- This year’s competition put some lesser known players into the world’s spotlight alongside superstars such as James Rodriguez and Lionel Messi.
- Jon Aramburu, Richard Rios, Maxi Araujo and Moise Bombito made the most of their opportunities at the tournament.
With another exciting edition of CONMEBOL Copa América™ having come to a close, it’s time to reflect on some of the breakout stars who made this tournament so special. Some players you may have known before the tournament, others maybe not, but each of these footballers left their mark in the United States, and made their country proud. Here are a few of the breakout players of CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™.
Jon Aramburu
Jon Aramburu, the young La Liga fullback from Caracas, Venezuela proved to be one of the tournament’s best defenders. The 21-year-old only made 11 appearances for Real Sociedad last year, his first year in Spain’s top flight after spending three years at Dep La Guaira in Venezuela, but played like a seasoned veteran for his country this summer in the United States. He led CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™ in tackles (26) and chipped in offensively with two assists. Aramburu also helped La Vinotino set multiple records during this edition of the competition, including winning three straight games for the first time in their history at the tournament, with his tenacious defense and attacking proficiency. Now, as the Venezuelan prepares for his second season in Spain with a fantastic tournament under his belt, look for the fullback to really kick on with La Real once the Club season begins.
Richard Ríos
Palmeiras supporters are already very familiar with Richard Rios, and now so is the rest of the world. The Colombian midfielder was sensational for Los Cafeteros in their run to the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™ Finals. During the 2023 Serie A season in Brazil, Rios made 37 appearances for Palmeiras in route to winning their 12th Serie A title. The midfielder then rode that success into this year’s continental tournament, where he led the entire competition in successful dribbles (18), and his progressive dribbling was key to helping Colombia win their group and advance to the finals for the first time since 2021. In a midfield with Colombian legend James Rodriguez and Premier League star Jefferson Lerma, Rios played a massive part in Los Cafeteros success. It’s no surprise that clubs in Europe have already started to inquire about his services now that the tournament is finished.
Maxi Araujo
When you earn the trust of legendary coach Marcelo Bielsa, you must be doing something right. Maximiliano Araujo, who plays his club soccer in Mexico for Toluca, earned a starting spot of La Celeste and helped Uruguay reach the Semifinals of CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™. In Uruguay’s first match against Panama, he scored one of the goals of the tournament, a fantastic curling goalzo from outside the box. He led his country in goal involvements throughout the tournament (3 - 2 goals and 1 assist) and was constantly a threat to the opposition when running down the wing. He also led Uruguay with shots on target per game (1.2) which helps highlight the importance of the winger to La Celeste’s high flying offense at the tournament. Like the other breakout stars of the tournament, inquiries for his services in Europe have reportedly increased and Araujo could soon be playing his trade across the pond at the start of the next Club season.
Moise Bombito
Following a historic CONMEBOL Copa América™ run, Canada’s head coach Jesse Marsch had very high praise for his standout center back, Moise Bombito.
“I’ve coached some of the best center backs in the world: Upamecano, Konaté, Gvardiol and Bombito’s talent level is in that category,” Marsch told CBS.
Bombito, who plays his club soccer for MLS side, Colorado Rapids, had the highest number of clearances during this year’s edition of the continental tournament (37), as well as the sixth highest number of accurate passes (239). The defender displayed his impressive acumen in defense as well as his precise passing ability. At only 24-years-old, Bombito has plenty more years to build upon such a solid CONMEBOL Cope América™ debut and is one of a number of young Canadains his country can look to to lead them into their next era.
