Who is the best player in Paraguay national team history?

Paraguay may be small, but La Albirroja has produced extraordinary talent — from one of history's greatest forwards to a goalkeeper who scored from free kicks. Who is Paraguay's finest?

Arsenio Erico

Widely regarded as Paraguay's greatest ever player, the all-time top scorer in Argentine Primera División history with an astonishing 295 goals — a lethal goal-machine of the 1930s and 40s.

1/13

José Luis Chilavert

Legendary goalkeeper and free-kick specialist who was named the world's best goalkeeper three times in the 1990s and is the only keeper to score a hat-trick in professional football.

2/13

Roque Santa Cruz

Paraguay's most celebrated striker of his generation, earning moves to Bayern Munich, Blackburn Rovers, and Manchester City after starring at the 2002 World Cup.

3/13

Julio César Romero

Creative playmaker nicknamed 'Romerito' who shone at the 1986 World Cup and was considered the best South American player not named Maradona in his era.

4/13

Carlos Gamarra

Imposing central defender and long-serving captain who formed the backbone of Paraguay's famous stubborn defence across four World Cup campaigns spanning over a decade.

5/13

Salvador Cabañas

Prolific striker who tore apart South American defences with Club América in Mexico before his career was tragically cut short by a shooting incident in 2010.

6/13

Óscar Cardozo

Clinical penalty-taker and prolific scorer who was instrumental in Paraguay's remarkable run to the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals, netting the decisive spot-kick against Japan.

7/13

Roberto Acuña

Hard-tackling, technically gifted midfielder who anchored Paraguay's midfield throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s during their best-ever World Cup campaigns.

8/13

Justo Villar

Reliable, commanding goalkeeper who succeeded Chilavert as Paraguay's first choice and was a crucial presence in their memorable 2010 World Cup quarter-final run.

9/13

Edgar Benítez

Versatile attacking midfielder who was a key creative force during Paraguay's remarkable run to the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals, providing invention and work rate in equal measure.

10/13

Nelson Cuevas

Pacy, inventive winger who provided flair and moments of brilliance for Paraguay in the early 2000s and was a cult hero among fans for his direct, unpredictable style.

11/13

Raúl Vicente Amarilla

Combative and skilful forward from the 1980s who was an important creative spark in Paraguay's Copa América campaigns and carved out a solid career in Argentine football.

12/13

Celso Ayala

Dependable, tireless defensive midfielder and versatile defensive player who served Paraguay loyally across dozens of international caps during the 1990s and 2000s.

13/13