Botafogo

Three Botafogo players compete for South America’s King of Football award alongside Messi

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Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi - Foto: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Botafogo is experiencing one of its most glorious moments in its century-long history. After an extraordinary season, marked by their first-ever Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro titles in 2024, the Rio de Janeiro-based club has three players among the finalists for the South America’s King of Football award: Luiz Henrique, Jefferson Savarino, and Thiago Almada. They compete alongside global superstar Lionel Messi, of Inter Miami, and standout player Léo Fernández, of Peñarol.

The presence of three Botafogo players in the race for the continent’s top individual award highlights the team’s dominance in South American football this year. This historic milestone underscores both the collective and individual impact of the squad, which achieved two of the most coveted trophies in the sport, establishing themselves as an international benchmark.

Nominations highlight the prominence of Luiz Henrique, Almada, and Savarino

The three nominated players were key figures in Botafogo’s victorious campaigns throughout the season. Luiz Henrique, a 23-year-old forward, shined with crucial goals in key matches, displaying maturity and precision in attack. Thiago Almada, a 23-year-old Argentine midfielder, orchestrated plays with brilliance, setting up goals and controlling the team’s offensive rhythm. Meanwhile, Jefferson Savarino, a 28-year-old Venezuelan forward, brought speed and skill to the wings, proving essential in the fast transitions that defined Botafogo’s playing style.

Botafogo’s continental campaign culminated in a 3-1 victory over Atlético-MG in the Copa Libertadores final on November 30 at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium in Buenos Aires. Despite challenges, including an early red card for midfielder Gregore just 30 seconds into the match, Botafogo displayed strength and composure to secure their historic title.

The significance of the South America’s King of Football award

Established in 1986 by the Uruguayan newspaper “El País,” the South America’s King of Football award is one of the continent’s most prestigious individual accolades. It annually recognizes the best players, with past winners including legends like Neymar, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, and Carlos Tévez. In 2023, Germán Cano of Fluminense won the award after a remarkable season where he became the Libertadores’ top scorer with 13 goals.

The inclusion of Luiz Henrique, Almada, and Savarino among the finalists makes Botafogo the most represented club in this year’s edition, reaffirming the team’s significance in contemporary football. The winner will be announced on December 31, with Botafogo fans eagerly anticipating one of their stars taking home the trophy.

The paths of the nominated players

  1. Luiz Henrique
    A forward developed in Botafogo’s youth academy, Luiz Henrique was the team’s top scorer in 2024, netting 25 goals across all competitions. Known for his speed and technical ability, he was pivotal in both the Libertadores and Brasileirão campaigns, scoring decisive goals.
  2. Thiago Almada
    Argentine playmaker Thiago Almada brought creativity to Botafogo’s midfield, providing 15 assists and scoring 12 goals throughout the season. His performances in the Libertadores solidified his reputation as one of the competition’s standout players, attracting interest from top European clubs.
  3. Jefferson Savarino
    Venezuelan winger Savarino was a key offensive asset, delivering 18 assists and scoring 10 goals. His dribbling ability and vision made him indispensable in the tactical setup of coach Bruno Lage.

Messi and Fernández: the other finalists

Lionel Messi, at 37, continues to dazzle football fans worldwide. Despite playing for Inter Miami in the United States, he maintained his prominence by winning the Leagues Cup and leading his team in international competitions. Léo Fernández, a standout at Peñarol, earned his place among the finalists with impressive performances in the Libertadores.

Botafogo’s 2024 achievements drive international recognition

The 2024 season was historic for Botafogo. In addition to winning the Libertadores and Brasileirão, the club accumulated a total prize pool of R$241.1 million, including earnings from its victorious campaigns. This success elevated Botafogo’s status in South American football, placing them among the elite group of Brazilian clubs that have won both the Libertadores and the Campeonato Brasileiro in the same year, such as Santos (1962 and 1963) and Flamengo (2019).

List of recent South America’s King of Football winners

  • 2023: Germán Cano (Fluminense)
  • 2022: Pedro (Flamengo)
  • 2021: Julián Álvarez (River Plate)
  • 2020: Marinho (Santos)
  • 2019: Gabriel Barbosa (Flamengo)

Social media and fan reactions

The nominations of Botafogo’s three stars sparked an outpouring of reactions on social media. The hashtag #BotafogoReiDaAmérica (Botafogo King of America) trended on Twitter, with fans celebrating the team’s performances and its players’ individual recognition. On Instagram, the club’s posts featuring Luiz Henrique, Savarino, and Almada garnered hundreds of thousands of likes, further fueling the excitement among supporters.

Impact of accolades on the club’s trajectory

Botafogo’s 2024 success not only enhanced the club’s prestige but also brought significant gains in engagement and revenue. The victories boosted ticket sales, jersey purchases, and licensed merchandise, while also attracting new sponsorship deals. At the Nilton Santos Stadium, average attendance increased by 35% compared to the previous year, reflecting the fans’ growing enthusiasm.

Historical curiosities about the finalists and the award

  • Jefferson Savarino is the first Venezuelan to be among the top five finalists for the South America’s King of Football award.
  • Thiago Almada, before excelling at Botafogo, was already a standout player in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he played for Atlanta United.
  • Lionel Messi, a finalist in 2024, has won FIFA’s The Best award seven times, but this is his first nomination for South America’s King of Football.

What to expect from Botafogo in 2025

With the 2024 season ending on a high note, Botafogo is already setting its sights on new challenges in 2025. Competing in the FIFA Club World Cup will provide an opportunity to further solidify the club’s name on the international stage. Additionally, the potential transfer of Thiago Almada to Lyon may pave the way for new signings and squad adjustments.

Botafogo’s cultural and social impact in Brazil and beyond

Botafogo has always been a club with strong popular appeal. Its 2024 achievements renewed the pride of its fanbase and inspired new supporters to embrace the Lone Star. The team’s accomplishments not only reaffirmed the club’s tradition but also demonstrated that with proper planning and investment, it is possible to achieve remarkable results.

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