Top Premier League Players Who Won the Copa América

Since the early 2000s, several Copa América winners have emerged from the Premier League.

While the Premier League has enjoyed a global reputation since the 1990s, its ability to attract South American talent lagged behind leagues like La Liga and Serie A. However, this trend began to shift in the 2000s as more players from CONMEBOL countries chose to join English clubs. Some of these players even went on to win the prestigious Copa América. Below are the most notable Copa América winners who were playing in the Premier League during their triumph.

Edu Gaspar (Copa América 2004)

Currently serving as Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu was likely the first Premier League player to win the Copa América. In 2004, Brazil, under Carlos Alberto Parreira, called up a “B team” that excluded stars like Ronaldinho, opting instead for players like Edu who were in top form with Arsenal. The former central midfielder was a key part of the Gunners’ undefeated 2003-04 Premier League title run, making 30 appearances, scoring two goals, and registering three assists.

Edu played in every match during the 2004 Copa América, though he did not contribute any goals or assists. Despite his key role in Brazil’s midfield, the former Corinthians and Valencia player earned only 16 international caps and never had the opportunity to appear in a FIFA World Cup. After the tournament, Edu found himself sidelined and struggled to secure regular playing time. In 2005, he made a surprising move to La Liga, joining Valencia, before returning to Corinthians in 2009.

Julio Baptista (Copa América, 2007)

Once again, Arsenal had a hand in producing a Copa América winner. In the 2007 edition, their loanee from Real Madrid, Julio Baptista, was instrumental in Brazil’s victory, helping them secure their eighth title in Venezuela. Baptista played in five matches, scoring three goals and providing one assist. One of his goals came in the final, where Brazil triumphed over Argentina 3-0.

His time at Arsenal that season, however, was underwhelming. Baptista made 24 Premier League appearances, managing only three goals and three assists. Despite his modest club performance, he was included in Brazil’s squad for the Copa América, where his physicality suited Dunga’s tactical approach. Baptista also made a brief appearance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, adding to his 47 international caps and five goals.

Luis Suárez (Copa América 2011)

In the 2011 Copa América, Luis Suárez was a newly signed star at Liverpool, having joined the club during the winter transfer window. He made an immediate impact, scoring four goals and providing five assists in the Premier League, quickly establishing himself as a key player for Kenny Dalglish’s side. Suárez remained at Anfield until 2014, when he made the move to Barcelona, missing out on a Premier League title with Liverpool in the 2013/14 season. At Barcelona, he enjoyed a trophy-laden career, including a treble in his first season.

While Uruguay were not the favorites to win the tournament in Argentina, they stunned the hosts in the quarterfinals by defeating them in a penalty shootout. Suárez played a pivotal role, contributing four goals and two assists throughout the tournament, including crucial contributions in the final as La Celeste triumphed 3-0 over Paraguay to claim the title.

Suárez continued to be a mainstay for Uruguay, helping them qualify for the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups. Now 37 years old, the veteran striker is still called up for international duty and remains a key figure for his country, having made 138 appearances for Uruguay across all competitions.

Alexis Sánchez (Copa América 2015, 2016)

Alexis Sánchez played a leading role in Chile’s back-to-back Copa América victories in 2015 and 2016, cementing his status as one of the best players in South American football. At the time, Sánchez was a key figure for Arsenal under Arsène Wenger. In 2015, he scored 25 goals and provided 12 assists across 52 appearances, followed by a strong 2016 campaign with 17 goals and 10 assists. His performances also helped deliver the FA Cup during his first season in the Premier League, sparking hopes of a return to Arsenal’s glory days from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Although Sánchez’s individual contributions in the Copa América finals weren’t spectacular—scoring just one goal and providing one assist in 2015, and three goals with two assists in 2016—his overall impact on the pitch and leadership were invaluable in securing Chile’s titles.

Eduardo Vargas (Copa América 2015)

Eduardo Vargas was an essential part of Chile’s attacking force during their 2015 Copa América triumph, forming a dynamic partnership with Alexis Sánchez. Vargas was the top scorer of the tournament, netting four goals and adding one assist in the 2015 edition, and he continued his strong form in 2016 with six goals and one assist.

However, Vargas’ time in the Premier League with Queens Park Rangers (QPR) was less memorable. On loan in 2014, he played just 22 games, scoring three goals and contributing two assists. Afterward, Vargas moved to Hoffenheim in the summer of 2015, where he regained his form and continued to shine for both club and country.

Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino, and Gabriel Jesus (Copa América 2019)

The trio of Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino, and Gabriel Jesus were pivotal in Brazil’s Copa América victory in 2019, playing key roles throughout the tournament. All three featured in every match for Selecao, with Firmino and Jesus leading the attack in Tite’s front three. Firmino contributed two goals and three assists, while Jesus scored twice and added two assists, including key contributions in the semifinals and final.

At club level, they were also in remarkable form. Alisson and Firmino, both playing for Liverpool, won the Champions League, while Jesus, representing Manchester City, clinched the Premier League title. Their success on both the international and club stage made them integral to Brazil’s triumph.

Emiliano Martínez (Copa América 2021)

Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez was one of Argentina’s standout performers during their 2021 Copa América victory, alongside Lionel Messi. The former Arsenal goalkeeper played a crucial role in Argentina’s success, especially in the penalty shootout win over Colombia in the semifinals and the final against Brazil. Martínez’s performances earned him the Golden Glove Award for the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

In 2021, Martínez had already made his move to Aston Villa, where he kept 15 clean sheets in 38 Premier League appearances, helping Villa finish 11th. His stellar form at both club and international levels made him one of the standout keepers of the tournament.

Source: https://arsenal-mania.com/the-most-notable-copa-america-winners-from-the-premier-league/