The Summer of Soccer on FOX kicks off on June 14 with the European Championship in Germany, followed by the United States-hosted Copa América on June 20. The tournaments, which will both conclude on July 14, will feature some of the biggest soccer stars in Europe, South America and North America.
From now until the ball gets rolling in Munich, FOX Sports’ soccer writers Doug McIntyre and Martin Rogers will be counting down the top-100 players of the Summer of Soccer, with 50 players from the European Championship and 50 players from the Copa América.
Here’s who made the cut:
DUSSELDORF – Sergino Dest of United States men’s national team during the Japan vs. United States International Friendly match held at the Dusseldorf Arena on September 23, 2022 in Dusseldorf, Germany. ANP | Dutch Height | Maurice van Steen (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Country: United States
Club: PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
Position: Fullback
Age: 23
Already a grizzled veteran at the sport’s highest level, Dest had played in a World Cup and for four former European champs (Ajax, Barcelona, AC Milan and PSV) by the age of 22. After falling out of favor with Barça and struggling through a tough loan spell with Milan, the silky smooth fullback has been a mainstay in PSV’s lineup, leading the Dutch power to an undefeated Eredivisie season so far plus a spot in the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Country: Ecuador
Club: Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Germany)
Position: Center back
Age: 22
One reason Bayer Leverkusen is running away with the German Bundesliga title race is its stingy backline, which has conceded just 16 goals in 24 matches to date. Hincapié has been a huge part of that. After beginning the season on the substitutes’ bench, the big center back has started eight of Leverkusen’s last nine matches, seven of them wins. Hincapie made his international debut at the 2021 Copa América but is now a grizzled veteran despite his still-tender age: he played every minute of Ecuador’s three games at the 2022 World Cup.
(Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Country: Mexico
Club: U.S. Salernitana 1919 (Italy)
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 38
The most-capped goalkeeper in El Tri history, Ochoa will turn 39 before the 2024 Copa América is over. He’s still Mexico’s undisputed starter, though; last year, “Memo” took home Golden Glove honors after snaring his fifth career Concacaf Gold Cup title. Now playing in Italy’s Serie A after stops in the top leagues in Belgium, France and Spain, this summer could mark the former Club América star’s international swan song.
This story will be updated through the end of the countdown on June 14.
Copa América
Euro Cup
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