Everybody knows soccer is the most popular sport in the world. And while every World Cup has billions of fans hollering over who has the best players, there is no denying where most of the best ones come from. Latin America has the pleasure of producing some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. This is all the more true now as it was then. So take a look at our list for the best Latino soccer players in the world.
Lionel Messi
Who else should I start this list off with? The Argentinian player has accomplished everything a footballer can hope to accomplish. Considered by many to be the greatest footballer ever, he has won a record six Ballon d’Or awards and six European Golden Shoes. He has played his entire career for Barcelona where he remains their all time scoring champion and the record holder for 34 club trophies. An icon on and off the field, he has scored over 700 hundred goals for both his club and his country.
Christiano Ronaldo
Messi’s rival for the best player in the world, the Portugal native has carved his own greatness niche in the sport. The winner of 29 trophies throughout his career, Ronaldo has 5 Ballon d’Or awards of his own along with 700 career goals as well. His athletic build gives him a versatile attacking ability few players have ever matched. While constantly playing second fiddle to Messi, many sports analysts regardless view him as one of the greatest players of all time.
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
Playing forward for Paris Saint-Germain and for the Brazilian national team, Neymar Jr. is widely considered one of the best soccer players in the world. Originally part of a big 3 attacking trio with Messi and Luis Suárez, his move to PSG marked him as the most expensive player ever. The winner of the UEFA Champions league in 2015, he also happens to be the third leading scorer for a highly decorated Brazilian national team.
Andrés Iniesta
The gambling platform FairGo recently ran a promotion related to the popular Spanish soccer player Iniesta. Despite the fact that he plays in the Japanese club Vissel Kobe, his career in Barcelona left an indelible mark in the history of soccer. It was his successes on the pitch that prompted the creation of a themed game on the platform. Thanks to this, soccer fans could deepen their knowledge about the life and achievements of the athlete, as well as try their hand at gambling. Scoring the winning goal against the Netherlands for the 2010 FIFA World Cup championship, Iniesta has since been considered among the greatest mid-fielders of all time. A complete football player, his versatility as a defender and play-maker is something every championship team needs.
Alexis Sánchez
A Chilean footballer who plays forward for Inter Milan on a loan, Alexis Sánchez skill on the soccer field has earned him the nickname “The Wonder Child.” Playing alongside Lionel Messi and David Villa in Barcelona, the trio scored 82 goals together on the way to winning La Liga in 2013. Once becoming the franchise player for Arsenal, he won the FA Cup on two separate occasions. Chile’s all time goal scorer, Alexis ability as an attacker is extremely underrated.
Angel Di Maria
Playing winger or attacking mid-fielder for Paris Saint-Germain and for the Argentinian National Team, Di Maria is one of the craftiest players in soccer. His narrow build and agile frame allow him to beat most players one-on-one while also allowing him to function as a play maker. His role was pivotal in Real Madrid’s UEFA Champion’s League win and his skill as a footballer is coveted by all teams.
Sergio Leonel Agüero del Castillo
An Argentine footballer who plays striker for English Premier League club Manchester City, Agüero is considered by many to be one of the best soccer players of his generation. Easily one of the best centre-forwards in Premier League history, his two years into the league saw the highest goals per minute ratio in the history of the competition. Agüero also happens to be the 4th leading scorer in Premier League history along with holding the record for most hat tricks.
Thiago Emiliano da Silva
Captain and central defender for Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazilian footballer Thiago Silva is one of the best defensive players in the world. The winner of five consecutive Coupes de la Ligue and four consecutive Coupe de France’s, Silva’s defensive prowess gets the praise that it deserves. The fact that he is often compared to Franco Baresi, one of the greatest defenders of all time, should tell you how much of an effect he can have on games.
James David Rodríguez Rubio
An attacking mid-fielder or winger, the Colombian footballer known simple as “James” plays for the Spanish club Real Madrid. Praised for his vision, technique, and play making skills, he has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest Colombian players ever such as Carlos Valderrama. His ability to act as play maker, central mid-fielder, and attacking mid-fielder makes him a Swiss army knife for any soccer situation.
Sergio Ramos
The centre back and captain for Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos also plays for the Spanish national team. Considered to be one of the best defenders of his generation, he is also noted for his goal making and passing ability. Winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup along with the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012, his speed and strength on the field truly a sight to behold. So long as he stays away from the yellow cards, he will remain one of the most formidable forces in soccer.
