Messi, Marta & Arrascaeta: Quem será o Rei/Rainha da América 2025?

South American Football Awards: A Shifting Landscape and Rising Stars

The annual South American Footballer of the Year awards, traditionally dominated by Brazilian and Argentinian talent, are witnessing a potential power shift. While Lionel Messi continues to be a contender even while playing in the United States, and Brazilian players consistently feature, a new wave of stars from Uruguay and beyond are challenging for the crown. This year’s nominations highlight this evolving dynamic, with Gabi Zanotti and Marta representing strong female contenders, and players like Arrascaeta poised to break the Brazil-Argentina stronghold.

The Rise of Uruguayan Contenders

For years, the award has largely been a two-nation affair. However, the consistent performance of Nicolás Arrascaeta, the Flamengo midfielder, is generating significant buzz. He’s not a newcomer to the conversation – consistently placing high in previous years – but 2024 saw him reach peak form, becoming both a prolific goalscorer (25 goals) and a creative force (20 assists) for his club. This dual threat, coupled with Flamengo’s success in multiple competitions, positions him as a frontrunner.

Arrascaeta’s potential victory would mark a significant moment, ending a streak of Brazilian and Argentinian dominance that began in 2016. The last non-Brazilian/Argentinian winner was Miguel Borja of Colombia, showcasing how difficult it is for players from other nations to break through.

Women’s Football Gains Prominence

The increasing recognition of women’s football is another key trend. The nomination of Gabi Zanotti (Corinthians) and Marta (Orlando Pride) demonstrates the growing visibility of female players. Marta, a legend of the game, continues to inspire, while Zanotti represents the rising talent within Brazilian domestic leagues. They are competing with Claudia Martínez, a promising 17-year-old from Paraguay, signaling a broader geographical spread of talent in the women’s game.

This increased representation is crucial for the continued growth of women’s football in South America. Investment in youth development programs and professional leagues is vital to nurture future stars and ensure sustained success. FIFA’s initiatives are playing a key role in this development.

The Messi Factor: Adapting to New Leagues

Lionel Messi’s inclusion in the voting, even after moving to Inter Miami, highlights the award’s evolving criteria. Initially, the award focused solely on players competing within South America. The rule change to include players in any league, implemented after Messi’s move to the US in 2023, acknowledges his global impact. While he didn’t win in 2024, his impressive goal-scoring record (43 goals across all competitions) and leadership in guiding Inter Miami to their first MLS title keep him firmly in contention.

This adaptation reflects a broader trend in football: the increasing globalization of the sport and the movement of top players to leagues outside of Europe. The Saudi Pro League, for example, has attracted numerous high-profile players, and their performances are now being considered for awards like this one.

The Role of Managers in the Spotlight

The award also recognizes managerial excellence. This year, Filipe Luís (Flamengo), Gustavo Costas (Racing), and Gustavo Alfaro (Paraguay National Team) are nominated. The inclusion of national team managers underscores the importance of international competition and the impact of coaching on a broader scale. Alfaro’s work with Paraguay, consistently exceeding expectations, is particularly noteworthy.

The increasing emphasis on tactical innovation and player development means that managers are playing an increasingly crucial role in the success of their teams. The Athletic’s analysis of top managers highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking.

Looking Ahead: A More Competitive Future

The South American Footballer of the Year awards are becoming increasingly competitive, reflecting the growing depth of talent across the continent. The rise of players from Uruguay, the increasing prominence of women’s football, and the adaptation to a globalized game are all contributing to this dynamic shift. The award is no longer a foregone conclusion for Brazilian or Argentinian stars; it’s a genuine contest for the best players and managers in South America.

FAQ

Q: Who is eligible for the South American Footballer of the Year award?
A: Players and managers currently active in South American football, or those who have moved to leagues outside of South America after July 1st of the award year.

Q: How many journalists vote for the award?
A: Approximately 250 journalists from various countries participate in the voting process.

Q: When did the award start?
A: The award originated in the 1970s with the Venezuelan newspaper El Mundo.

Q: What criteria are used to evaluate the nominees?
A: Performance throughout the year, individual statistics, team achievements, and overall impact on the game are all considered.

Did you know? The award was initially created to recognize South American players regardless of where they played in the world, but the rules changed in 1986 to focus on players active within the continent.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on emerging talents in leagues like the Argentine Primera División and the Brazilian Série A – these are often the breeding grounds for future award contenders.

What are your thoughts on this year’s nominees? Share your predictions in the comments below! Explore our other articles on South American Football for more in-depth analysis. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content.