Copa Libertadores vs Champions League: which champion raises the biggest prize?

It’s usually said that nothing can beat the UEFA Champions League. Excellent displays of soccer, the very well-known anthem, officially named ‘Zadok the Priest’, is an emblem of the sport too. Still, despite having the most expensive players in the world, it has a counterpart in South America: the Copa Libertadores.

The Copa Libertadores has been held uninterruptedly since 1960. Giants from countries like Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay have lifted the trophy most of the times. Despite it may not be as fancy as the UEFA Champions League, it carries its own charm with extremely passionate fans, incredible atmospheres, and some fierce rivalries on the field.

Until 2016 the tournament was held from February to the end of June every year, but since 2017 it has been extended throughout each year. And in 2019, for the first time, the Final match was switched to a single-neutral-venue-game on a Saturday afternoon, instead of two legs on Wednesday’s nights.  After the global lockdown due to the health situation that broke out in 2020, the ending was delayed, and the Final will only be played tomorrow.

Brazil’s Santos and Palmeiras will face in the previously chosen Maracaná stadium after defeating Argentina’s giants Boca Juniorsand River Plate respectively. The winner will earn $15 million and will immediately after fly to Qatar to play the World Club Cup. They could face Bayern Munich, who earned €19 million for winning the last UEFA Champions League Final. That figure equals $22.5 million.