Who tops the list in Paraguay’s sports scene?
From the soccer pitches to the tennis courts, which stars shine the brightest?
Discover the most popular athletes from Paraguay and witness the impact they’ve made on their respective sports.
Also check out our post about the most popular soccer players from Paraguay.
Most popular athletes from Paraguay:
- Roque Santa Cruz
- Fabiola Moratorio
- Oscar Cardozo
- José Luis Chilavert
- Juliana Ossa
- Felicia Morosini
- Marcelo Aguirre
- Fabrizio Zanotti
- Ramón Martínez
Table of Contents
#1 Roque Santa Cruz
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1981
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2001 Copa América Runner-up
Roque Santa Cruz, regarded as one of Paraguay’s finest soccer players, enjoyed a successful career playing for top European clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester City. His goal-scoring ability and strong presence on the field solidified his place in soccer history.
Off the pitch, Santa Cruz is known for his philanthropic endeavors and has been a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in Paraguay.
#2 Fabiola Moratorio
- 🏆 Sport(s): Archery
- 🎂 Born in: 1980
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2007 Pan American Games Silver Medalist
Fabiola Moratorio is a celebrated Paraguayan archer, making a significant mark on her sport in the country. Her outstanding performance at the 2007 Pan American Games earned her a silver medal and helped raise the profile of archery in Paraguay.
Her dedication and mental fortitude have influenced a generation of aspiring archers in the nation.
#3 Oscar Cardozo
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1983
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 3-times Primeira Liga Top Scorer
Oscar Cardozo carved an impressive career in European soccer, playing for clubs like Benfica, as one of Paraguay’s most prolific goal scorers. His successes on the field, including multiple Primeira Liga Top Scorer honors, brought pride to his home country.
Cardozo’s powerful left foot and eye for goal helped inspire upcoming soccer talents in Paraguay.
#4 José Luis Chilavert
- 🏆 Sport(s): Soccer
- 🎂 Born in: 1965
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 3-time IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper
José Luis Chilavert, a celebrated Paraguayan goalkeeper known for his scoring ability, not only kept goals out but netted several for his clubs and nation. Chilavert’s numerous awards and remarkable performances have left a lasting impression on the soccer landscape in Paraguay.
A true leader on the pitch, Chilavert’s fearlessness and unyielding spirit served as a powerful role model for future generations of soccer players.
#5 Juliana Ossa
- 🏆 Sport(s): Taekwondo
- 🎂 Born in: 1991
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2011 Pan American Games Bronze Medalist
Juliana Ossa, a fierce competitor in taekwondo, became Paraguay’s first female Pan American Games medalist in her sport. Her incredible determination and resilience on the mat represent the essence of dedication and martial arts spirit.
Ossa’s achievements and fighting spirit inspired a new generation of female fighters in Paraguay.
#6 Felicia Morosini
- 🏆 Sport(s): Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1935
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 1964 South American Tennis Championships Winner
Felicia Morosini, a trailblazer for tennis in Paraguay, brought attention and success to the sport in her nation. Her notable accomplishments on the international stage, like winning the 1964 South American Tennis Championships, showcased the nation’s untapped potential in the sport.
Morosini’s pioneering legacy in Paraguayan tennis has enthused countless aspiring players to follow her path.
#7 Marcelo Aguirre
- 🏆 Sport(s): Table Tennis
- 🎂 Born in: 1992
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2010 Paraguayan Athlete of the Year
Marcelo Aguirre, a top Paraguayan table tennis player, gained national and international recognition for his outstanding abilities and achievements in the sport. He has participated in numerous international competitions, including the 2012, 2016, and 2021 Olympic Games.
Aguirre has paved the way for future table tennis talents in Paraguay and continues to raise the sport’s profile both nationally and globally.
#8 Fabrizio Zanotti
- 🏆 Sport(s): Golf
- 🎂 Born in: 1983
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: 2014 BMW International Open Winner
Fabrizio Zanotti is a renowned golfer from Paraguay, making a name for himself on the international stage. His victory at the 2014 BMW International Open marked the first European Tour win by a Paraguayan golfer.
Zanotti’s accomplishments have inspired aspiring golfers in Paraguay and have helped raise the sport’s profile in the country.
#9 Ramón Martínez
- 🏆 Sport(s): Baseball
- 🎂 Born in: 1972
- 🥇 Biggest Achievement: First Paraguayan to play in Major League Baseball
Ramón Martínez made history as the first Paraguayan to play in Major League Baseball, signing with the San Francisco Giants in 1999. Though his MLB career was brief, Martínez’s accomplishment broke boundaries for Paraguayan baseball players aspiring to play at the highest level.
Martínez’s groundbreaking presence in MLB has motivated a new generation of baseball talents in Paraguay.
FAQ
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of Paraguay?
Julio César Romero is often regarded as the greatest athlete in Paraguay’s history.
Who is the most popular female athlete from Paraguay?
Amelie Vignes, a professional tennis player, is the most popular female athlete from Paraguay.
Which sport has the most popular athletes from Paraguay?
Football is the sport producing the majority of Paraguay’s most popular athletes.
Which athlete from Paraguay is the most popular internationally?
Roque Santa Cruz is the most popular Paraguayan athlete internationally.
