The newspaper El País, from Uruguay, announced this Tuesday (31) that striker Luiz Henrique, from Botafogo, won the 2024 edition of the prestigious King of America award, given to the best player on the continent.
LH IS KING OF AMERICA! 👑🔥
Decisive in the grand final of the Libertadores and protagonist of Glorioso during the tournament, our Pantera and shirt 7️⃣ is the most voted in a traditional election by the newspaper El País, from Uruguay! 🐆🏆⭐ #TempoDeBotafogo pic.twitter.com/LQ4CA44aUJ
— Botafogo FR (@Botafogo) December 31, 2024
The 23-year-old striker, who stood out both in the campaign for the unprecedented Copa Libertadores title and in winning the Brazilian Championship, scoring 12 goals in 55 matches, received 128 votes out of a total of 244, surpassing names like Venezuelan Jefferson Savarino (Botafogo), Colombian Juanfer Quintero (River Plate), Argentine Thiago Almada (Botafogo), Uruguayan Léo Fernández (Peñarol) and Argentine Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).
“I woke up to super incredible news, I’m officially the King of America. Firstly, I would like to thank God for everything I have been through this year. I would also like to thank Botafogo, this wonderful fan base, my teammates, who helped me. I’m really happy,” declared Luiz Henrique in a post on social media.
Another Botafogo representative remembered by El País was the Portuguese Artur Jorge, who beat names like Gustavo Costas (Racing), Lionel Scaloni (Argentina national team), Diego Aguirre (Peñarol) and Gustavo Alfaro (Paraguay national team).
She’s the ace, the 1️⃣0️⃣ and the Queen of the continent! ⚡️
In a vote carried out by the newspaper El País, Gabi Zanotti was elected Queen of America in 2024.
Do the Z for your majesty, the Queen of America!! 🖤#VaiCorinthians pic.twitter.com/skdqCZSZDB
— Corinthians Futebol Feminino (@SCCPFutFeminino) December 31, 2024
The women’s version of the award was also dominated by a Brazilian team, Corinthians, a team that in 2024 won the Brazilian Series A1, the Brazilian Super Cup and the Libertadores. Attacking midfielder Gabi Zanotti was chosen Queen of America, Gabi Portilho came second and Vic Albuquerque third.
