Most valuable South American clubs. South American football is renowned around the world for its passion and flair. Some of the most famous clubs in world football hail from Brazil, Argentina, and other South American nations. These clubs also represent significant financial value due to their world-class academies, commercial appeal, and star players.
Flamengo – €160.70m
Coming in at number one is CR Flamengo of Brazil. With a total market value of €160.70 million, Flamengo have established themselves as the most valuable South American club. Their squad consists of 28 players with an average age of 27.7 years. Impressively, 91.8% of Flamengo’s total value comes from their top 18 players, whose combined worth is €147.50 million. This shows they have assembled a core group of top quality players. Flamengo are the reigning Brazilian Serie A champions and have a huge national and international fanbase, contributing greatly to their commercial strength.
Palmeiras – €159.50m
In second place are Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, also of Brazil. Palmeiras have a total market value of €159.50 million from a squad of 30 players averaging 25.8 years old. Similarly to Flamengo, their top players make up the majority of value, with 90.5% of their worth stemming from the €144.40 million combined value of their highest rated 18 players. Palmeiras have one of the largest stadiums in South America and win trophies consistently, making them a powerful force both on and off the pitch.
São Paulo – €99.45m
São Paulo Futebol Clube sit third with a total value of €99.45 million. Their squad is larger than the top two clubs at 40 players but with an average age of 26.4 years. São Paulo’s best players account for 74.5% of their worth, valued together at €74.10 million. Once a dominant force in Brazil, São Paulo remain one of the biggest clubs despite experiencing less success in recent years.
Athletico Paranaense – €96.10m
In fourth are Club Athletico Paranaense with a €96.10 million valuation. They have a slightly smaller 32 man squad averaging 26.1 years old. Impressively, a massive 90.6% of their worth stems from their top 18 players valued together at €87.10 million. Athletico Paranaense have risen to prominence in Brazil in the 2010s, winning the Copa Sudamericana, Copa do Brasil, and the 2019 Copa Libertadores.
River Plate – €92.75m
The first Argentine club on the list is River Plate in fifth place. River Plate are valued at €92.75 million, with a 30 man squad averaging 29 years old. Their highest rated players make up 86.5% of the value, totaling €80.25 million. River Plate are renowned as one of the biggest in South America and regularly compete for major honors at home and abroad.
Corinthians – €88.15m
In sixth are Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, valued at €88.15 million from a 31 man squad averaging 26.4 years old. Their top players combine for 87.9% of the value or €77.50 million. Corinthians have won the Copa Libertadores once and are consistently in the mix for titles in Brazil.
Atlético Mineiro – €83.40m
Seventh placed Clube Atlético Mineiro have a valuation of €83.40 million. They have one of the younger squads on the list at 28 players averaging 28.7 years old. Atlético Mineiro also rely heavily on their best players, who make up 90.6% of the value or €75.55 million combined. They have risen to become a powerhouse in Brazil, winning the 2021 Brasileirão title.
Boca Juniors – €79.53m
Boca Juniors of Argentina sit eighth with a €79.53 million valuation. Their 28 man squad has an average age of 28.7 years old. Boca Juniors’ highest rated players combine for 86.4% of the worth or €68.68 million. They are arguably the biggest club in South America and regularly reach the latter stages of the Copa Libertadores.
Fluminense – €77.15m
Ninth placed Fluminense have a market value of €77.15 million from a 32 man squad averaging 28.1 years old. An impressive 91.4% of their worth stems from their top players valued together at €70.55 million. Fluminense are one of the traditional giants of Brazilian football.
RB Bragantino €72.03m
In tenth are Red Bull Bragantino valued at €72.03 million. They have the largest squad on the list at 34 players but with the youngest average age of 24.1 years. Their highest rated players make up 83.7% of the worth valued collectively at €60.30 million. Bragantino have risen rapidly since being taken over by Red Bull in 2019.
The rest of the top 15 includes clubs like Santos, Sport Club Internacional, Vasco da Gama, Botafogo, and Bahia. All have large fanbases and histories of success at the top level in Brazil and South America. The financial strength and commercial appeal of these clubs is a big reason for their continued high valuations. While success on the pitch rises and falls, the most valuable South American clubs maintain strong foundations as leading lights in the beautiful game down south.
