Overview
- The 40th edition of El País’s regional survey drew 264 votes from 16 countries, the highest participation on record.
- De Arrascaeta finished well ahead of Lionel Messi (14.8%) and Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez (5%), with reports citing his winning share as either 62.8% or 67.8%.
- The released ‘11 ideal’ is dominated by Flamengo and includes five Argentines, with Messi joining Agustín Rossi, Santiago Sosa, José Manuel López and Martínez.
- Filipe Luís of Flamengo was selected Best Coach of America with 191 votes (72%), ahead of Gustavo Alfaro and Gustavo Costas.
- The outcome reflects De Arrascaeta’s decisive role in Flamengo’s Libertadores and Brasileirão titles and gives Uruguay its first winner since Carlos Sánchez in 2015.