A giant classic football greets visitors at the entrance to the CONMEBOL Museum, one of the most iconic venues celebrating football across South America. Situated in the city of Luque on Avenida Sudamericana, next to the Bourbon Hotel, it ranks among the essential attractions for tourists visiting the surroundings of Paraguay’s capital Asunción.
Spanning two floors – the first devoted to national teams, and the second to clubs – you will feel as if you are stepping onto the pitch alongside your favourite players.
A journey through South America’s football history
As you step inside, a mural adorned with the continent’s most beloved footballers immediately catches the eye, blending art and sport in a delightful display. Interactive screens nearby offer insights into South American football leagues, including Paraguay’s own. The Asunción Times published “Passion and Pride”, an entire series of articles delving into the history of Paraguayan clubs.
The first floor of the CONMEBOL Museum highlights a collection of current jerseys worn by each national team’s most prominent players. For those unfamiliar with the full story of the Copa América, or eager to relive a classic final, an interactive screen allows you to revisit people’s favourite matches. It even features photographs from the tournament’s inaugural edition over a century ago and explains the unusual occurrence of two editions in 1959.
Paraguay has claimed two Copa América titles to date, in 1953 and 1979. In the former, the Albirroja triumphed over Brazil with a score of 5-3, while in the latter they overcame Chile 3-1. Paraguay hosted its sole Copa América in 1999, with the Albirroja’s most recent final appearance coming in 2011 against Uruguay.
CONMEBOL Museum: Icons and the dawn of the World Cup
At the room’s far end stand life-sized statues of Pelé, Maradona, and Messi, each holding the FIFA World Cup – the pinnacle trophy of their illustrious careers. Just ahead lies a hall dedicated to the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Uruguay, 1930. Among the museum’s oldest artefacts are a pair of boots, the first-ever World Cup poster, and a replica of the Estadio Centenario.
Replicas of the Jules Rimet Trophy and the current FIFA World Cup Trophy are also on display.
Embrace the passion of the Copa Libertadores
Ascending to the upper floor, you enter a hall honouring South American clubs, particularly those that have lifted CONMEBOL’s premier competitions: the Copa Libertadores as well as the Copa Sudamericana. This encompasses both men’s and women’s divisions, along with variants in beach football, futsal, and youth categories.
Remarkably preserved kits from the early days of South American football are exhibited, including Paraguay’s beloved football player Arsenio Erico’s original Independiente shirt, Garrincha’s from Brazil’s 1958 World Cup victory, and Maradona’s debut jersey with Argentinos Juniors; merely a selection of the many treasures available to view.
Celebrating club triumphs and Paraguayan Pride
A substantial section chronicles every winner of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana across men’s and women’s competitions. Pride of place in the centre goes to the most recent champions: Botafogo (men’s Libertadores), Racing (Sudamericana), and Corinthians (women’s Libertadores).
Olimpia remains Paraguay’s most decorated club internationally, holding three Libertadores titles (1979, 1990, and 2002), one Intercontinental Cup, and eight international finals in total; a fitting emblem of national achievement.
The cultural heartbeat of South American football
During the tour, an emotive video captures not only the fervour, but also the profound cultural and social influence football has exerted on the continent since its introduction. South America is rightly regarded as one of the world’s richest talent pools in the sport.
Visitors can purchase souvenirs such as keyrings, caps, or shirts to commemorate their experience.
Plan your visit of the CONMEBOL Museum
To visit the museum, book your slot via the CONMEBOL Museum website. It operates Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:00, and 14:00 to 18:00, with Saturday hours limited to mornings, until 12:00. Entry is free for all, but booking your slot is mandatory.
Recently, the CONMEBOL Museum has been incorporated into the “Route of Football”, a Mercosur initiative spanning six countries with deep football connections.
