Matheus Cunha
Five Notable South American Soccer Players to Keep an Eye on in 2025
Matheus Cunha is making a seamless transition into 2025, displaying excellent form. The Brazilian is a versatile forward or attacking midfielder, demonstrating his prowess in a struggling Wolverhampton side in 2024.
Cunha, at 25, has found his groove in the Premier League, notching 10 goals and providing 4 assists in 19 games for Wolves in the 2024/25 season. As Wolves start to turn their fortunes around, these numbers may only escalate further.
Cunha is a formidable presence, a dangerous goal threat, and a player brimming with skill and creativity. His form in 2025 could pave the way for a significant transfer move in the summer.
Nico Paz
At present, Nico Paz is the influential attacking midfielder guiding Como 1907 in Italy. The 'number 10' has a magical left foot, despite only registering 3 goals and 3 assists in 17 games. Nevertheless, he is a crucial figure for the struggling lower-tier team, at just 20 years old.
Paz has an extraordinary ability to seize control of games, creating opportunities out of thin air, finding passes or shots where others wouldn't. His accomplishments have earned him a spot in the Argentina national team, with better chances to shine in both club and country in 2025.
Paz plays with an elegance that any coach or spectator longs for, boasting an exquisite left foot, reminiscent of his countryman Paulo Dybala, but perhaps more physical, more intimidating, and less injury-prone. A promising career seems inevitable for this prodigy.
Savinho
Pep Guardiola has an affinity for Savinho, so little needs to be said. The 20-year-old Brazilian, who shone at Girona F.C., has caught Guardiola's eye, and now seems to have secured a spot in the Manchester City starting XI.
As Manchester City gears up for another successful year in 2025, it appears that the right winger from Atlético Mineiro has found his stride at the perfect moment. With 11 caps and a goal for Brazil, we can anticipate seeing more of Savinho for his national team as well.
Estévão
Estévão is garnering a considerable amount of attention in the world of soccer, and for good reason. The subject of a potential move to Premier League titans Chelsea, this Brazilian winger was given the nickname 'Messinho' due to his playing style, which shares similarities with the legendary Argentinian forward.
Estévão generated headlines in 2024 by posting goal and assist numbers similar to those of Neymar when he was 17. The dynamic and flamboyant young footballer will participate in the club World Cup with Palmeiras before his envisioned move to Chelsea. It could provide a prominent stage for him to flourish in 2025, and he has already secured a spot on the Brazil team. This prodigy, still not yet 18, represents the future.
Thiago Almada
In 2025, Thiago Almada will commence a new phase as he inks a deal with Lyon in the French league, relinquishing his status as a Botafogo legend after helping the Rio de Janeiro club win a league and Copa Libertadores double in 2024.
The attacker shines as a number 10 but can also cause havoc from the left side, slipping in between opposition defenses. He may be small but he is tenacious and a menace within the box.
Almada previously garnered praise for his performances with Atlanta in the MLS and represented the Argentina squad that won the World Cup in 2022. After a standout breakout season in Brazil, it's time to see if this 23-year-old can make his mark in Europe's top leagues and contribute to Lyon's 2025 Europa League run.
Matheus Cunha's impressive performance in the Premier League has also earned him significant business opportunities, with brands keen to associate with his growing sports stardom.
However, Thiago Almada's move to Lyon might mean a change in his financial situation, as he adjusts to the European football market and its commercial demands.
