Copa America might lack the global appeal that Euro possess, but it never lacks behind in uncovering talents destined for the big stage. Even in Copa 2024, while all eyes were on iconic players like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Vinicius Junior, a few lesser-known names managed to steal the show.
Maximiliano Araujo was one such standout, delivering performances so impressive that they overshadowed even some of the tournament’s seasoned stars. As always, Copa 2024 proved to be a breeding ground for fresh talent.
Here are five players who took the Copa 2024 by storm:
Daniel Muñoz (Colombia)
Daniel Muñoz’s star shone bright and his performance in Copa 2024 may well define his career. After joining Crystal Palace in the winter transfer window, the Colombian full-back quickly found his footing, starting 16 matches and notching four assists during a dream season.
While much of the attention went to James Rodriguez during Colombia’s surprising run, it was Muñoz who quietly but effectively made his mark. He was a consistent presence throughout the tournament, ending with two goals and an assist. His attacking contributions were matched by a solid defensive performance, boasting an impressive 87.4% passing accuracy and 17 recoveries.
Edgardo Fariña (Panama)
Panama’s unexpected success in Copa 2024 caught many by surprise. Despite being drawn in a challenging group, Panama’s youthful squad defied expectations by defeating heavyweights like the USA and advancing to the quarterfinals. At the heart of this achievement was Edgardo Fariña.
The 194 cm center-back played a pivotal role in Panama’s stunning victory over the USA, one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. At just 22 years old, Fariña displayed remarkable maturity, effectively neutralizing top players like Christian Pulisic. His defensive prowess was evident, winning 80% of his tackles and dominating in aerial duels, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field. 
Jacob Shaffelburg (Canada)
Canada entered Copa 2024 with high expectations, and they lived up to them by reaching the semifinals. While the team sometimes struggled with attacking consistency, Jacob Shaffelburg emerged as a key player at crucial moments. Initially starting on the bench, Shaffelburg worked his way into the starting lineup, proving his worth to coach Jesse Marsch.
Despite a lackluster MLS season before the tournament, Shaffelburg seemed to come alive in a Canadian jersey. Though his stats showed just one goal and one assist, his impact was far greater. His defensive contributions were also notable, with a 100% tackle completion rate, highlighting his work ethic and determination on the pitch.
Maximiliano Araújo (Uruguay)
When Copa 2024 began, all eyes were on Uruguay’s established stars like Darwin Nunez, Luis Suarez, and Facundo Pellistri. But coach Marco Bielsa had different plans, putting the spotlight on a relatively unknown Toluca winger, Maximiliano Araujo.
Araujo quickly repaid Bielsa’s faith by scoring two goals and providing an assist during Uruguay’s campaign. In the tournament opener against Panama, Araujo validated his coach’s decision by finding the back of the net. Although he faced some challenges in the bigger matches, Araujo’s potential was undeniable, hinting at a bright future ahead.
Richard Ríos (Colombia)
Richard Ríos was the surprise package of Copa 2024, capturing the attention of fans and experts alike. While James Rodriguez was the focal point of Colombia’s impressive run, it was Richard Ríos’ tireless efforts in midfield that made a crucial difference. Playing for Palmeiras, Ríos was the engine that drove Colombia’s midfield, making life easier for his teammates.
Ríos excelled at winning back possession and controlling the tempo of the game, even managing to score a goal during the tournament. He completed 140 passes with an 84.3% success rate, showcasing his technical ability and composure under pressure. His 18 successful dribbles set the tone for Colombia’s midfield, underscoring his vital role in the team’s success.
