With the Copa América soon approaching, let’s look at the last ten recipients of the tournament’s Best Player Award. Who do you think will win the prestigious accolade this summer?
2021 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
It’s no surprise that Lionel Messi appears multiple times on the Copa America Best Player Awards list, especially for the most recent tournament. Messi led Argentina to the country’s first title since 1993, contributing four goals and providing five assists.
The victory finally added the long-awaited international silverware to Messi’s trophy cabinet. Beating Brazil at the Maracanã was just a sneak preview of the inspiring run the Albiceleste went on to World Cup triumph a year later.
2019 – Dani Alves (Brazil)
Dani Alves was 36 when he won the Best Player Award at the 2019 Copa America. But age is just a number. The Seleção captain and one of the greatest right-backs of all time rolled back the years to guide his country to victory on home soil.
2016 – Alexis Sánchez (Chile)
Alexis Sánchez played a vital role in Chile’s back-to-back Copa América titles. His dynamic attacking play, crucial goals (3), and assists helped Chile overcome Argentina again in the 2016 Copa América Centenario final.
2015 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Although Argentina fell short at the 2015 Copa America, Messi was Messi. His brilliance throughout the tournament as he guided his team to the final. However, his one goal and three assists (all contributions against Paraguay in the semi-final) were insufficient as Chile won their first-ever Copa America on home soil.
2011 – Luis Suárez (Uruguay)
A 24-year-old Luis Suárez was the driving force behind Uruguay’s record 15th Copa América title. He scored four goals in the tournament, including two in the semi-final against Peru and one in the final against Paraguay—beast mode.
2007 – Robinho (Brazil)
Robinho dazzled fans with his flair and goal-scoring dominance in the 2007 Copa América. The once-dubbed next Pele (probably shouldn’t have coined him that) finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, including a hat-trick against Chile, leading Brazil to victory.
2004 – Adriano (Brazil)
Adriano’s dominance in the 2004 Copa América was unmatched. The Emperor was the top scorer with seven goals, including a dramatic last-minute equalizer in the final against Argentina. His physicality, powerful shooting—THAT wand of a left foot—and goal-scoring ability earned him the Best Player Award.
2001 – Amado Guevara (Honduras)
The most surprising name on this list is Honduras Amado Guevara. He guided his underdog team to a remarkable third-place finish at the 2001 Copa America. Part of the journey included a 2-nil victory over then-powerhouse Brazil in the quarterfinal round and Guevara’s lovely finish against Uruguay for third place.
1999 – Rivaldo (Brazil)
Creative midfielder Rivaldo easily won the Best Player Award at the 1999 Copa America. He scored five goals, including two golazos in the victorious final against Uruguay. To no one’s surprise, the La Liga and Copa del Rey champion also won the Ballon d’Or later that year.
1997 – Ronaldo (Brazil)
At the 1997 Copa America in high-altitude Bolivia, “O Fenômeno,” 20-year-old Ronaldo quickly emerged as one of the best footballers on the planet. His explosive speed, dribbling, and five goals led Brazil to their fifth Copa America title. Not surprisingly, the precocious talent won the Ballon d’Or that year.
Photo: x/kingnimwell
