South American Shine: De Arrascaeta Wins 2025 Player of the Year, Messi Comes Up Short
Giorgian De Arrascaeta of Flamengo takes the 2025 South American Player of the Year award, beating Messi and Martinez by a wide margin. The Uruguayan delivered a standout season with Flamengo across multiple competitions. Messi steered Inter Miami to MLS glory, but the continental honor goes to the Flamengo star. A historic win, with Arrascaeta becoming the first Uruguayan since 1995 to lift the prize.