set foot on Merseyside, the Brazilian shot-stopper established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, delivering performances that more than justified his hefty price tag.
In 2019, he was awarded the first-ever Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, recognizing him as the world’s top goalkeeper.
Perhaps most impressively, he holds the coveted position of Brazil’s No. 1 goalkeeper, ahead of Manchester City’s Ederson. This speaks volumes about his talent and the respect he commands on the international stage.
Alisson’s impressive statistics back up his reputation. He has kept 86 clean sheets and conceded just 174 goals in 201 league appearances for Liverpool, highlighting his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level.
Alisson played a major role in Liverpool’s 2019/20 Premier League title-winning campaign, where he conceded only 23 goals in 29 appearances. His composure, shot-stopping ability, and command of the penalty area were instrumental in Liverpool’s success.
His presence between the posts has been a game-changer for Liverpool, providing a sense of security and reliability that has helped transform the team into one of Europe’s most formidable sides.
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