The curtain finally came down at the Copa America 2024 edition and what surprises, scandals, and delights it gave us, especially with the addition of CONCACAF nations and it being held in the USA. It was also competing with the Euros 2024 for attention. Argentina defended their trophy but Colombia was such a valiant finalist and one could argue even more entertaining than the winners. It makes it tricky to pick the tournament’s best combined 11 but we are confident our efforts objectively reflect the better side. Surprisingly Messi did not make it…such was the quality on offer. Read along and see who makes our team of the tournament.
GK: Emiliano Martinez – Argentina/Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez has been a crucial figure for Argentina in Copa America 2024. His standout performance came during the quarterfinals against Ecuador, where he saved two penalties in a tense shootout, keeping Argentina’s hopes alive. This wasn’t a first for Martinez, as he’s known for his penalty shootout heroics, echoing his past performances in the previous Copa América and the World Cup final against France.
In the final, Martinez was a fortress, stopping all four of Colombia’s shots on goal, playing a pivotal role in Argentina’s successful title defense. Throughout the tournament, he conceded just one goal and kept four clean sheets, displaying impeccable form. His save percentage of 90% was the highest among goalkeepers who advanced past the group stages. Argentina did not concede a single goal during the group stage and only let in one leading up to the final.
Martinez’s presence has been invaluable for Argentina, especially when they struggled. His ability to deliver under pressure was evident once more in the semifinal against Canada. Though the match was relatively quiet, Martinez made a crucial save towards the end, securing his fourth clean sheet of the tournament.
Despite the polarizing opinions about him, Martinez has proven to be indispensable for both Argentina and Aston Villa. With three consecutive Golden Glove awards, he stands out as one of the most significant players for La Albiceleste, second only to Lionel Messi. Martinez’s consistent excellence and leadership between the posts make him a vital part of Argentina’s success.
LB: Jon Aramburu – Venezuela/Real Soceidad
Jon Aramburu shined for Venezuela in Copa America 2024, showcasing his defensive prowess and attacking contributions. At 21, the Real Sociedad right-back made an indelible mark in his debut Copa America. He set up two goals in just three matches and displayed outstanding defensive skills, particularly against Mexico with nine tackles and winning 11 of 14 ground duels.
Aramburu’s performance was vital for Venezuela. He led the tournament in tackles, with a total of 26, averaging nearly nine per match. His maturity on the field was evident, as he made 20 tackles in the final third and combined tackles and interceptions to reach a remarkable 30. He also ranked third in blocks with eight.
In the quarterfinals against Canada, Aramburu assisted Salomón Rondón’s goal and contributed significantly with multiple clearances and 11 tackles, despite the team losing on penalties. His efforts earned him the highest average match score on FotMob before the final, highlighting his impact.
Aramburu’s performance in this tournament suggests a promising future. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a key player for Real Sociedad and a cornerstone for Venezuela’s ambitions to qualify for their first World Cup in 2026.
CB: Davinson Sanchez – Colombia/Galatasary
Davinson Sanchez was a rock at the back for Colombia in Copa America 2024. The former Tottenham Hotspur defender played every game, showing incredible consistency and resilience. He even found the net in the group stage, scoring against Costa Rica.
Sanchez excelled in the air, dominating aerial duels throughout the tournament. His distribution was impressive too, completing 40% of his long balls. Despite his aggressive style, he maintained discipline, avoiding bookings and committing fewer than two fouls per game.
Now at Galatasaray, Sanchez’s performances have been crucial for Colombia. His presence and reliability in defense have made him a standout player, leading the way with authority and skill.
CB: Cristian Romero – Argentina/Tottenham Hotspur
Cristian Romero played a pivotal role in Argentina’s Copa America 2024 triumph. The Tottenham Hotspur defender was rock-solid from the first game to the last, helping Argentina keep five clean sheets and concede just one goal throughout the tournament.
Romero has rapidly established himself as one of the top defenders globally. His partnership with Lisandro Martinez is formidable, and their synergy is only expected to grow, making them a top pairing by 2026. Messi himself hails Romero as the world’s best defender, a testament to his significant impact on the field.
Romero’s discipline has greatly improved, avoiding any yellow cards before the final and committing under one foul per match. His defensive stats are impressive, with an 85% success rate in ground duels and 21 tackles won. His role extends beyond just defense; he leads the tournament in carries (238) and completed passes (285), showcasing his importance in Argentina’s buildup play.
RB: Daniel Munoz – Colombia/Crystal Palace
Daniel Muñoz was a standout performer for Colombia in Copa America 2024, even though his tournament ended prematurely with a red card in the semi-finals against Uruguay. Despite this setback, Muñoz’s impact on the pitch was undeniable. He combined defensive solidity with offensive contributions, scoring two goals and providing an assist.
Muñoz’s defensive stats were among the best in the tournament. He ranked in the top three for tackles won and top four for combined interceptions, showcasing his ability to break up play effectively. His incredible work rate allowed him to cover extensive ground, giving Colombia’s manager Néstor Lorenzo peace of mind regarding the right wing.
Offensively, Muñoz was a force, consistently pushing forward and contributing to Colombia’s attack. His two goals and one assist are a testament to his versatility and value to the team. His performances highlighted why Crystal Palace’s acquisition of the 28-year-old from Genk was one of the most astute pieces of business in the Premier League last season.
CM: Manuel Ugarte – Uruguay/Paris Saint-Germain
Manuel Ugarte shined brightly for Uruguay in Copa America 2024. The 23-year-old PSG midfielder played every minute of Uruguay’s five matches, showcasing his endurance and skill in Marcelo Bielsa’s high-intensity system. Ugarte’s partnership with Federico Valverde in the middle of the pitch was a key component of Uruguay’s strategy.
Ugarte’s defensive contributions were outstanding. He averaged nearly five tackles per match, leading the competition for tackles as a midfielder and ranking second in interceptions. His ability to disrupt the opposition’s play was crucial for Uruguay. But his game wasn’t limited to defense; he distributed the ball effectively with an 88% pass completion rate, demonstrating his versatility.
Despite Uruguay’s heartbreaking semi-final exit, Ugarte’s performances stood out. He brought consistency and solidity to the midfield, earning praise for his tireless work ethic and presence on the field. His impact went beyond statistics, as he became the heart and lungs of Bielsa’s team, providing the energy and drive needed in critical moments.
Ugarte’s potential is immense. With rumors of interest from top European clubs, including Manchester United, his future looks bright. Watching Ugarte play is like witnessing a seasoned veteran, even though he’s only 23. His performances in Copa America 2024 have solidified his reputation as a rising star in both club and international football.
CM: James Rodriguez – Colombia/Sao Paolo
James Rodriguez was the heart and soul of Colombia’s Copa America 2024 campaign. The Golden Ball winner, Rodriguez delivered a masterclass in playmaking, leading the tournament with a record-breaking six assists, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous mark from 2021. His vision and creativity were unmatched, as he created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates in various ways.
Rodriguez’s resurgence has been one of the tournament’s most compelling stories. The 32-year-old has rediscovered the form that made him a global sensation during the 2014 World Cup. After struggling with injuries and form, his performance in this tournament has been a triumphant return to his best.
Colombia’s attacking play thrived thanks to Rodriguez, who not only led in assists but also topped the charts for crosses and goal-creating actions. His ability to read the game and execute precise passes made him an indispensable part of Néstor Lorenzo’s squad.
Rodriguez’s impact extended beyond his statistics. His leadership and experience were vital for Colombia, guiding a team that created numerous chances and played some of the tournament’s most attractive football. His story of redemption, from seeking guidance earlier in the year to becoming the tournament’s standout player, is truly inspiring.
CM: Richard Rios – Colombia/Palmeiras
Richard Rios emerged as a standout performer for Colombia in Copa America 2024. Coming off a strong season in Brazil with Palmeiras, Rios carried his form into the tournament, establishing himself as Colombia’s midfield enforcer.
Rios saved his best performance for the final against Argentina. He made four tackles, completed two key passes, created two chances, and boasted a 92% passing accuracy. His stats included a perfect record in dribbling (2/2) and long balls (3/3), along with six defensive actions, highlighting his all-around capabilities.
Rios also impressed earlier in the tournament. He was instrumental against Paraguay and found the back of the net against Panama. At just 24, his breakout performances have certainly caught the attention of European clubs, marking him as a player to watch in the coming years. His blend of defensive solidity and creative play was crucial to Colombia’s run to the final, making him an invaluable part of their squad.
FW: Luis Diaz – Colombia/Liverpool
Luis Diaz showcased his electrifying talent throughout Copa America 2024. The Liverpool attacker scored two goals, becoming the third-highest scorer for Colombia in the tournament’s history. Despite a quieter final, Diaz’s semi-final performance was crucial in pushing Colombia over the line.
Diaz dazzled with his dribbling, consistently breaking down defenses and winning nearly three take-ons per match. He was second only to his teammate Richard Rios in total take-ons, underscoring his relentless attacking threat. Diaz also created seven chances with a 0.2 xA rate, highlighting his ability to generate high-value opportunities for his team.
More than just his stats, Diaz embodies the essence of South American football with his flair and hard work. His performance against Uruguay, where he led the front line after Muñoz’s red card, was a testament to his versatility and determination. Diaz not only excelled in scoring and creating chances but also in carries, possession, dribbling, crossing, and ball recoveries.
FW: Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan/Argentina
Lautaro Martinez’s Copa America 2024 campaign was another brilliant redemption arc. Two years after Argentina’s World Cup triumph, where he lost his starting spot to Julian Alvarez, the Inter Milan forward emerged as the attacking catalyst La Albiceleste needed. Whether starting or coming off the bench, Martinez consistently made his presence felt.
Martinez won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer, despite starting only two matches. His six goals were pivotal in Argentina’s run to the final, where he sealed his status as the tournament’s top scorer with a dramatic winner in the 112th minute.
FW: Salomón Rondón (Venezuela)
Salomón Rondón, Venezuela’s all-time top scorer, delivered an outstanding performance at Copa America 2024. With four goals in four games, the 34-year-old forward showcased his prowess and leadership, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Best 11.
Rondón’s contributions went beyond goal-scoring. His all-around forward play was crucial for Venezuela’s success, particularly in leading them to win their group with perfect fashion, overcoming Jamaica, Ecuador, and Mexico. His presence and experience were pivotal as he competed in his fifth Copa América.
One of his most memorable moments came with an audacious 40-yard screamer against Canada, catching goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau off his line. Rondón’s aerial dominance was also evident, winning seven of his eight aerial duels and taking the third-most shots on target.