CONMEBOL Player of the Year Winners List (Since 1971)

Who is the player of the year in the South America? Who is the best goalkeeper in Latin America? Also, Who is the best South American football player? The South American Footballer of the Year also known as The Rey de América. This award is given to the previous calendar year’s best footballer in South America. Here GoalTheBall reveals all South American Footballer of the Year or CONMEBOL Best Player Award winners list.

CONMEBOL Best Player Award

Venezuelan newspaper El Mundo initiated this award. They first presented it in 1971. In fact, they continued till 1992. However, the El Mundo Award used to be recognized as the official one till 1985. From 1986 to 1992 they continued to present it but unofficially. On the other hand, Uruguayan newspaper El País started presenting the award from 1986 onwards. The El Pais Award got official recognition in 1986, its very first year. Since then till now, the South American Best Footballer of the Year receives the EL Pais Award.

South American Footballer of the Year

Who is the best South American Soccer Player in 2024?

The authority hasn’t announced the winner for the 2024 edition yet. Fluminense’s Argentine star Germán Cano is the latest player to grab the award. Going back some decades, Tostao is the first player with this achievement. The former Brazil international won it playing for Cruzeiro in 1971. The great Pele also won this award once in 1973 for Santos. Antonio Alzamendi won the El Pais Award during its maiden presentation in 1986. Legends like Diego Maradona, Mario Kempes, Romario, Bebeto, Carlos Valderrama, Cafu, etc have won the alluded prize. Modern-day stars like Neymar or former superstars like Carlos Tevez, Ronaldinho, Riquelme, etc have also lifted it.

Most Successful Players in South American Football

Zico, Carlos Tevez, as well as Elías Figueroa, have won it on most occasions (3). Both Tevez and Figueroa have prevailed in 3 consecutive seasons. 5 more players had the privilege to lift it more than once including Maradona, Neymar, Veron, Valderrama, and Francescoli. Country-wise, Brazil offers the most number of awards (17) with 14 different winners. Argentina comes next with 16 awards won by 12 various players. Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile; each represents 5 awards by 5, 4, and 3 different stars. On the other hand, River Plate is the club with the most number of awards (9) and also represents 8 different winners (the most). 3 different Flamengo players have grabbed this prestigious award on 5 occasions. 3 players from Boca Juniors and Santos have also won it 4 and 3 times respectively. None other than a Brazilian or Argentine club offers 2 winners to date.