South American football is renowned for its skill, passion, and rich history. The continent has produced some of the greatest players and teams of all time, and continues to be a major force in the global game. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top football teams in South America, highlighting their achievements and the reasons for their success.
Club Atlético River Plate (Argentina)
- The club has won 36 Primera División titles, second most in Argentina, and also Copa Libertadores four times (1986, 1996, 2015, 2018) and the Copa Sudamericana in 2014.
- Founded on May 25, 1901, River Plate is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Argentina and South America. The club is based in the Núñez neighborhood of Buenos Aires, and has one of the largest fan bases in the country.
- River Plate’s home stadium, the Estadio Antonio Vespuci Liberti, is commonly known as “El Monumental” and is one of the largest stadiums in South America with a capacity of 67,664. The club’s fans are known for their passion and their rivalry with Boca Juniors, known as the “superclásico” which is considered one of the most intense and historic rivalries in world football.
- Famous players who have played for River Plate include Alfredo Di Stéfano, Daniel Passarella, Hernán Crespo and Javier Mascherano. Famous coaches include Ramón Díaz and Óscar Washington Tabárez
- They are based in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Famous people known to support River Plate include, Diego Maradona, Jorge Luis Borges and Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Club Atlético Boca Juniors (Argentina)
- Boca Juniors has won 34 Primera División titles, six Copa Libertadores titles (1977, 1978, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007) and three Copa Sudamericana titles (2004, 2005, 2006).
- Founded in April 1905, Boca Juniors is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Argentina and South America. The club is based in the La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires, and has a large and passionate fan base known as the “La 12”.
- Boca Juniors home stadium is the Alberto J. Armando Stadium, commonly known as “La Bombonera” which has a capacity of 49,000. The club’s fans are known for their passion and their rivalry with River Plate, known as the “superclásico” which is considered one of the most intense and historic rivalries in world football.
- Famous players who have played for Boca Juniors include Diego Maradona, Carlos Tevez and Juan Roman Riquelme. Famous coaches include Juan Carlos Lorenzo and Carlos Bianchi
- They are based in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Famous people known to support Boca Juniors include: Jorge Luis Borges, Fidel Castro and Gabriel García Márquez
Club Nacional de Football (Uruguay)
- Nacional has won the Primera División title a record 43 times and also has won the Copa Libertadores three times (1971, 1980, 1988) and the Intercontinental Cup twice (1971, 1980).
- Founded on September 14, 1899, Nacional is one of the most successful clubs in South America. The club is based in the Montevideo, and has a large fan base throughout the country.
- Nacional’s home stadium is the Estadio Gran Parque Central which has a capacity of 30,000. The club’s fans are known for their passion and their rivalry with Club Peñarol, known as the “clásico” which is considered one of the most intense and historic rivalries in South America football.
- Famous players who have played for Nacional include; Enzo Francescoli, Luis Suarez and Diego Forlán. Famous coaches include Oscar Tabarez and Jorge Fossati.
- They are based in the city of Montevideo, Uruguay
- Famous people known to support Nacional include; José Mujica, a former President of Uruguay, and Eduardo Galeano, a famous writer and journalist.
Club Deportivo Universidad Católica (Chile)
- Universidad Católica has won 17 Primera División titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores in 1993.
- Founded in 1937, Universidad Católica is one of the most successful clubs in Chile and South America. The club is based in the capital city of Santiago and has a large and passionate fan base known as the “Cruzados”.
- Universidad Católica’s home stadium is the San Carlos de Apoquindo Stadium, which has a capacity of 30,345. They have rivalry with Club Universidad de Chile, known as the “clásico universitario” which is considered one of the most important rivalries in Chilean football.
- Famous players who have played for Universidad Católica include; Iván Zamorano, Cristián Castañeda, and Jorge Valenzuela. Famous coaches include; Nelson Acosta and Martín Lasarte
- They are based in the city of Santiago, Chile
- Famous people known to support Universidad Católica include; Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile and Francisco Sagredo, former president of the Chilean Football Association.
São Paulo Futebol Clube (Brazil)
- São Paulo has won six Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles, three Copa Libertadores titles (1992, 1993, 2005), and two Intercontinental Cup titles (1992, 1993).
- Founded on January 25, 1930, São Paulo is one of the most successful clubs in Brazil and South America. The club is based in the city of São Paulo, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “Tricolor Paulista”.
- São Paulo’s home stadium is the Morumbi Stadium, which has a capacity of 67,428. They have a rivalry with Santos F.C., known as the “clássico do povo” which is considered one of the most important rivalries in the Brazilian football.
- Famous players who have played for São Paulo include; Cafu, Rogério Ceni, and Kaká. Famous coaches include; Telê Santana, Carlos Alberto Parreira, and Muricy Ramalho
- They are based in the city of São Paulo, Brazil
- Famous people known to support São Paulo include; Paulo Coelho, famous writer and Ayrton Senna, former Formula One driver.
Club Atlético Independiente (Argentina)
- Independiente has won a record of 7 Copa Libertadores titles (1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1984, 1986, 1994) and also 18 domestic league title (Primera División).
- Founded on January 1, 1905, Independiente is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Argentina and South America. The club is based in the city of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “Los Diablos Rojos” (The Red Devils).
- Independiente’s home stadium is the Libertadores de America Stadium, which has a capacity of 48,666. They have a rivalry with Racing Club, known as the “clásico de Avellaneda” which is considered one of the most important rivalries in Argentina football.
- Famous players who have played for Independiente include; Daniel Passarella, Jorge Burruchaga, Jorge Valdano, and Gabriel Batistuta. Famous coaches include; Osvaldo Zubeldia, César Luis Menotti, and Américo Gallego.
- They are based in the city of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Famous people known to support Independiente include, Diego Maradona and Jorge Luis Borges, a famous Argentine writer and poet.
Club Olimpia (Paraguay)
- Olimpia has won a record of 42 Paraguayan league titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores twice (1979, 2002) and the Intercontinental Cup in 1979.
- Founded in 1902, Olimpia is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Paraguay and South America. The club is based in the city of Asunción, and has a large and passionate fan base.
- Olimpia’s home stadium is the Estadio Manuel Ferreira, which has a capacity of 35,000. They have a rivalry with Club Cerro Porteño, known as the “clásico” which is considered one of the most important rivalries in Paraguayan football.
- Famous players who have played for Olimpia include; José Luis Chilavert, Jorge Campos, and Roque Santa Cruz. Famous coaches include; Gustavo Costas and Ever Almeida.
- They are based in the city of Asuncion, Paraguay
- Famous people known to support Olimpia include; Nicanor Duarte Frutos, former president of Paraguay and Roberto Acuña, former Paraguayan Footballer
Club América (Mexico)
- America has won a record of 13 Primera División titles and also has won the CONCACAF Champions League 6 times (1977, 1987, 1990, 1992, 2006, 2015-2016)
- Founded in 1916, Club América is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Mexico and North America. The club is based in the city of Mexico City, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “Las Aguilas” (The Eagles)
- America’s home stadium is the Estadio Azteca, which has a capacity of 87,000 and is the only stadium in the world to host two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986). They have a rivalry with Club Guadalajara known as the “El superclásico” which is considered one of the most intense and historic rivalries in Mexican football.
- Famous players who have played for America include; Hugo Sánchez, Claudio Suárez, and Cuauhtémoc Blanco. Famous coaches include; Antonio Carlos Santos and Carlos Reinoso
- They are based in the city of Mexico City, Mexico
- Famous people known to support America include; Diego Luna, actor, and Carlos Slim, businessman.
Club Estudiantes de La Plata (Argentina)
- Estudiantes has won six Primera División titles and four Copa Libertadores titles (1968, 1969, 1970, 2009)
- Founded in 1905, Estudiantes is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Argentina and South America. The club is based in the city of La Plata, Buenos Aires, and has a large and passionate fan base.
- Estudiantes’ home stadium is the Ciudad de La Plata Stadium, which has a capacity of 52,000. They have a rivalry with Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, known as the “clásico platense” which is considered one of the most intense local rivalries in Argentina football.
- Famous players who have played for Estudiantes include; Juan Ramón Verón, Juan Sebastián Verón, and Enzo Francescoli. Famous coaches include; Osvaldo Zubeldía and Carlos Bilardo.
- They are based in the city of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Famous people known to support Estudiantes include; Diego Maradona and Eduardo Galeano, a famous Uruguayan writer and journalist
Club Atlético Nacional (Colombia)
- Nacional has won 14 Colombian league titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores in 1989 and the Copa Interamericana in 1989.
- Founded in 1947, Nacional is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Colombia and South America. The club is based in the city of Medellín, and has a large and passionate fan base.
- Nacional’s home stadium is the Atanasio Girardot Sports Complex, which has a capacity of 45,000. They have a rivalry with Independiente Medellín, known as the “clásico paisa” which is considered one of the most important rivalries in Colombian football.
- Famous players who have played for Nacional include; René Higuita, Freddy Rincón, and Alexis García. Famous coaches include; Hernán Darío Gómez, Francisco Maturana
- They are based in the city of Medellín, Colombia
- Famous people known to support Nacional include; Gabriel García Márquez, a Colombian writer and Nobel laureate and Juanes, a Colombian musician.
Club Atlético Peñarol (Uruguay)
- Peñarol has won a record of 51 Primera División titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores five times (1960, 1961, 1966, 1982, 1987) and the Intercontinental Cup twice (1960, 1961)
- Founded on September 28, 1891, Peñarol is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Uruguay and South America. The club is based in the city of Montevideo, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “Manya” or “Carbonero”
- Peñarol’s home stadium is the Estadio Campeón del Siglo, which has a capacity of 35,000. They have a rivalry with Club Nacional de Football known as the “clásico” which is considered one of the most intense and historic rivalries in South America football.
- Famous players who have played for Peñarol include; Obdulio Varela, José Leandro Andrade, and Enzo Francescoli. Famous coaches include; Juan Hohberg and Ondino Viera
- They are based in the city of Montevideo, Uruguay
- Famous people known to support Peñarol include; Jose Mujica, former president of Uruguay and Eduardo Galeano, a famous writer and journalist
Club Deportivo Universidad San Martín (Peru)
- San Martín has won 4 Peruvian league titles and also has won the Copa Sudamericana in 2011
- Founded in 1995, Deportivo Universidad San Martín is a relatively new club but it has quickly become one of the most successful in Peru and South America. The club is based in the city of Lima, and has a growing and passionate fan base.
- San Martín’s home stadium is the Estadio Nacional, which has a capacity of 80,093. They have a rivalry with Sporting Cristal, known as the “clásico universitario” which is considered one of the most important rivalries in Peruvian football.
- Famous players who have played for San Martín include; Juan Manuel Vargas, Antonio Gonzales and Wilmar Roldan. Famous coaches include; Jorge Sampaoli
- They are based in the city of Lima, Peru
- Famous people known to support San Martín include; Jorge Sampaoli, former National team coach of Argentina and Peru
Club Atlético Boca Juniors (Argentina)
- Boca Juniors has won a record of 34 Primera División titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores 6 times (1977, 1978, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007) and the Intercontinental Cup 3 times (1977, 2000, 2003)
- Founded on April 3, 1905, Boca Juniors is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Argentina and South America. The club is based in the city of La Boca, Buenos Aires, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “La 12”
- Boca Juniors’ home stadium is the Alberto J. Armando Stadium, which has a capacity of 49,000. They have a rivalry with River Plate, known as the “Superclásico” which is considered one of the most intense and historic rivalries in South America football.
- Famous players who have played for Boca Juniors include; Diego Maradona, Carlos Tevez, and Juan Román Riquelme. Famous coaches include; Carlos Bianchi and Alfio Basile
- They are based in the city of La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Famous people known to support Boca Juniors include; Lionel Messi and Gabriel Batistuta, both Argentine footballers
Club Atlético Junior (Colombia)
- Junior has won 14 Colombian league titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores in 2018 and the Copa Interamericana in 2018
- Founded in 1924, Junior is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Colombia and South America. The club is based in the city of Barranquilla, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “La hinchada del Junior”
- Junior’s home stadium is the Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, which has a capacity of 46,000. They have a rivalry with Millonarios known as the “clásico del Caribe” which is considered one of the most important rivalries in Colombian football.
- Famous players who have played for Junior include; Faustino Asprilla, Víctor Aristizábal, and Teófilo Gutiérrez. Famous coaches include; Hernán Darío Gómez and Francisco Maturana
- They are based in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia
- Famous people known to support Junior include; Shakira, Colombian singer and composer and Óscar Iván Zuluaga, Former Vice President of Colombia
Club Deportivo Universidad Católica (Ecuador)
- Universidad Católica has won 15 Ecuadorian league titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores in 2018
- Founded in 1959, Universidad Católica is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Ecuador and South America. The club is based in the city of Quito, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “La hinchada de la U”
- Universidad Católica’s home stadium is the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, which has a capacity of 45,566. They have a rivalry with Club Deportivo El Nacional, known as the “clásico capitalino” which is considered one of the most important rivalries in Ecuadorian football.
- Famous players who have played for Universidad Católica include; Edison Méndez, Cristian Lara, and Joffre Guerron. Famous coaches include; Reinaldo Merlo.
- They are based in the city of Quito, Ecuador.
- Famous people known to support Universidad Católica include; Chelo Ledesma, a retired Ecuadorian football player.
Club Nacional de Football (Uruguay)
- Nacional has won a record of 43 Primera División titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores 3 times (1971, 1980, 1988) and the Intercontinental Cup 3 times (1971, 1980, 1988)
- Founded on September 14, 1899, Nacional is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Uruguay and South America. The club is based in the city of Montevideo, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “Tricolor”
- Nacional’s home stadium is the Estadio Gran Parque Central, which has a capacity of 30,000. They have a rivalry with Club Peñarol known as the “clásico” which is considered one of the most intense and historic rivalries in South America football.
- Famous players who have played for Nacional include; José Leandro Andrade, José Nasazzi, and Juan Alberto Schiaffino. Famous coaches include; Alberto Suppici, Ondino Viera
- They are based in the city of Montevideo, Uruguay
- Famous people known to support Nacional include; Eduardo Galeano, a famous writer and journalist and Gabriel Batistuta, Argentine former professional football player.
Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro (Argentina)
- San Lorenzo has won a record of 13 Primera División titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores in 2014
- Founded on April 1, 1908, San Lorenzo is one of the most historic clubs in Argentina and South America. The club is based in the city of Boedo, Buenos Aires, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “Azulgranas”
- San Lorenzo’s home stadium is the Pedro Bidegain Stadium, which has a capacity of 21,665. They have a rivalry with Club Atlético Huracán, known as the “clásico de barrio” which is considered one of the most intense local rivalries in Argentina football.
- Famous players who have played for San Lorenzo include; Ricardo Bochini, José Sanfilippo and Jorge Ortiz. Famous coaches include; Jorge Fossati and Marcelo Gallardo
- They are based in the city of Boedo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Famous people known to support San Lorenzo include; Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church and Jorge Luis Borges, a famous Argentine writer and poet.
Club Atlético Independiente (Argentina)
- Independiente has won a record of 18 Primera División titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores 7 times (1964, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1984) and the Intercontinental Cup 3 times (1973, 1974, 1975)
- Founded on January 1, 1905, Independiente is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Argentina and South America. The club is based in the city of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “Los Diablos Rojos”
- Independiente’s home stadium is the Libertadores de América Stadium, which has a capacity of 48,662. They have a rivalry with Racing Club, known as the “superclásico de Avellaneda” which is considered one of the most intense local rivalries in Argentina football.
- Famous players who have played for Independiente include; Jorge Burruchaga, Daniel Passarella and Ariel Ortega. Famous coaches include; César Luis Menotti, Osvaldo Zubeldía
- They are based in the city of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Famous people known to support Independiente include; Diego Maradona, Argentine former professional footballer and Jorge Luis Borges, a famous Argentine writer and poet.
Club Atlético Colo-Colo (Chile)
- Colo-Colo has won a record of 33 Chilean league titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores in 1991
- Founded on April 19, 1925, Colo-Colo is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Chile and South America. The club is based in the city of Santiago, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “Los Albos”
- Colo-Colo’s home stadium is the Estadio Monumental David Arellano, which has a capacity of 47,000. They have a rivalry with Universidad de Chile, known as the “clásico universitario” which is considered one of the most intense rivalries in Chilean football.
- Famous players who have played for Colo-Colo include; Iván Zamorano, Marcelo Salas and Jorge Valdivia. Famous coaches include; Manuel
Club Atlético Universitario (Peru)
- Universitario has won a record of 24 Peruvian league titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores in 1970
- Founded on August 24, 1924, Universitario is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Peru and South America. The club is based in the city of Lima, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “La hinchada de la U”
- Universitario’s home stadium is the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespuci Liberti, which has a capacity of 80,093. They have a rivalry with Alianza Lima, known as the “clásico universitario” which is considered one of the most intense rivalries in Peruvian football.
- Famous players who have played for Universitario include; Teófilo Cubillas, Alberto Terry and Juan Carlos Oblitas. Famous coaches include; Paulo Autuori and Daniel Ahmed.
- They are based in the city of Lima, Peru
- Famous people known to support Universitario include; Mario Vargas Llosa, a Peruvian writer, politician, journalist, essayist and winner of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Literature and Jefferson Farfán, a Peruvian football player
Club Atlético Cerro Porteño (Paraguay)
- Cerro Porteño has won a record of 36 Paraguayan league titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores in 2002 and reached to the final in 1971 and 1988
- Founded on February 8, 1912, Cerro Porteño is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Paraguay and South America. The club is based in the city of Asunción, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “Los Leones”
- Cerro Porteño’s home stadium is the Estadio General Pablo Rojas, which has a capacity of 42,000. They have a rivalry with Club Olimpia, known as the “clásico de barrio” which is considered one of the most intense rivalries in Paraguayan football.
- Famous players who have played for Cerro Porteño include; Paulo da Silva, Nelson Haedo Valdez and José Saturnino Cardozo. Famous coaches include; Francisco Arce
- They are based in the city of Asunción, Paraguay
- Famous people known to support Cerro Porteño include; Hugo S
Club Atlético Racing Club (Argentina)
- Racing Club has won a record of 17 Primera División titles and also has won the Copa Libertadores in 1967
- Founded on March 25, 1903, Racing Club is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Argentina and South America. The club is based in the city of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “La Academia”
- Racing Club’s home stadium is the Juan Domingo Perón Stadium, which has a capacity of 50,000. They have a rivalry with Club Atlético Independiente, known as the “superclásico de Avellaneda” which is considered one of the most intense local rivalries in Argentina football.
- Famous players who have played for Racing Club include; Oscar Alfredo Gómez, Amadeo Carrizo and Mario Alberto Kempes. Famous coaches include; César Luis Menotti
- They are based in the city of Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Famous people known to support Racing Club include; Jorge Luis
Club Universidad Nacional A.C. (Mexico)
- Universidad Nacional has won a record of 11 Mexican league titles and reached to the final of Copa Libertadores in 1971 and 1977
- Founded on 4 April, 1928, Universidad Nacional is one of the most successful and historic clubs in Mexico and CONCACAF. The club is based in the city of Mexico City, and has a large and passionate fan base known as “Puma”
- Universidad Nacional’s home stadium is the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, which has a capacity of 72,000. They have a rivalry with Club América, known as the “clásico universitario” which is considered one of the most intense rivalries in Mexican football.
- Famous players who have played for Universidad Nacional include; Hugo Sánchez, Claudio Suarez and Francisco Palencia. Famous coaches include; Miguel Mejía Barón
- They are based in the city of Mexico City, Mexico
- Famous people known to support Universidad Nacional include; Ricardo Salinas Pliego, a Mexican businessman and Leonardo García Alarcón, a Chilean harpsichordist, organist, and conductor.
From the legendary clubs of Brazil and Argentina to the rising powers of Uruguay and Chile, South American football is full of exciting teams with a proud tradition of excellence. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply a lover of the beautiful game, these teams are sure to impress and inspire. With their rich history and exciting future, these top football teams in South America are sure to capture your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat for years to come.
