Argentine Championship
Arguably the most exciting league in Latin America, and one of the best in the world. The level of quality in the Argentine championship compares to that of the elite leagues of Europe. Matches are played at an electric pace, and the talent on display is also world class. The rivalries between the teams, particularly that of the "big five" is unmatched in world football. The Súper Clásico between River Plate and Boca Juniors is arguably the most fierce derby in world football. Argentine football fans are arguably the most passionate in the world, and the league has enjoyed its fare share of excitement. Last year three teams finished top, making for a thrilling three-way playoff that was eventually won by Boca Juniors.
Goal.com Rating: 5 Stars
Brazilian Championship
The Brasileiro is one of the most exciting leagues in the world, not only because of the rivalries between the clubs (say something like Palmeiras vs. Corinthians), but because of the incredible talent on display. Without a doubt, it is the number one league in the world when it comes to producing emerging superstars. With more than a dozen "big teams" in the First Division it is one of the most competitive leagues in the world as well. Having said this, São Paulo have dominated the championship in recent years. In the last few years several foreigners have found wide success in the league, most notably high-profile Argentine players.
Goal.com Rating: 5 Stars
Mexican Championship
The richest league in Latin America boasts several huge teams, like Club América, Chivas de Guadalajara, and Cruz Azul. The level of football is of a very high standard, particularly because of the influx of foreigners from places like Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia. The championship is closely followed by fans, and perhaps the reason for this is because several different teams have great possibilities at the title each season. Almost every year there is a different winner, and in recent years several smaller clubs have triumphed. It is the only Latin American league that compares to that of Brazil and Argentina.
Goal.com Rating: 4 Stars
Colombian Championship
Perhaps the third best league in South America, the Colombian championship can be very exciting, particularly when the big teams are in title contention. The level of football on display is of a high quality, but although only a handful of Colombians have found wide success in Europe, the league contains several exciting players. Overall the quality of the league is good, as it is a very competitive league, because several clubs are very strong and have massive fan bases. In recent years more talented foreigners have joined the league.
Goal.com Rating: 3 Stars
Chilean Championship
Regarded as one of the top leagues in South America, Chilean fans have a lot to look forward to in the following years, particularly with the success of the national team. In recent years several outstanding players have emerged, and this has substantially increased the quality of the football. The financial stability of the bigger clubs has led to several high-profile foreign signings, and more are expected to follow next season. In recent years Colo Colo have dominated the competition, to the frustration of bitter rivals Universidad de Chile, and Universidad Católica.
Goal.com Rating: 3 Stars
Ecuadorian Championship
In recent years the Ecuadorian league has become increasingly strong, not only because of its organization and structure, but because of the quality of the different teams and players. Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito's Copa Libertadores title triumph last year, has done a great deal to promote the league. Ecuadorian clubs are rather stable financially, and this has allowed for an increase in high-quality foreign signings. The league is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Goal.com Rating: 3 Stars
Paraguayan Championship
The quality of the championship has been translated into the success of the Paraguayan national team over the last decade. It may be a small league, but the quality of the football is very impressive. Much of its success has to do with the fact that Paraguay doesn't export too many players, and several good players continue to play in the domestic league. In recent years Libertad have emerged as the team to beat, and they have won several titles, ending the domination of Olimpia and Cerro Porteño.
Goal.com Rating: 3 Stars
Uruguayan Championship
Despite being the smallest league in South America, the Uruguayan championship consists of two of the biggest clubs on the continent: Nacional and Peñarol. Over the years both clubs dominated the championship, but in recent years several smaller clubs have emerged. Defensor Sporting, in particular, have grown in prominence, and have even found success at an international level. Even with its size, the Uruguayan championship produces several great players, but they are often sold to foreign clubs before they can establish themselves. The quality on display is far superior to many of South America's bigger leagues.
Goal.com Rating: 2 Stars
Venezuelan Championship
Little is known of the Venezuelan competition throughout the continent. But having hosted the 2007 Copa América has been a huge boost for the league, because its respective teams now count with modern state-of-the-art stadiums, that make the league visually appealing. But the quality on display still needs to improve a great deal to be compared with South America's top leagues. As has been the case with the Venezuelan national team, the future seems brighter than ever.
Goal.com Rating: 2 Stars
Bolivian Championship
Even if it isn't too popular around the continent, because of Bolivia's lack of big names, the quality on display in the league is quite high. Due to the high altitude in such cities like La Paz, freak long range goals are very common. Perhaps the quality of the football needs to improve, but the excitement is guaranteed. Goalkeepers often don't have a chance at long range shots and free-kicks, because of the wild dip, swerve and speed of the ball, due to the effects of the high altitude.
Goal.com Rating: 2 Stars
Peruvian Championship
Peruvian football has reached an all-time low, not only because of poor management, due to internal conflicts, but because of the lack of international success of its teams, as well as that of the national team. The emergence of talent has also been rather sparse, and this has affected the quality of the competition. Earlier in the week it was confirmed that Nolberto Solano will return to Peru with Universitario, after 12 years abroad. An international star of his caliber could well spark a change in the popularity of the league.
Goal.com Rating: 1 Star
Is this a good evaluation of how strong each of Latin America's leagues really are? We ask you, the reader, which is Latin America's strongest league? (Does it compare to the elite leagues of Europe?) Which is the weakest? And finally, which league has the greatest potential to increase in prominence in the next few years?
Gregory Sica, Goal.com