South American Players in the Premier League: The Greatest at Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man United and Spurs
South America has produced some of the most electrifying players in Premier League history. Argentina and Brazil lead the way — the two nations alone account for the vast majority of CONMEBOL appearances in the English top flight. Here are the ten most-capped South Americans at each of the Big Six clubs.
Arsenal
Arsenal's South American contingent is almost entirely Brazilian, topped by Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli — two pillars of Mikel Arteta's title-challenging sides. Chile's Alexis Sánchez, fourth with 122 appearances, remains one of the most gifted South Americans to play for the club. Gilberto Silva, who anchored the Invincibles midfield, sits third.
| # | Player | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Magalhães | Brazil |
| 2 | Gabriel Martinelli | Brazil |
| 3 | Gilberto Silva | Brazil |
| 4 | Alexis Sánchez | Chile |
| 5 | Denílson | Brazil |
| 6 | Gabriel Jesus | Brazil |
| 7 | Edu | Brazil |
| 8 | Sylvinho | Brazil |
| 9 | David Luiz | Brazil |
| 10 | Gabriel Paulista | Brazil |
Chelsea
Chelsea's South American list is more diverse than most, with Argentina represented by Enzo Fernández and Hernán Crespo alongside Brazil's long list of contributors. Willian leads overall with 234 appearances, while Moisés Caicedo of Ecuador is a reminder that South American talent extends beyond the continent's two giants.
| # | Player | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Willian | Brazil |
| 2 | David Luiz | Brazil |
| 3 | Ramires | Brazil |
| 4 | Oscar | Brazil |
| 5 | Enzo Fernández | Argentina |
| 6 | Thiago Silva | Brazil |
| 7 | Moisés Caicedo | Ecuador |
| 8 | Alex | Brazil |
| 9 | Juliano Belletti | Brazil |
| 10 | Hernán Crespo | Argentina |
Liverpool
Liverpool's South American list is led by Roberto Firmino — the Brazilian who became one of the most beloved players in the club's modern era despite never being the obvious star. Luis Suárez (Uruguay) sits sixth, a reminder of one of the most compelling and controversial players the Premier League has ever seen. Colombia's Luis Díaz and Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister and Javier Mascherano broaden the mix.
| # | Player | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roberto Firmino | Brazil |
| 2 | Alisson | Brazil |
| 3 | Lucas Leiva | Brazil |
| 4 | Philippe Coutinho | Brazil |
| 5 | Fabinho | Brazil |
| 6 | Luis Suárez | Uruguay |
| 7 | Luis Díaz | Colombia |
| 8 | Alexis Mac Allister | Argentina |
| 9 | Javier Mascherano | Argentina |
| 10 | Fábio Aurélio | Brazil |
Manchester City
Manchester City's South American list is split evenly between Brazil and Argentina — the two nations who have defined City's dominance. Ederson and Fernandinho lead the Brazilians; Sergio Agüero and Pablo Zabaleta are Argentina's contribution. Carlos Tevez and Julián Álvarez — two very different generations of Argentine forwards — both feature.
| # | Player | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ederson | Brazil |
| 2 | Sergio Agüero | Argentina |
| 3 | Fernandinho | Brazil |
| 4 | Pablo Zabaleta | Argentina |
| 5 | Gabriel Jesus | Brazil |
| 6 | Nicolás Otamendi | Argentina |
| 7 | Carlos Tevez | Argentina |
| 8 | Julián Álvarez | Argentina |
| 9 | Fernando | Brazil |
| 10 | Elano | Brazil |
Manchester United
Antonio Valencia of Ecuador leads United's South American list — a converted winger who became one of the club's most reliable right-backs. The Brazilian contingent of Fred, Casemiro, Rafael and Anderson accounts for the bulk of appearances. Argentina's Alejandro Garnacho, Lisandro Martínez and Marcos Rojo represent a different era of South American input at Old Trafford.
| # | Player | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antonio Valencia | Ecuador |
| 2 | Fred | Brazil |
| 3 | Casemiro | Brazil |
| 4 | Rafael | Brazil |
| 5 | Anderson | Brazil |
| 6 | Alejandro Garnacho | Argentina |
| 7 | Lisandro Martínez | Argentina |
| 8 | Marcos Rojo | Argentina |
| 9 | Carlos Tevez | Argentina |
| 10 | Diego Forlán | Uruguay |
Tottenham
Spurs' South American list is headlined by Argentina's Erik Lamela — a cult figure at White Hart Lane whose rabona goal against Arsenal in the League Cup remains one of the most audacious in Premier League history. Cristian Romero has become one of the best defenders in the league. Uruguay's Rodrigo Bentancur arrived from Juventus and quickly became a fan favourite before injury disrupted his Spurs career.
| # | Player | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erik Lamela | Argentina |
| 2 | Lucas Moura | Brazil |
| 3 | Cristian Romero | Argentina |
| 4 | Rodrigo Bentancur | Uruguay |
| 5 | Richarlison | Brazil |
| 6 | Heurelho Gomes | Brazil |
| 7 | Sandro | Brazil |
| 8 | Emerson Royal | Brazil |
| 9 | Giovani Lo Celso | Argentina |
| 10 | Paulinho | Brazil |
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