Top 10 South Americans to have succeeded in Europe in modern day football
If you take a look at some of the top teams around Europe you will easily find that most of them have at least one player from South America in their squad. In fact, the forward trio of Barcelona which comprises of Lionel Messi (Argentina), Neymar (Brazil) and Luis Suarez (Uruguay) are all South Americans.In addition to the Barcelona trio, some of the best forwards who are currently active are also from South America. For example: Sergio Aguero, Edinson Cavani, Diego Costa (Brazilian who is now an adopted Spaniard), Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain, Radamel Falcao and Diego Milito.Pele and Maradona who are considered by many as the greatest ever football players are also from South American countries. This clearly shows that these countries have produced some amazing players over the years and they have a natural flair when it comes to playing football.We take a look at the top 10 footballers from the South American countries who have played and been great successes and fan favourites in Europe.Honourable mentions: Hernan Crespo, Dida and Roberto Ayala
#10 Lucio
Club Honours
Bayern Munich: Bundesliga and DFB -Pokal (2004-05, 2005-06 and 2007-08), DFB – Ligapokal (2004 and 2007) and DFL Supercup (2008), Internazionale: Serie A (2009-10), Coppa Italia (2009-10, 2010-11), UEFA Champions League (2009-10), Supercoppa Italiana (2010) and FIFA Club World Cup (2010), Juventus: Supercoppa Italiana (2012)
Lucio started his spell in Europe at Germany with Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, for whom he played and scored in the Champions League final defeat against Real Madrid in 2002. His performances for Leverkusen caught the eyes of many other European clubs, but it was Bayern Munich who eventually won the race for the center back’s signature. After his move, the Brazilian quickly became a vital member of the Bavarian side and was honoured with the post of the club’s vice captain for his contributions to the team.
In 2009, he moved to Internazionale with whom he won the treble in his maiden season. Lucio played the final of the Champions League in 2010 as Inter defeated his former club Bayern Munich. However, two years later, he left the club by mutual consent and joined Juventus, but Lucio could only manage four appearances for Juventus before his contract was once again terminated by mutual consent.
Age started to catch up to the once mighty Brazilian and he decided to return home to Brazil and he currently plays for Palmeiras.
Lucio is a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002 and he started and finished all the games at the tournament.