Because of the abundance of big tournaments happening in 2024, followers of international soccer will feel pampered. While January and February were occupied with the African Cup of Nations, two more major international competitions are scheduled to take place this summer.
Naturally, you could care about the UEFA European Championship that will be happening in Germany. But on the other side of the globe, the Copa America 2024 tournament will also be happening simultaneously.
Spanning 14 different venues across the United States, the Copa America 2024 will see the top 16 teams from two confederations—CONMEBOL and CONCACAF—compete for the coveted title. While the tournament will feature a plethora of A-list athletes, this article hones in on the young revelation players who could steal the show.
The Copa America stands as a prestigious platform known for propelling young footballers to the forefront of the sport and for fostering the emergence of new legends. With each tournament, a fresh cohort of immensely gifted players captures the hearts of fans and pundits alike through their extraordinary skills, electrifying speed, and limitless creativity. As the upcoming Copa America approaches, several promising young footballers are primed to seize the spotlight and make their mark on the tournament.
Christian Pulisic: The American Star
Christian Pulisic, a star for the United States national team since his teenage years, is now at the pinnacle of his career. After a challenging four-year stint with Chelsea, where he clinched the Champions League title, Pulisic has found a new home in Milan. Under the tutelage of manager Stefano Pioli, Pulisic has rediscovered his form, netting a career-high 12 goals in all competitions. His previous best was 11 in the 2019-20 season with Chelsea. As the ‘Captain America,’ Pulisic will be a linchpin for the USMNT in the 2024 Copa America.
Key Highlights
Club: AC Milan
Position: Forward
Strengths: Speed, Dribbling, Finishing
Lionel Messi: The Legend’s Last Hurrah?
Miami, a stone’s throw away from Lionel Messi’s club soccer field, will host the Copa America final. This proximity gives him the opportunity to defend Argentina’s championship in his own backyard. The Argentine people are filled with optimism, but they also understand that a new era is on the horizon. Following the Copa America, Angel Di Maria will bid adieu to international play, and Messi might also contemplate retiring from national team competition. Just four days before his nation kicks off the 16-team tournament, Lionel Messi celebrates his 37th birthday. Hence, this could very well be his final chance to grace the Copa America with his presence.
Key Highlights
Club: Inter Miami
Position: Forward
Strengths: Vision, Passing, Goal Scoring
Santiago Gimenez: Mexico’s Rising Star
The rising star of Mexican football, Santiago Gimenez, has emerged as one of El Tri’s most prized assets, particularly after being overlooked for Mexico’s 2022 World Cup squad. Despite the setback, Gimenez played a pivotal role in Feyenoord’s second Dutch crown this century, scoring an impressive 15 goals. Last season, he shattered the previous record set in 2009 by the legendary Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, scoring 31 goals in all competitions for the Eredivisie. Gimenez also scored the match-winning goal for Mexico in the Gold Cup last year, further cementing his status as a rising star.
Key Highlights
Club: Feyenoord
Position: Forward
Strengths: Finishing, Positioning, Strength
Vinicius Jr.: Brazil’s New Leader
With Neymar’s status uncertain due to injury, Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. will have the responsibility of leading Brazil. With 28 appearances for Brazil, Vinicius has found the back of the net three times. He sent a strong message of purpose with a good showing against Spain, especially at the Bernabeu. Vinicius’s explosive pace and dribbling skills make him a crucial player for Brazil’s Copa America campaign.
Key Highlights
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Forward
Strengths: Speed, Dribbling, Creativity
Endrick: The Brazilian Prodigy
At just seventeen, Brazilian hopeful Endrick is rapidly becoming a household name in his own country. His thrilling play for Palmeiras and his impending transfer to Real Madrid after the competition have put him in the spotlight. While he will likely start the Copa America as an impact substitute, his chances of earning a starting spot are high. Endrick’s potential to shine on such a big stage makes him one to watch.
Key Highlights
Club: Palmeiras
Position: Forward
Strengths: Agility, Goal Scoring, Flair
Additional Young Talents to Watch
Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
Julian Alvarez, a key forward for Manchester City, is expected to play a significant role for Argentina. His goal-scoring ability and versatility make him an asset for Lionel Scaloni’s squad.
Moises Caicedo (Ecuador)
Moises Caicedo has been a standout performer for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. His tenacity and ball-winning skills in midfield are crucial for Ecuador’s hopes in the tournament.
Facundo Torres (Uruguay)
Facundo Torres has been impressive with Orlando City in MLS. His creativity and ability to take on defenders will be vital for Uruguay under Marcelo Bielsa’s guidance.
Luis Diaz (Colombia)
Luis Diaz, a dynamic winger for Liverpool, is known for his pace and dribbling. He will be a key figure in Colombia’s attack as they look to make a deep run in the tournament.
The 2024 Copa America promises to be an exhilarating tournament, not just for the established stars but also for the young talents brimming with potential. Players like Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, Vinicius Jr., and Endrick are on the cusp of greatness, ready to illuminate the tournament with their skills. As these young footballers step onto the stage, fans worldwide will be watching with bated breath, eagerly anticipating the emergence of the next big star in international soccer.
Jawn Staff
July 7, 2017Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur.