Liga Portugal has long been a natural destination for South American talent, and the 2026/27 season again features several players capable of shaping the competition. From proven goalscorers to midfielders with international experience, the connection between Portuguese and South American soccer remains visible at the league’s biggest clubs.

Luis Suárez — Sporting CP

The clearest place to start is Luis Suárez. The Colombian striker produced an outstanding first season with Sporting CP, finishing the 2025/26 Liga Portugal campaign as the competition’s top scorer. He scored 28 league goals and was also selected in the Liga Portugal Team of the Year, establishing himself immediately as one of the championship’s most decisive attackers.

Suárez enters the new season carrying greater expectations. His movement, physical presence and finishing made him central to Sporting CP’s attack, and maintaining that production will be crucial as the club competes domestically and in Europe.

Rodrigo Zalazar — Sporting CP

Sporting CP added another major South American talent in Rodrigo Zalazar. The Uruguay international moved from SC Braga in 2026 after a remarkable 2025/26 campaign in which he registered 23 goals and eight assists across 47 matches in all competitions.

Zalazar brings creativity and goals from midfield and already knows Portuguese safter three seasons with SC Braga. His arrival gives Sporting CP another player capable of deciding matches from different attacking positions.

And his impact was immediate. In his official debut for Sporting CP, Zalazar scored and provided an assist in the 2-2 draw against Estrela da Amadora on the opening matchday of the 2026/27 Liga Portugal season. 

It was an encouraging first appearance for a player expected to play an important role in Sporting CP's midfield. After establishing himself as a goalscoring threat with SC Braga, Zalazar has already shown that he can bring the same attacking influence to his new club.

Richard Ríos — Benfica

At Benfica, Richard Ríos remains one of the most prominent South American players in the league. The Colombian midfielder finished the previous campaign on a high note, scoring in Benfica’s 3-1 victory over Estoril on the final matchday and earning Man of the Match honors.

Ríos also represented Colombia at the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing his status as an important international midfielder. His ability to carry the ball, compete physically and contribute in both phases makes him a key figure as Benfica begins a new cycle under Marco Silva.

Maxi Araújo — Sporting CP

Uruguay’s Maxi Araújo is another established South American presence. His versatility allows him to operate in several roles on the left side, and he continued to contribute offensively during 2025/26. He also arrived at the new club season after scoring for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup.

South American influence in Portugal is therefore not limited to one profile. Suárez provides goals, Zalazar creativity, Ríos midfield power and Araújo versatility. As the 2026/27 season begins, those qualities make them four of the continent’s most compelling representatives in Liga Portugal.

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