South American soccer is known for its passion, talent and historical rivalries. However, when it comes to investment in players, some clubs stand out from the rest, with the most expensive squads in South America.
According to recent data, the 10 most expensive squads in South America are concentrated in just two countries: Brazil and Argentina. Let’s get to know each of them below!
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List of the most expensive squads in South America
On the list of the 10 most expensive squads in South America are:
- Palmeiras (BRA): R$1.136 billion
- Flamengo (BRA): R$935.4 million
- Corinthians (BRA): R$ 620 million
- Fluminense (BRA): R$576.6 million
- River Plate (ARG): R$527.5 million
- Internacional (BRA): R$ 527.6 million
- Atlético-MG (BRA): R$484.3 million
- São Paulo (BRA): R$ 473.2 million
- Boca Juniors (ARG): R$413.3 million
- Grêmio (BRA): R$397.1 million
Before we go any further, it’s worth pointing out that the valuation of each club can change over the course of the season, especially with the arrival and departure of star players.
For example, in the course of 2024, Palmeiras’ Endrik is expected to leave the club to join Real Madrid, the team he was sold to. As a result, the value of Palmeiras, the team with the most expensive squad in Brazil, tends to vary.
It’s also important to note that depending on the criteria used to evaluate a soccer team, the values also tend to change.
However, the names and values are generally very approximate, okay? So don’t worry.
*We used theTransfermarkt website for this article.
Meet the most valuable players in the most expensive squads in South America
1. Palmeiras (BRA): R$1.136 billion
Palmeiras, with the most expensive squad in South America, is a true financial giant and has been one of the most feared teams in the Copa Libertadores in recent years.
With hefty investments in top players, the São Paulo club spares no effort to remain competitive in all the competitions they compete in.
Names like Endrick, Rony and Raphael Veiga are just some of the stars that make up this star-studded squad, which is also backed by efficient financial management and massive support from the fans.
- Most valuable players:
- Raphael Veiga – R$ 98 million
- Luis Guilherme – R$ 93 million
- Piquerez – R$ 71 million
- Murilo – R$ 55 million
- Gabriel Menino – R$ 55 million
2. Flamengo (BRA): R$935.4 million
With one of the most expensive squads in South America, Flamengo has maintained a top-level team, especially since 2019, when they won the Libertadores twice.
The carioca team stands out for its ability to invest heavily in signings and for the financial management that allows it to sustain high salaries and maintain its hegemony in Brazilian and continental soccer.
- Most valuable players:
- Pedro – R$ 120 million
- Gerson – R$ 82 million
- Arrascaeta – R$ 82 million
- De La Cruz – R$ 76 million
- Lorran – R$ 72 million
3. Corinthians (BRA): R$ 620 million
Corinthians, one of Brazil’s most popular clubs, are not lacking when it comes to squad investment.
With outstanding players such as Yuri Alberto, Timão show that they are willing to spend to win titles.
The club’s tradition and the loyalty of its immense fans help sustain these robust investments.
- Most valuable players:
- Yuri Alberto – R$71 million
- Wesley – R$64 million
- Rodrigo Garro – R$42 million
- Matheus França – R$30 million
- Breno Bidon – R$30 million
4. Fluminense (BRA): R$576.6 million
Champions of the 2023 Libertadores, Flu have made a name for themselves with a competitive squad.
With young talents like André and veterans like Germán Cano, the Rio de Janeiro club has a good balance of experience and youth to be a protagonist on the national and international stage.
- Most valuable players:
- André – R$ 136 million
- Jhon Arias – R$ 65 million
- Martinelli – R$ 54 million
- John Kennedy – R$ 42 million
- Marquinhos – R$ 42 million
5. River Plate (ARG): R$527.5 million
River Plate is the first Argentine club on the list and is known for its excellent talent pool.
With four Libertadores titles to their name, they are the last Argentine team to win the competition, in 2018, since Brazil’s hegemony began in 2019.
The Buenos Aires club’s investment in maintaining a competitive squad is evident, with star players who attract attention from all over the world.
- Most valuable players:
- Claudio Echeverri – R$109 million
- Franco Mastantuono – R$60 million
- Esequiel Barco – R$ 54 million
- Pablo Solari – 45 million
- Rodrigo Villagra – R$ 42 million
6. Internacional (BRA): R$527.6 million
Internacional, with a squad valued at more than half a billion reais, are showing their financial strength in the transfer market, having one of the most expensive squads in South America.
Players such as Mauricio and Robert Renan are proving to be essential for the club to maintain its competitive presence in various tournaments, such as the Copa Sudamericana and Campeonato Brasileiro.
- Most valuable players:
- Maurício – R$ 65 million
- Robert Renan – R$ 54 million
- Wanderson – R$ 48 million
- Vitão – R$ 48 million
- Rafael Borré – R$ 48 million
7. Atlético-MG (BRA): R$484.3 million
Atlético-MG, recent Libertadores and Brasileirão champions, have a star-studded squad, as well as efficient management and the support of their passionate fans.
- Most valuable players:
- Paulinho – R$82 million
- Arana – R$55 million
- Matías Zaracho: R$54 million
- Gustavo Scarpa: R$48 million
- Júnior Alonso: R$48 million
8. São Paulo (BRA): R$473.2 million
The reigning Copa do Brasil champions are still among the teams with the most expensive squads in South America, which shows their willingness to remain among the continent’s biggest.
The club is balancing its finances with strategic signings and a focus on its youth teams.
- Most valuable players:
- Pablo Maia – R$76 million
- Rodrigo Nestor – R$ 54 million
- Giuliano Galoppo – R$39 million
- James Rodriguez – R$ 30 million
- Ferreirinha – R$ 30 million
9. Boca Juniors (ARG): R$413.3 million
Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s most iconic clubs, are the second team with the most Libertadores titles, with six trophies to their name. However, they last won it in 2007. Even so, the team maintains a competitive and valuable squad, signing players who can bring back the glory days.
- Most valuable players:
- Ezequiel Fernández – R$85 million
- Cristian Medina – R$ 60 million
- Kevin Zenón – R$ 60 million
- Brian Aguirre – R$ 42 million
- Miguel Merentiel – R$ 36 million
10. Grêmio (BRA): R$397.1 million
Closing the list of the most expensive squads in South America, Grêmio is investing to return to the elite of South American soccer.
The club’s management and the support of the fans are key to sustaining these investments and seeking new achievements.
- Most valuable players (in millions of reais):
- Nathan Fernandes – R$48 million
- Yeferson Soteldo – R$42 million
- Matías Arezo – R$42 million
- Alexander Aravena – R$30 million
- Felipe Carballo – R$30 million
As is clear from the list of the most expensive squads in South America, Brazilian teams are dominating the investment in top-level players. River Plate is the only non-Brazilian team in the TOP 5.
This makes Brazilian teams more valuable and, consequently, more competitive.
One of the elements that confirm the relationship between high investment in squads with valuable players and the ability to win titles are the recent Copa Libertadores champions:
- 2023: Fluminense
- 2022: Flamengo
- 2021: Palmeiras
- 2020: Palmeiras
- 2019: Flamengo
The three clubs stand out among the most expensive elements in South America, maintaining high investments year after year.
But in 2024, will Brazilian hegemony continue? What do you think?
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