The next generation of South American football stars will make their mark at the 2024 Copa América. Among the most exciting players to watch are names like Alejandro Garnacho, Endrick, Yunus Musah, and Ismaël Koné, who are looking to establish themselves on the continental stage.
READ MORE
++ Yan Couto’s revelation of why he took the pink dye out of his hair for Copa América
++ All-time goal scorers of Copa América
++ Flashback to U.S. Soccer’s top Copa América moments in 1995 and 2016
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Argentina
🗣 Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni about Alejandro Garnacho: "He's well, he's training with us. He's a kid who we believe should come in when the match gives us a chance." 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/5QiDydOvsP
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) June 14, 2024
Despite a challenging season for Manchester United, Alejandro Garnacho has been one of the few bright spots. The 19-year-old winger from Madrid made his first-team debut in April 2022 and quickly established himself as a regular starter, playing in 50 matches across all competitions and scoring 10 goals, including a remarkable acrobatic strike against Everton.
Tireless and fearless, Garnacho consistently attacked his opponents with excellent ball control and the ability to change direction. Selected five times for the Albiceleste since the summer of 2023, he will have the opportunity to stand out at the Copa América.
Endrick (Real Madrid), Brazil
Es su momento 😎 pic.twitter.com/Kjh0Zv9SwV
— Endrickinho (@Endricky9) June 9, 2024
Real Madrid made a significant move by securing the services of Brazilian prodigy Endrick, who will officially join the club on July 1st. At just 17 years old, Endrick joins a core of talented young players like Vini Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga.
With the return of Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid has an impressive lineup for the coming years. Endrick will have the chance to make a name for himself during the Copa América, where he can shine alongside experienced players like Neymar.
Yunus Musah (Milan), United States
Yunus Musah almost scores for the USA against Brazil! pic.twitter.com/ukLXaXsiDT
— Sideline Recaps (@SidelineRecaps) June 12, 2024
Convincing Yunus Musah to wear the United States jersey was a masterstroke for Gregg Berhalter. Born in New York City to Ghanaian parents who were on vacation and raised in Italy before moving to London to join Arsenal’s academy, the 21-year-old midfielder had a choice of several nations for his international career.
With England, for whom he played at youth levels, Ghana, and Italy showing interest, Musah chose the United States and made his senior team debut in 2020.
Ismaël Koné (Watford), Canada
Ismaël Koné was so good at the last World Cup, one of the standout performers in Canada’s team for me
Earned him a move to Watford, another one of these Championship players who could make the step up to the Prem at the right club
Good opportunity for a newly promoted team https://t.co/mFVZ6oD8eX pic.twitter.com/PPUZ9Dt0ow
— Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) June 11, 2024
Ismaël Koné will be just 22 years old when Canada kicks off their campaign on June 20, but he has already established himself as one of the most promising defensive midfielders in the world. During the 2023-2024 Champions League, the Montevideo-born player led all players in combined tackles and interceptions during the group stage, showcasing an uncompromising approach.
Marcelo Flores (Tigres), Mexico
Julio Enciso (20|🇵🇾) está llamado a liderar las nuevas generaciones de Paraguay. Será una Copa América clave para el jugador del Brighton. Hay mi haz ilusiones alrededor de su imagen. pic.twitter.com/k95lr5jtTj
— 365Scores (@365ScoresApp) June 13, 2024
The 2024 Copa América could have looked very different for Marcelo Flores. The 20-year-old Tigres midfielder could have been part of Canada’s young squad instead of Mexico’s. Son of former Mexican international Rubén Flores, Marcelo chose to represent his father’s country despite interest from Canada.
His performances with Mexico’s youth teams convinced coach Gerardo Martino to call him up to the senior team. Flores is considered one of the brightest prospects in Mexican football, and the Copa América will be an opportunity for him to make a name for himself on the continental stage.
Piero Hincapié (Bayer Leverkusen), Ecuador
At just 21 years old, Piero Hincapié is already one of Europe’s most sought-after central defenders. After making his professional debut with Emelec in 2020, the young Ecuadorian joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 and quickly established himself as an undisputed starter. Hincapié is known for his defensive solidity, game reading, and ability to cleanly play the ball out from the back. With Ecuador, he has already played 20 matches and will participate in his first Copa América in 2024. He is one of the most exciting young players to follow in this competition.
Enzo Fernández (Benfica), Argentina
Keep Going 💪 #CopaAmérica pic.twitter.com/GpNsqpdqZq
— Enzo Fernández (@IEnzofernandez8) June 13, 2024
Enzo Fernández had an exceptional year in 2023. After winning the World Cup with Argentina, the 22-year-old midfielder joined Benfica for a record fee of 120 million euros. His performances during the World Cup, where he was named the best young player, truly launched his career.
Fernández is renowned for his passing quality, vision of the game, and leadership on the field. With the Albiceleste, he will have the opportunity to confirm his status as a future great in South American football at the Copa América 2024.
Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Brazil
Nos vemos na Copa América, pelo nosso objetivo.
VAMOS BRASIL! 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/Grqwu86tEA— Rodrygo Goes (@RodrygoGoes) June 13, 2024
At just 23 years old, Rodrygo is already one of the most exciting players in global football. Trained at Santos FC in Brazil, the talented forward joined Real Madrid in 2019 and quickly became a key player for the merengue team.
With exceptional technique and top speed, Rodrygo is a real nightmare for defenders. Capable of playing on both sides of the attack, he excels in one-on-one situations and does not hesitate to take responsibility with the ball at his feet. Last season, he scored 16 goals and provided 7 assists in all competitions with Real Madrid.
Rodrygo made his debut for the Brazilian national team in 2019 and now has 22 caps. Despite fierce competition within the Seleção, the young forward has established himself through his high-level performances.
