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South America has produced some of the best footballers to have played the game, and the production line has not abated yet.
Countries like Brazil and Argentina continue to churn out exciting talents, many of them being scout's dream picks. There is an abundance of world-class South American talents in Europe right now, and more could follow soon.
Arguably the best player in world football is a South American. And it is not surprising to see European clubs sign young talents from the continent. Manchester City have done so in recent years, while Italian sides are also moving in this direction.
On that note, here's a look at the five best South American footballers in the world at the moment.
#5 Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
One of the best centre-backs in the world, Marquinhos has played a key role in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)'s rise in recent years.
Marquinhos did not come cheap, though. PSG paid AS Roma £28.2 million to acquire him in 2013, but the Brazil international has proved to be a shrewd purchase. Marquinhos learnt from one of the best in the business, Thiago Silva, eventually taking over Silva's role as the leader of the Ligue 1 giants after he left for Chelsea.
The 27-year-old has made 323 appearances in all competitions for PSG. Physically gifted and comfortable on the ball, Marquinhos has won six Ligue 1 titles, and has often been utilised as a defensive midfielder, especially in recent seasons.
#4 Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid)
Arguably the greatest no. 9 of the modern generation, Luis Suarez has won almost every possible trophy in club football.
Suarez's 2013-14 season with Liverpool is regarded as one of the best in Premier League history. Barcelona came calling in 2014, and signed Suarez for £73.5 million.
The Uruguay international was world-class for the La Liga giants. In 283 appearances in all competitions for the,, Suarez scored 195 goals and provided 113 assists. He won four La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy with the club as well.
The 34-year old was controversially sold to Atletico Madrid last summer. However, Suarez displayed his qualities once more, this time for Diego Simeone's side. He helped them win the La Liga last season, scoring 21 league goals.
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#3 Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Casemiro is one of Real Madrid's most important players. Without his contributions it is difficult to imagine Los Blancos enjoying the success they did last decade.
He joined Real Madrid in 2013, but after limited appearances was loaned out to Porto in 2014. There the Brazil international was excellent, returning to Real Madrid to challenge for a spot in the first XI. Under Zinedine Zidane, Casemiro became one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, helping Real Madrid win three consecutive Champions League titles.
The 29-year-old is now an indispensable player for both club and country. With the likes of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos leaving the club this summer, Casemiro's role as a leader will be more pronounced.
#2 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
The most expensive football player in the world, Neymar was bought by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from Barcelona for nearly £200 million in 2017.
One of the best players in the world, Neymar was a prodigious talent who was destined for the very top. The Brazil international formed a fearsome attacking trident at Barcelona alongside Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, helping the club win the continental treble in 2015.
With PSG, Neymar has won three league titles and played a key role in the club reaching the Champions League final in 2020. In 116 appearances in all competitions for the French giants, the 29-year-old has scored 87 goals and provided 52 assists.
#1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi is also the best South American footballer in the world.
A world-class dribbler, goalscorer and creator, Messi has been one of the best in the world for quite some time. His extraordinary talent was visible when he made his Barcelona debut in 2004, and he has only improved with time. The Argentina international's talent is unparalleled.
A one-club man, Messi has made 778 appearances in all competitions, scoring 672 goals and providing 305 assists. The 34-year-old was linked with a move away from the club last summer, but looks set to sign a new deal to extend his stay at Barcelona.
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