With the Copa America in full swing, the debate over the greatest South American footballers has reached fever pitch.
Stake.com, in partnership with Censuswide, surveyed over 1,000 passionate football fans across South America to settle the score once and for all.
The result? A dream team featuring some of the most legendary names to ever grace the pitch and a few eyebrow-raising omissions.
The Line-Up: Brazilian Brilliance
Seven Brazilians made the cut, with their dominance particularly evident in defence. In goal, the legendary Dida beat out competitors like Claudio Bravo and Rene Higuita.
With 91 caps for Brazil and a World Cup win under his belt, it’s no surprise Dida topped the list.
Rock-Solid Defense
At right-back, Cafu, another World Cup winner from Brazil’s 2002 squad, took the spot, edging out Dani Alves and Javier Zanetti.
Over on the left, Roberto Carlos was an overwhelming favourite, amassing 54% of the votes and leaving Marcelo trailing in his wake.
In the heart of defence, Argentina’s fierce and graceful Daniel Passarella joins forces with Thiago Silva, who has been a commanding presence at clubs like AC Milan, PSG, and Chelsea. Together, they form a formidable barrier that attackers would dread facing.
Midfield Magic
Arturo Vidal’s inclusion in midfield ahead of Javier Mascherano and Kaka might surprise some, but his gritty, versatile play earned him the nod.
Partnering him is the legendary Zico, whose free-kick prowess and playmaking skills are the stuff of legend.
Attacking Legends
Now, the attack is where things get truly mouth-watering. Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona, two of the most electrifying players to ever play the game, take their places on the wings.
Their flair and genius left no room for even the likes of Neymar or Vinicius Jr.
Up front, the duo of Lionel Messi and Pele is simply unstoppable. Messi, the magician, and Pele, the king, amassed a combined 53% of the votes, cementing their status as the greatest forwards in South American football history.
Notable Omissions
Of course, no all-time XI list would be complete without some controversy. Fans might be shocked to see names like Neymar, Kaka, and Luis Suarez missing from the roster.
The competition was fierce, and even greats like Garrincha and Romario were left out, highlighting the rich talent pool South America has produced.
Aguero Weighs In
Sergio Aguero, the Stake ambassador and Argentinian football icon, offered his thoughts on the selection.
“I’ve played with the GOAT, and it was great to spend the day with some more of his kind! If Argentina can win Copa America, then they can cement their legacy as one of the Greatest Teams of All Time,” he shared, reflecting the pride and passion of South American football.
The fans’ all-time South American XI is a testament to the incredible talent that has emerged from the continent.
From the silky skills of Ronaldinho to the clinical finishing of Messi and Pele, this team embodies the essence of South American football.
Whether you agree with every pick or not, there’s no denying the star power and legacy of these footballing legends.
Goalkeeper
| Player | Number of Votes |
| Dida (Brazil) | 34% |
| Claudio Bravo (Chile) | 22% |
| Rene Higuita (Colombia) | 20% |
| Jose Luis Chilavert (Paraguay) | 17% |
| Faryd Mondragón (Colombia) | 7% |
Right-Back
| Player | Number of Votes |
| Cafu (Brazil) | 38% |
| Dani Alves (Brazil) | 28% |
| Javier Zanetti (Argentina) | 19% |
| Carlos Alberto (Brazil) | 11% |
| Luis Eyzaguirre (Chile) | 4% |
Left-Back
| Player | Number of Votes |
| Roberto Carlos (Brazil) | 54% |
| Marcelo (Brazil) | 23% |
| Juan Pablo Sorin (Argentina) | 13% |
| Nilton Santos (Brazil) | 7% |
| Juan Torales (Paraguay) | 3% |
Centre-Backs
| Player | Number of Votes |
| Thiago Silva (Brazil) | 29% |
| Daniel Passarella (Argentina) | 21% |
| Elias Figueroa (Chile) | 13% |
| Walter Samuel (Argentina) | 12% |
| Paulo da Silva (Paraguay) | 8% |
| Domingos da Guia (Brazil) | 7% |
| Carlos Gamarra (Paraguay) | 6% |
| José Nasazzi (Uruguay) | 4% |
Centre-Midfield
| Player | Number of Votes |
| Zico (Brazil) | 31% |
| Arturo Vidal (Chile) | 21% |
| Socrates (Brazil) | 20% |
| Nolberto Solano (Peru) | 8% |
| Roberto Acuña (Paraguay) | 6% |
| Julio Cesar Romero (Paraguay) | 5% |
| Jose Velazquez (Peru) | 5% |
| Obdulio Varela (Uruguay) | 4% |
Wingers
| Player | Number of Votes |
| Ronaldinho (Brazil) | 31% |
| Diego Maradona (Argentina) | 24% |
| Neymar (Brazil) | 16% |
| Vinicius Junior (Brazil) | 8% |
| Garrincha (Brazil) | 6% |
| Alexis Sanchez (Chile) | 5% |
| Rivaldo (Brazil) | 5% |
| Teófilo Cubillas (Perú) | 3% |
| Jairzinho (Brazil) | 2% |
Strikers
| Player | Number of Votes |
| Lionel Messi (Argentina) | 30% |
| Pele (Brazil) | 23% |
| Ronaldo (Brazil) | 19% |
| Romario (Brazil) | 6% |
| Luis Suarez (Uruguay) | 5% |
| Ivan Zamorano (Chile) | 4% |
| Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina) | 3% |
| Alfredo di Stefano (Argentina) | 3% |
| Mario Kempes (Argentina) | 2% |
| Sergio Aguero (Argentina) | 2% |
| Diego Forlan (Uruguay) | 1.5% |
| Alberto Spencer (Ecuador) | 1% |
| Arsenio Erico (Paraguay) | 0.5% |