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The Greatest South American Footballers Ever

From Brazil to Argentina, South American countries have produced some of the finest football players in the history of the game. No wonder these countries end up performing well at world events, such as the FIFA World Cup. Check out our list of the greatest South American footballers ever to see if your favorite player has made the list.

1. Pele

    
Pele
Also Known As: Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele
Birthday: 23 October 1940
Born In: Tres Coracoes, Brazil
Sun Sign: Libra
Age: 84
Pele is one of the world's highly regarding sporting icons. He was voted 'World Player of the Century' by 'IFFHS' and joint 'FIFA Player of the Century.' He is the only player to win three 'FIFA World Cups'. He amassed 1281 goals in 1363 matches, including unofficial friendlies, and it is a Guinness World Record.

2. Diego Maradona

    
Diego Maradona
Also Known As: Diego Armando Maradona
Birthday: 30 October 1960
Born In: Lanús, Argentina
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 5′5″
Diego Maradona is one of the finest footballers of all-time. He is the joint winner of the 'FIFA Player of the Century Award.' He was known for his dribbling skills and ability to maneuver better than his contemporaries. These skills were best displayed when he scored the 'Goal of the Century,' as dubbed by FIFA, against England in 1986 World Cup quarter-final.

3. Lionel Messi

    
Lionel Messi
Also Known As: Lionel Andrés Messi, Leo Messi
Birthday: 24 June 1987
Born In: Rosario, Argentina
Sun Sign: Cancer
Age: 37
Height: 5′7″
Lionel Messi is arguably the best footballer of present times and one of the greatest players of all time. A stalwart of Barcelona, he is now its captain. He also leads the Argentine national team. He has won record six each 'Ballon d'Or' and 'European Golden Shoes.'

4. Ronaldo

    
Ronaldo
Also Known As: Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima
Birthday: 18 September 1976
Born In: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sun Sign: Virgo
Age: 48
Height: 6′0″

Ronaldo is often regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He won the prestigious 'Ballon d'Or' award twice and is the second-highest goal-scorer for Brazil. In 2004, he was named in Pelé's 'FIFA 100' list.

5. Ronaldinho

    
Ronaldinho
Also Known As: Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, Ronaldinho Gaúcho
Birthday: 21 March 1980
Born In: Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Sun Sign: Aries
Age: 44
Height: 6′0″

Ronaldinho is considered by many as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The recipient of the prestigious 'Ballon d'Or,' Ronaldinho was included in Pelé's 'FIFA 100' list in 2004.