Who is the best player in Paraguay national football team history?

Rank the greatest Paraguayan players ever — from José Luis Chilavert's legendary goal-scoring goalkeeping to Arsenio Erico's astonishing 293-goal record and Roque Santa Cruz's European excellence.

José Luis Chilavert

Iconic and larger-than-life goalkeeper who is unique in football history for his ability to score goals — netting three hat-tricks from set pieces — while also being one of South America's finest shot-stoppers.

1/12

Arsenio Erico

Historical legend and arguably South America's greatest-ever goalscorer, a Paraguayan who scored 293 goals in Argentina's Primera División — a record that stood for decades.

2/12

Carlos Gamarra

Commanding and elegant central defender who was the bedrock of Paraguay's defence across the 1990s and 2000s, earning over 110 caps and captaining the team to multiple World Cups.

3/12

Roque Santa Cruz

Tall and technically gifted striker who established himself as one of South America's finest forwards at Bayern Munich and Blackburn Rovers, leading Paraguay's attack for over a decade.

4/12

Salvador Cabañas

Clinical and prolific striker who was one of the top scorers in Mexican football before his career was tragically cut short by a shooting incident in Mexico City in 2010.

5/12

Roberto Acuña

Versatile and hard-working midfielder who was a consistent performer for Paraguay across two World Cups, known for his tenacity and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.

6/12

Óscar Cardozo

Powerful and clinical striker who became one of Portugal's deadliest penalties takers at Benfica while scoring important goals for Paraguay at the 2010 World Cup and beyond.

7/12

Celso Ayala

Dependable central defender who formed a formidable partnership with Carlos Gamarra and was a key part of Paraguay's golden defensive era in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

8/12

Nelson Cuevas

Versatile and creative forward whose impressive performances at the 2002 World Cup, including goals against South Africa, helped cement Paraguay's reputation as a competitive South American side.

9/12

Óscar Romero

Gifted and creative attacking midfielder who dazzled with his technical ability and vision for San Lorenzo and internationally for Paraguay, earning comparisons to some of the continent's finest playmakers.

10/12

Derlis González

Pacy and direct winger who earned over 50 caps and scored important goals for Paraguay while having a solid career in European and South American club football.

11/12

Julio César Romero

Technically brilliant and celebrated attacking midfielder known as 'Romerito', a star for Fluminense and Portugal-based clubs who was one of Paraguay's finest in the 1980s.

12/12