Overview
- Lionel Messi finished second with 39 votes, with Racing’s Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez in third.
- The El País poll marked its 40th edition, reinforcing its status as a journalist-driven continental award.
- Arrascaeta’s year featured major trophies with Flamengo, including the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores.
- The result returns the crown to Uruguay after a decade and interrupts the recent run of Brazilian and Argentine winners.
- Filipe Luís was selected as the Americas’ best coach, topping Gustavo Alfaro and Gustavo Costas.