Bolivian Soccer Legends: Bolivia might not be very famous in global soccer, but the country has a long history of talented players who have made their mark in the sport.
From great strikers to strong defenders and skillful midfielders, Bolivian soccer has produced players who have brought pride to their nation.
Bolivian Soccer Legends
In this article, we highlight the top 10 greatest Bolivian soccer players of all time.
1. Víctor Ugarte
- Date of Birth: May 5, 1926
- Position: Striker
Ugarte is seen as the greatest Bolivian player ever. He played for Bolívar and Mariscal Santa Cruz in Bolivia and had short spells at San Lorenzo in Argentina and Once Caldas in Colombia. He was a key part of Bolivia’s Copa América win in 1963 and scored 16 goals in 45 matches for the national team. His leadership and talent earned him the nickname “El Maestro” (The Master).
2. Erwin Romero
- Date of Birth: July 27, 1957
- Position: Midfielder
Romero is considered one of Bolivia’s best players, making his mark both locally and internationally. He mostly played in Bolivia but also had short spells in Argentina and Colombia. He represented Bolivia in 48 matches and was highly respected by FIFA and CONMEBOL. While his exact goal records are unclear, his impact on Bolivian soccer is unquestionable.
3. Marco Etcheverry
- Date of Birth: September 26, 1970
- Position: Forward
Etcheverry, nicknamed “Diablo,” is one of Bolivia’s greatest players. He shined in Major League Soccer (MLS), winning titles with DC United and becoming a top playmaker. He played 71 matches for Bolivia, scoring 13 goals, making him one of the country’s best goal-scorers.
4. Marcelo Martins Moreno
- Date of Birth: June 18, 1987
- Position: Striker
Martins is Bolivia’s all-time top scorer with 28 goals in 90 matches. He is still active and currently plays for Cruzeiro in Brazil’s Serie B. His achievements have made him an important player for Bolivia in recent years.
5. Máximo Alcocer (1933-2014)
- Date of Birth: April 15, 1933
- Position: Striker
Alcocer was a member of Bolivia’s Copa América-winning team in 1963. He scored 13 goals in 22 matches, holding one of the best goal-per-game records in Bolivian soccer history. His legacy as a top scorer is well-established.
6. Joaquín Botero
- Date of Birth: December 10, 1977
- Position: Striker
Botero was Bolivia’s top scorer for many years, with 20 goals in 48 matches. He played during a golden era for Bolivian soccer and remains an important part of their history.
7. Jaime Moreno
- Date of Birth: January 19, 1974
- Position: Forward
Moreno made a big impact in Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring 133 goals for DC United and MetroStars, making him the third-highest scorer in the league. Not as famous in international football, he left a strong legacy in Bolivia.
8. Ronald Raldes
- Date of Birth: April 20, 1981
- Position: Centre-back
Raldes is Bolivia’s most experienced player, with 102 appearances from 2001 to 2018. He played in several Copa América tournaments and had a career in Argentina and Brazil.
9. Luis Cristaldo
- Date of Birth: August 31, 1969
- Position: Defender
Born in Argentina, Cristaldo became a Bolivian legend for his commitment to the national team. He earned 93 caps and scored 5 goals, making him one of Bolivia’s greatest defenders.
10. Marco Sandy
- Date of Birth: August 29, 1971
- Position: Defender
Nicknamed “El Toro,” Sandy was a strong central defender who played in Paraguay, Spain, and Argentina, along with achieving success in Bolivia. He earned 93 caps and represented Bolivia in the 1994 World Cup, making him a key part of the country’s soccer history.