Worst players of Copa America 2024 - ranked | OneFootball

Worst players of Copa America 2024 - ranked | OneFootball

Icon: 90min

90min

·15 July 2024

Worst players of Copa America 2024 - ranked

Article image:Worst players of Copa America 2024 - ranked

The worst players of Copa America 2024 failed to deliver on one of the biggest stages in soccer and directly contributed to their countries' poor finishes this summer.

Although Argentina always seemed destined to win Copa America 2024, there were several other sides that were expected to make a deep run in the tournament that ultimately struggled to even get on the scoresheet. Several squads, including Brazil, were let down by what should have been their best players. Four countries saw their hopes of bringing home some silverware shatter before their eyes with each poor performance from their attackers.


OneFootball Videos


Here's a breakdown of the five worst players at Copa America 2024 ranked.

Worst players of Copa America 2024 - ranked

5. Raphinha (Brazil)

Article image:Worst players of Copa America 2024 - ranked

Raphinha failed to deliver when it mattered most for Brazil. / Maciek Gudrymowicz/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Raphinha might have scored Brazil's only goal against Colombia in the group stage, but the winger did not do much else this summer. The Selecao had one of the most disappointing runs at Copa America 2024, and part of their failure falls on the Barcelona man. Raphinha was often careless in possession, and linked up poorly with Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. up top, lacking the speed and vision necessary to keep up with the Real Madrid duo.

It speaks volumes that Brazil put in their best performance of the tournament when Raphinha was benched for Savio in the group stage.

4. Weston McKennie (USA)

Article image:Worst players of Copa America 2024 - ranked

Weston McKennie had a disappointing tournament for the USA. / Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/USSF/GettyImages

The USMNT came into this summer's Copa America 2024 on home soil with high expectations, but they failed to even advance beyond the group stage. Although there were plenty of disappointing American performances, Weston McKennie's struggles in the midfield stand out the most. The player was often beat on the ball, and lacked the quality needed to create decent goalscoring opportunities.

In fact, McKennie lost the most duels (10) against Uruguay in what was a must-win match for the United States. He also only had 26 touches, the least of any outfield player to play 90 minutes, against Panama.

Article image:Worst players of Copa America 2024 - ranked

Rodrygo found little success at Copa America 2024. / Kevork Djansezian/GettyImages

Rodrygo is another Brazilian who failed to produce for his country at Copa America 2024. Although Vinicius Jr.'s lackluster performances got all the headlines, the Real Madrid man at least scored a brace against Paraguay and should have won a penalty for his side against Colombia. Rodrygo, on the other hand, did not have a single memorable moment this summer.

In fact, when his country needed him most against Uruguay in the quarter-finals, he created zero chances and recorded just two shots, both of which were blocked. It is worth noting, though, that Dorival Junior started Rodrygo at striker for three of Brazil's four matches, which is neither the player's preferred nor natural position.

Article image:Worst players of Copa America 2024 - ranked

Santiago Gimenez scored zero goals this summer. / Steph Chambers/GettyImages

All eyes were on Santiago Gimenez for Mexico at Copa America 2024 after his 26-goal season for Feyenoord, but the striker did not live up to the hype. Not only did he score zero goals this summer, but he also recorded just three shots on target the entire group stage. Plus, in 219 minutes played, Gimenez only had 62 total touches.

Mexico had a great chance to get out of Group B, featuring Venezuela, Ecuador, and Jamaica, but El Tri scored just one goal all tournament, with most of the blame falling on Gimenez.

1. Cyle Larin (Canada)

Article image:Worst players of Copa America 2024 - ranked

Cyle Larin did not even play in Canada's third place match. / Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/GettyImages

One of the biggest storylines for Canada at Copa America 2024 was their inability to score goals, and Cyle Larin was a huge part of the problem for the Reds. The striker did not find the back of the net this summer or record a single assist.

The Mallorca man started five of Canada's six matches up top, logging 400 minutes, yet he managed just two shots on target. He also only had 23 touches in the semi-finals, and lost the most duels (6) of anyone on the pitch.

Larin did not play a single minute of Canada's third place match against Uruguay, and Jesse Marsch's side looked better than they had all tournament. In fact, Canada doubled their total goals in just one game with Larin on the bench.

View publisher imprint