Whenever a Premier League side signs a South American footballer, there's a certain quiet excitement in the air—you can feel it. It’s more than just a transfer. It’s the arrival of someone who carries with them the weight of history, passion, and skill honed on the sun-drenched pitches of their homeland.
Over time, they entertained us with their flair and brilliance, leaving us with memories we often speak about. But who is the best South American footballer ever to play in the Premier League?
Here are the Premier League’s 9 Best South American Footballers of All-Time
9. Faustino Asprilla (Colombia)
In the 1990s, Faustino Asprilla arrived at Newcastle United like a spark of lightning on a summer night. His dribbling was almost wizard-like—twisting, turning, darting past defenders as if the ball were an extension of his body.
He had the sort of charm that made defenders wary and fans smile, even if he didn’t always score the goals that made the headlines. But when Asprilla was on the ball, you just knew something magical was about to happen.
8. Juninho (Brazil)
Then there’s Juninho, the little magician from Brazil who had a gift for making even the most mundane pass look like poetry. Standing at just 5’3”, he wasn’t much to look at, but his feet moved like they had a language of their own.
Playing for Middlesbrough in the late 90s, Juninho’s technical brilliance lit up the Premier League in ways that made even the most seasoned defenders dizzy. He didn’t just play football; he made it an art.
7. Gus Poyet (Uruguay)
Some players may have come with flashes of brilliance, but Gus Poyet was the type to get his hands dirty, quietly stitching together the fabric of a winning team. His ability to control the midfield for Chelsea and Tottenham was often understated, but his presence was never in doubt.
It was said that, even in the most intense moments, you could always rely on Poyet to have the ball under control, his movements deliberate, like a chess master planning his next move. A key goal in the 2000 FA Cup final against Aston Villa, sealing a victory for Chelsea, remains a moment of triumph for this cool-headed genius.
6. Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
In the red of Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez was a whirlwind of energy and intensity. A player who thrived on the big moments, Sanchez carried the hopes of the entire Arsenal fanbase on his shoulders, never backing down from a challenge.
His fearless style, coupled with his ability to score breathtaking goals, made him one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards. Every time he stepped onto the field, you couldn’t help but believe he was about to do something spectacular.
Can you remember his unforgettable solo goal against Manchester City, where he danced through the defence with the grace of a ballerina, leaving defenders in his wake before calmly finishing? It was special.
5. Gilberto Silva (Brazil)
Gilberto Silva was the quiet hero, the sort of player who did all the dirty work while the stars stole the show. For Arsenal’s “Invincibles,” he was the unsung anchor in the midfield, holding everything together with an understated calm.
Where others relied on flair, Gilberto relied on discipline, a calm head, and a knack for reading the game. He might not have been the loudest player on the pitch, but his impact was immeasurable.
4. Fernandinho (Brazil)
Stepping into the heart of Manchester City’s midfield, Brazil marshal Fernandinho was like a shield—unseen but ever-present.
His role as a defensive midfielder was vital to City’s dominance in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola, as he broke up opposition attacks with a grace and efficiency that was hard to match. Fernandinho was the calm before the storm, the player who controlled the tempo and made everything else tick.
3. Carlos Tevez (Argentina)
Ah, Carlos Tevez—the fiery, unpredictable force who wore his passion on his sleeve. Tevez wasn’t just a footballer; he was a fighter, a man who played every match like it was a battle.
Whether in the claret and blue of West Ham, the red of Manchester United, or the sky blue of Manchester City, Tevez’s fierce determination and ability to score crucial goals made him a hero to fans and a nightmare to defenders. Tevez was never one for the limelight, but he knew how to make himself unforgettable.
Memorable Moment: That famous derby goal against Manchester United, where Tevez showcased his class with a stunning strike that proved he had the heart and talent to be a true legend.
2. Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
Then there’s Luis Suarez—a name that stirs memories of extraordinary brilliance and heart-stopping drama. Suarez was a magician with the ball, a player who could dribble through entire teams with ease and score goals that seemed impossible.
At Liverpool, he carried the team almost single-handedly in their quest for the Premier League title in 2014. His raw talent and unyielding drive made him one of the best to ever play in England.
One of his mesmerising goals was against Norwich, where his dribbling through defenders with artistry left everyone breathless—it is still one of the Premier League’s greatest individual efforts.
1. Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
And then, of course, Sergio Aguero—the man who redefined what it meant to be a Premier League striker. Aguero wasn’t just a goal scorer; he was a game-changer, a player whose name will be forever linked to Manchester City’s rise to greatness.
His last-minute goal against QPR in 2012 is etched in footballing history as one of the most dramatic and iconic moments ever. Aguero’s cool composure, his razor-sharp instinct, and his endless ability to deliver in the clutch are what made him the Premier League’s very best South American player. He ranks fifth in the Premier League all-time scorers list.
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