Soccer arrived in South America with European sailors within the 1800s and British staff fashioned the continent’s first membership in 1867.
Buenos Aires Soccer Membership performed their first match in June that 12 months and the game grew steadily by way of the affect of colleges and sports activities golf equipment.
Soccer arrived in Brazil in 1894 by way of Charles Miller, son of a Scottish railway engineer and a Brazilian mom of English descent. And over the subsequent 50 years, it turned the most well-liked sport throughout a lot of the continent.
South America is house to lots of the biggest gamers of all time, to vastly passionate followers and historic golf equipment. Right here, a take a look at among the largest and most well-known groups from throughout the continent…
33. Caracas FC
Caracas FC gamers have fun with the trophy after successful the Venezuelan championship in December 2019. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based in 1967 and primarily based within the Venezuelan capital, Caracas Fútbol Membership are the nation’s most profitable membership, having received their twelfth championship in 2019.
With an estimated 9 million followers throughout Venezuela, Caracas FC are additionally the best-supported aspect within the nation. Caracas reached the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores in 2009.
32. Universidad de Chile
Universidad de Chile gamers have fun their Chilean championship win in 2017. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Membership Universidad de Chile are the nation’s second-most profitable aspect after Colo-Colo and one of the vital standard too, with greater than 5 million followers.
Based in 1927 and primarily based within the capital Santiago, La “U” received their 18th Chilean championship in 2017. The Blues even have a continental title to their identify, having lifted the Copa Sudamericana in 2011.
31. América de Cali
America de Cali gamers have fun a purpose in opposition to Universidad Catolica within the Copa Libertadores in March 2020. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based in 1927, América de Cali are Colombia’s third hottest membership after Atlético Nacional and Millonarios, with the Crimson Devils estimated to have properly over six million supporters.
The Cali membership have had their ups and downs through the years, however are one of the vital profitable sides in Colombia, having received their fifteenth nationwide championship in 2020.
30. Vélez Sarsfield
Velez Sarsfield gamers have fun successful the Argentine title in June 2013. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Membership Atlético Vélez Sarsfield are one in every of 5 golf equipment – together with Newell’s Previous Boys, Rosario Central, Estudiantes and Huracán – usually within the dialog to ascertain Argentina’s sexto grande (sixth largest membership) after Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Racing Membership and San Lorenzo.
Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup winners in 1994, Vélez have been based in 1910 and received the final of their 10 Argentine championships in 2013. Notable former gamers embody prime scorer Carlos Bianchi (who later led the membership to the Libertadores as coach), Paraguayan goalkeeping nice Jose Luis Chilavert and Diego Simeone, who started his profession with the Buenos Aires membership.
29. Universitario de Deportes
Universitario de Deportes have fun their Peruvian championship title in 2013. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Membership Universitario de Deportes, normally referred to as Universitario or usually merely as La “U”, are Peru’s second-most supported membership behind Alianza Lima.
Additionally primarily based within the capital, Universitario have been based in 1924 and presently have extra nationwide championships than another membership in Peru. La “U” are supported by near 10 million folks.
28. Rosario Central
Rosario Central followers throughout a match in opposition to River Plate in November 2023. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based in 1889 by a bunch of rail staff, Membership Atlético Rosario Central are one of many oldest golf equipment in Argentina and certainly all of South America.
The primary membership from Argentina’s inside to win a nationwide championship, Central have 4 titles in complete. The Rosario membership are additionally the one workforce from the Santa Fe province to have received a global competitors, having claimed the Copa CONMEBOL in 1995. Legendary Argentina striker Mario Kempes spent three years at Central earlier than shifting to Valencia in 1976 and Angel Di Maria started his profession with the Rosario membership.
27. Newell’s Previous Boys
Followers of Newell’s Previous Boys gentle flares forward of a sport in opposition to River Plate in November 2019. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
One of many largest and hottest Argentine golf equipment outdoors Buenos Aires, Newell’s Previous Boys are primarily based in Rosario and famously had Lionel Messi as a youth participant.
Diego Maradona additionally had a brief spell on the membership after returning to Argentine soccer and Marcelo Bielsa is taken into account a legend at Newell’s, having labored as a participant, a scout after which a coach and led La Lepra (The Lepers) to 2 titles and a Copa Libertadores closing within the early Nineties. Newell’s have six Argentine titles in complete and the membership’s stadium has been named Estadio Marcelo Bielsa since 2009.
26. Botafogo
Garrincha at Botafogo in 1963. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based in 1904 as a soccer and rowing membership, Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas could be the least profitable of Brazil’s G-12 (Large Twelve) groups, however the Rio de Janeiro outfit has been house to among the largest legends in Brazilian soccer.
Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Mario Zagallo and Jairzinho all loved lengthy spells at Botafogo, making the membership one of the vital standard in Brazil and out of doors the nation within the Fifties and Sixties. Extra not too long ago, Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf completed his profession with the Rio aspect.
25. Atlético Mineiro
Atletico Mineiro have fun after beating Olimpia on penalties to win the Copa Libertadores in July 2013. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Primarily based in Belo Horizonte, Clube Atlético Mineiro have been based in 1908 and are among the many largest golf equipment in Brazil – one of many nation’s G-12 (Large Twelve) groups.
Copa Libertadores winners in 2013, Atlético beat Paraguayan aspect Olimpia on penalties within the closing. Ronaldinho, Claudio Taffarel and Gilberto Silva are among the many membership’s notable former gamers.
24. Olimpia
Olimpia gamers have fun their Copa Libertadores win in 2002. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Membership Olimpia are Paraguay’s most profitable aspect, with over 40 championships and three Copa Libertadores titles to their identify – in 1979, 1990 and 2002.
Principally based by a Dutchman within the capital Asunción, Olimpia additionally completed as runners-up within the Libertadores in 1960, 1989, 1991 and 2013. Former Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz began his profession at Olimpia and later returned for 5 years between 2016 and 2021.
23. Fluminense
Fluminense gamers have fun after beating Boca Juniors to win the Copa Libertadores in November 2023. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based in 1902, Fluminense are one in every of Brazil’s largest golf equipment, however the Rio de Janeiro outfit needed to wait till 2023 to win the Copa Libertadores.
That triumph got here following the return of Marcelo, who had began his profession with Fluminense earlier than becoming a member of Actual Madrid in 2005. Different legendary gamers embody Branco, Didi, Rivellino, Carlos Alberto and, extra not too long ago, Thiago Silva.
22. Barcelona Sporting Membership
Barcelona Sporting Membership gamers have fun a purpose in opposition to Santos in thee Copa Libertadores in 2021. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Named after the well-known Catalan membership, Ecuador’s Barcelona Sporting Membership are the nation’s hottest workforce, with an estimated seven million followers.
Based in 1925, Barcelona SC have received over 30 home championships and have been Copa Libertadores runners-up in 1990 and 1998. Legendary Ecuadorian ahead Alberto Spencer completed his profession with the Guayaquil-based membership.
21. Millonarios
Millonarios gamers have fun after successful the Colombian Superliga in January 2024. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based in 1937 and primarily based within the capital Bogotá, Millonarios are one Colombia’s most profitable and best-supported golf equipment.
Millonarios received 13 Colombian championships between 1949 and 1988, however needed to wait till 2013 for his or her 14th following an extended title drought. Millos have by no means been past the final 4 of the Copa Libertadores, however did win a Small Membership World Cup in 1953, with the good Alfredo Di Stéfano of their workforce.
20. Internacional
Internacional gamers have fun with the trophy after successful the Copa Libertadores in August 2010. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Sport Membership Internacional have been based in 1909 and together with Porto Alegre rivals Grêmio, are one in every of Brazil’s G-12 (Large Twelve) golf equipment.
Copa Libertadores winners in 2006 and 2010, Internacional additionally received the Membership World Cup within the first of these years, beating Barcelona within the closing. Former Brazil midfielder Falcão had an extended spell on the membership, whereas World Cup-winning captain Dunga began and completed his profession with the Porto Alegre aspect. Ex-Brazil goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel additionally began out with the Reds.
19. Grêmio
Gremio gamers have fun with the trophy after successful the Copa Libertadores in November 2017. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based in 1903, Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense are one in every of Brazil’s G-12 (Large Twelve) golf equipment and one of the vital profitable outdoors of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Three-time Copa Libertadores winners in 1983, 1995 and 2017, Grêmio share an enormous native rivalry with Internacional in Porto Alegre. Ronaldinho began his profession within the iconic blue, black and white shirt.
18. Estudiantes
Estudiantes de La Plata have fun their Copa Libertadores win in 2009. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Estudiantes de La Plata are Argentina’s most profitable aspect outdoors of Buenos Aires and famously received the Copa Libertadores 3 times in a row between 1968 and 1970.
Intercontinental Cup winners in 1968 as properly, Estudiantes added one other Copa Libertadores crown in 2009. Notable former gamers embody Carlos Bilardo, Alejandro Sabella and Jose Luis Brown. Extra not too long ago, Enzo Perez and Juan Sebastian Veron have been each within the workforce for his or her 2009 Libertadores triumph.
17. Atlético Nacional
Atletico Nacional gamers have fun after successful the Copa Libertadores in 2016. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Atlético Nacional are Colombia’s best-supported membership, with an estimated 11 million followers, and likewise the nation’s most profitable aspect.
Copa Libertadores winners in 1989 and 2016, the Medellín-based outfit have additionally received extra home championships than another Colombian membership. Legendary former gamers embody René Higuita, Francisco Maturana and Andrés Escobar. Extra not too long ago, Argentine goalkeeper Franco Armani and Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez have performed for Atlético.
16. Alianza Lima
Alianza Lima followers throughout a Copa Libertadores match in opposition to Colo-Colo in Might 2024. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Membership Alianza Lima have been based in 1901 and are one in every of Peru’s most profitable sides. By 2022, the Blue and Whites had racked up 25 home championships, with not less than one title received in each decade for the reason that 1910s, excluding the Eighties.
Alianza are Peru’s hottest membership and one of many best-supported in South America, with properly over 12 million followers. Legendary Peru ahead Teófilo Cubillas started his profession with Alianza Lima and later returned for 3 extra spells with the capital membership.
15. Cruzeiro
Cruzeiro gamers have fun their Copa Libertadores win in 1997. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based in 1921, Cruzeiro Esporte Membership are primarily based in Belo Horizonte and are one in every of Brazil’s best-supported golf equipment, with an estimated seven million supporters. In addition to a string of regional and nationwide titles, Cruzeiro received the Copa Libertadores in 1976 and once more in 1997.
Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning attacker Tostão spent most of his profession at Cruzeiro and is the membership’s all-time prime scorer. Legendary striker Ronaldo additionally began out at Cruzeiro earlier than shifting to PSV in 1994 and goalkeeper Dida had a four-year spell on the membership.
14. Colo-Colo
Colo-Colo gamers have fun a win over Internacional within the Copa Libertadores in June 2022. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Membership Social y Deportivo Colo-Colo have been based in 1925 and are Chile’s largest and most profitable aspect, with over 30 championships.
Primarily based within the capital Santiago, Colo-Colo received the Copa Libertadores in 1991 and have been runners-up in 1973. Former Chile striker Carlos Caszely scored over 200 objectives for Colo-Colo, whereas defender Luis Mena received a report 11 titles with the Santiago aspect and Ivan Zamorano completed his profession with the membership in 2003.
13. San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo gamers have fun after successful the Copa Libertadores in August 2014. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Thought-about one in every of Argentina’s cinco grandes (huge 5), Membership Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro have received home titles in each decade for the reason that Nineteen Twenties, besides the Eighties.
Of their 1968 championship, San Lorenzo turned the primary Argentine membership to finish a season with out defeat within the skilled period. Los Santos received the Copa Libertadores in 2014. Notable former gamers embody legendary Spanish striker Isidro Lángara and former Argentina ahead Beto Acosta, who featured for San Lorenzo in 4 totally different spells.
12. Vasco da Gama
Romario celebrates a purpose for Vasco da Gama in opposition to River Plate in November 2000. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based as a rowing and multi-sports membership by Portuguese immigrants and Portuguese Brazilians in 1898 and named after the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama opened its soccer division in 1915.
Primarily based in Rio de Janeiro, Vasco turned a logo for anti-racism and multiculturalism and adopted as its motto “Respeito, igualdade, inclusão ” (Respect, equality, inclusion). Considered one of Brazil’s best-supported sides to this present day, Vasco is thought for its spectacular youth academy, having developed the likes of Romario, Hilderaldo Bellini, Edmundo, Roberto Dinamite and Philippe Coutinho. The Rio outfit received the Copa Libertadores in 1998.
11. Racing Membership
Racing Membership followers throughout a sport in opposition to San Lorenzo in February 2024. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Primarily based in Avellaneda in Better Buenos Aires, Racing Membership have been based in 1903 and rapidly loved success, turning into the primary membership on this planet to win seven successive titles.
That feat was achieved between 1913 and 1919 and has solely been matched in current instances by Lyon, Juventus and Bayern Munich. Copa Libertadores winners in 1967, Racing went on to win the Intercontinental Cup later within the 12 months. Generally known as La Academia (The Academy), Racing’s rivalry with Independiente is fierce and the groups’ derby conflict is the second largest in Argentina after Boca Juniors versus River Plate. Legendary gamers embody Oreste Corbatta, Roberto Perfumo and, extra not too long ago, Diego Milito.
10. Nacional
Followers of Nacional cheer on their workforce in a Copa Libertadores sport in opposition to River Plate in Might 2024. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based in 1899, Nacional have dominated Uruguayan soccer along with Montevideo rivals Peñarol, successful their forty ninth home championship in 2022.
Nacional are additionally three-time winners of the Copa Libertadores – in 1971, 1980 and 1988 – and went on to say the Intercontinental Cup in every of these years. Notable former stars embody 1930 World Cup winner and “Black Marvel” Jose Leandro Andrade, 1950 hero Schubert Gambetta and Jose Santamaria, who went on to win a number of European Cups with Actual Madrid. Extra not too long ago, Luis Suarez started his profession at Nacional and returned for a second spell in 2022.
9. Peñarol
Peñarol followers cheer on their workforce in a derby in opposition to Nacional in April 2023. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Membership Atlético Peñarol received the primary two editions of the Copa Libertadores and claimed the continental crown 5 instances in complete between 1960 and 1987.
Based in 1891, Peñarol are Uruguay’s best-supported and most profitable membership, with over 50 home championships. Three-time winners of the Intercontinental Cup as properly, the Montevideo-based aspect’s yellow and black shirts are world well-known. Legendary gamers embody Ecuador-born ahead Alberto Spencer, Chilean defender Elias Figueroa and Uruguay 1950 World Cup winners Obdulio Varela and Juan Schiaffino.
8. Independiente
Independiente followers forward of a sport in opposition to Boca Juniors in July 2023. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Membership Atlético Independiente are nicknamed Rey de Copas (King of Cups) as a result of their extraordinary success within the Copa Libertadores – however El Rojo (the Crimson one) haven’t received a continental crown since 1984.
Seven-time Copa Libertadores winners between 1964 and 1984, Independiente claimed Copa Sudamericana titles extra not too long ago – in 2010 and 2017. The most important membership legend is Ricardo Bochini, who was admired by Diego Maradona. Sergio Agüero additionally began his profession with the membership primarily based in Avellaneda, in Better Buenos Aires.
7. Santos
A Santos shirt worn by Pelé up for public sale in Beverly Hills in 2023. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Santos turned one of many world’s most well-known soccer golf equipment within the Fifties and Sixties, because of the legendary determine of Brazil’s largest icon: Pelé.
Two-time Copa Libertadores winners in Pelé’s time and twice Intercontinental Cup champions within the early Sixties as properly, Santos added one other continental crown with Neymar in 2011. Relegated for the primary time of their historical past in 2023, the membership vowed to not use Pelé’s iconic quantity 10 shirt till their return to the highest flight.
6. Palmeiras
Palmeiras gamers celebrates after successful the 2020 Copa Libertadores in January 2021. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Palmeiras received the Copa Libertadores in 2020 and retained the trophy in 2021, having beforehand claimed the continental crown in 1999.
Considered one of São Paulo’s largest and best-supported sides, it’s estimated that Palmeiras have over 20 million followers. Based by Italian immigrants as Palestra Italia in 1914, the membership modified its identify in 1942. Notable former gamers embody Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo and Djalma Santos, whereas thrilling kids Endrick and Estevao WIllian have each not too long ago come by way of the membership’s youth academy.
5. São Paulo
Sao Paulo gamers have fun after beating Palmeiras to win the Copa do Brasil in February 2024. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Considered one of two golf equipment by no means to have been relegated from Brazil’s prime flight, São Paulo are one of many nation’s most profitable and best-supported golf equipment.
Based in 1930, São Paulo have loved spectacular success and are typically nicknamed Campeão de Tudo (Champion of The whole lot) after turning into the primary Brazilian soccer membership to win each out there title – together with a Membership World Cup in 2005. Notable former stars embody Cafu, Kaka, Rai and legendary goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni.
4. Corinthians
Corinthians followers rush to greet their workforce on the airport after their Membership World Cup closing win over Chelsea in December 2012. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based in 1910, Sport Membership Corinthians Paulista are Brazil’s best-supported membership after Flamengo and the most important within the metropolis of São Paulo, with over 30 million followers.
Named after the now-defunct London-based novice membership Corinthian, the Brazilian aspect received the inaugural FIFA Membership World Championship in 2000 and likewise the Membership World Cup in 2012. Membership legends embody Rivellino and Socrates. Extra not too long ago, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano performed there.
3. Flamengo
Flamengo gamers have fun with the trophy after beating Athletico Paranaense within the closing of the Copa Libertadores in October 2022. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Based prinicipally as a rowing membership in 1895, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo performed their first soccer match in 1912 and went on to turn into Brazil’s largest and hottest workforce.
Considered one of simply two Brazilian golf equipment by no means to have been relegated, Flamengo are supported by over 20% of the nation’s inhabitants. The Rio de Janeiro aspect have persistently been one of the vital profitable golf equipment at house and throughout South America. Led by the legendary Zico, Flamengo beat Liverpool 3-0 to win the Intercontinental Cup in 1981. The Rio aspect had beforehand received the Copa Libertadores that 12 months and added two extra titles in 2019 and 2022. Vinicius Junior started his profession with Flamengo earlier than shifting to Actual Madrid.
2. River Plate
River Plate gamers have fun their Copa Libertadores closing win over Boca Juniors on the Santiago Bernabeu in December 2018. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
River Plate are Argentina’s second-most standard membership after fierce rivals Boca Juniors and essentially the most profitable by way of home titles.
4-time Copa Libertadores winners, River play their house matches on the Estadio Monumental, which is now South America’s largest stadium after Rio’s Maracana was remodelled. It was additionally the scene of Argentina’s World Cup closing win in 1978 and has been house to some legends of South American soccer, incuding Alfredo Di Stefano, Omar Sivori, Daniel Passarella and Enzo Francescoli.
1. Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors followers on the Bombonera throughout a sport in opposition to fierce rivals River Plate in October 2023. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
Primarily based within the coronary heart of the folkloric neighbourhood of La Boca in Buenos Aires, Boca Juniors are Argentina largest and hottest soccer membership.
Boca play within the iconic Bombonera (“candy store”) stadium. Residence to the good Diego Maradona for a brief interval within the early Eighties and once more on the finish of his profession, Boca have received over 70 titles, together with six Copa Libertadores crowns.
