The Biggest Storylines at the 2025 Copa Libertadores | OneFootball

The 2025 Copa Libertadores is off and running. From sharp-dressed managers to young stars poised to break out, these are the biggest storylines to keep an eye on as the tournament progresses.

The UEFA Champions League is reaching its climax, and we’ll soon be without one of the best club competitions in world football. But fret not, as the Copa Libertadores is just heating up. CONMEBOL’s version of the UCL is a passionate club tournament known for its electric atmospheres and the legends it creates.

2025 marks the 66th edition of the prestigious competition, and in typical South American fashion, the final — played as a single match — has yet to have a confirmed host city, with Brazil, Uruguay, and Peru all being considered as potential host nations. Just one of the many quirks of this wild and passionate competition.

As we await for a final venue to be announced, here are the key storylines of the 2025 Copa Libertadores.

Will the Real River Plate Please Stand Up?

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Marcelo Gallardo’s River Plate spent close to $60 million on transfers over the past year, preparing to retake South America. Gallardo’s second stint at River has begun poorly, with the team struggling to score. Midway through the Argentine Torneo Apertura’s MLS-style competition, they have just 13 goals in 13 games.

In the Copa Libertadores, it’s been more of the same: two games played, just one goal scored. Amazingly, River has only lost one game in regulation in 2025, but frustration is mounting. For a team that features four World Cup winners and several national team players, River has been a disappointment so far.

Segundo Castillo’s Fits

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Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC’s coach Segundo Castillo knows how to make a statement on the sidelines. His athletic build and bold tuxedos have made him and his Barcelona squad one of the most talked-about teams in the tournament.

The former Pachuca star has risen through the coaching ranks at Barcelona and took over the first team in 2024.

Palmeiras: The Team to Beat?

Palmeiras has been one of the most consistent teams in South America over the last two years. Currently second in the Brazilian league and off to a 2–0 start in the Copa Libertadores, Abel Ferreira’s side could be a dark horse at the Club World Cup — and they’re the heavy favorites for the 2025 Copa Libertadores title.

The team features talents like Facundo Torres, Gustavo Gómez, Vitor Roque, and Richard Ríos.

Hernán Barcos: Aging Like Fine Wine

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Argentine forward Hernán Barcos, now 41, is playing for Peruvian side Alianza Lima. He has scored four goals in the tournament so far, including the play-in rounds. With a career that’s taken him all over the globe, the veteran striker continues to find the back of the net, and he’ll be one to watch throughout the group stage.

The Future Young Guns

From Neymar to Julian Alvarez and beyond, the Copa Libertadores has been known to be a launching pad for young stars. Like most years, there’s a crop of rising talent lighting up this year’s Copa Libertadores. Here are just a few names you can’t miss:

Franco Mastantuono

At just 17, Franco Mastantuono is running the show in River Plate’s midfield and has arguably been the team’s best player. The gifted playmaker has already drawn interest from clubs in Spain, Italy, and England. River fans are bracing for a record-breaking transfer by 2026.

Estêvão Willian

Another 17-year-old, the Palmeiras winger has been dominating in Brazil. Already signed by Chelsea, Estêvão is expected to feature only in the group stage before moving on.

Kendry Páez

Yet another 17-year-old star, Páez plays for Independiente del Valle and has already been capped by Ecuador. Signed by Chelsea (who seem to be collecting every young talent), he’s regarded as one of the best midfield prospects in the world.

Luciano Rodríguez

The 21-year-old Uruguayan forward, now at Bahia in Brazil, has shown glimpses of the potential that helped Uruguay win the U-20 World Cup. Despite being called up to the senior team, Marcelo Bielsa has yet to use him in a prime role, and fans hope this year is when he finally breaks out.

Can Any Team Stop the Brazilian Powers?

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Brazilian clubs have dominated the Copa Libertadores for the past six editions. With a massive influx of gambling sponsorships, big-money transfers, and a steady pipeline of foreign national team-level players, the Brazilian league has become the best in the Americas.

This year, the tournament looks tailor made for Palmeiras or Flamengo to lift the trophy. The rest of the continent is playing catch-up — but is there a team capable of breaking the Brazilian stronghold?