The America Cupthe oldest national team tournament in the world, has not only been a stage to showcase the best of talent South American footballbut also a platform to showcase the rich cultural and natural diversity of its host countries through its pets. Since 1993, various editions of the tournament have had mascots, each reflecting unique aspects of the organizing country.
The Copa América is the main official international men's football tournament in South America. It is an event organized by the South American Football Confederation and was held for the first time in 1916. Initially the tournament was held every year, but later it was held intermittently. Since 2007 it has been held every four years and it is intended not to interfere with the Olympic Games, the Confederations Cup and the Soccer World Cup. In 2016, a special edition of the Copa América was held, commemorating one hundred years of its existence. We remember some tournament finals.
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What are the mascots that have passed through the Copa América?
- Tico (Ecuador 1993): A cheerful and lively monkey, Tico was the first official mascot of the Copa América, symbolizing the rich Ecuadorian biodiversity and capturing the essence of South American joy.
- Taguá (Paraguay 1999): Inspired by the taguá, a wild pig native to the region, it represented the strength and resilient character of the Paraguayan people.
- Choclito (Peru 2004): This boy in traditional clothing not only promoted the tournament, but also highlighted the rich cultural history of Peru and its tradition in textiles.
- Guaky (Venezuela 2007): A colorful parrot wearing the hues of the Venezuelan flag, Guaky promoted the conservation of Venezuelan wildlife and the love of soccer.
- Zincha (Argentina 2011): an armadillo, selected to draw attention to the need to protect this threatened species, highlighting environmental concern along with football passion.
- Fan (Chile 2015): represented by a culpeo fox, emphasized the importance of the conservation of native Chilean fauna and the fervor of local fans.
- Pibe (United States 2016): This child soccer player symbolized the universality of soccer and the union of diverse cultures during the first Copa América Centenario, held outside of South America.
- Zizito (Brazil 2019): a charming and friendly capybara, reflected the biodiversity of the Amazon and the welcoming spirit of the Brazilian people.
Mascots of the Copa América from 1987 to 2023
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In addition to being an entertainment element, the Copa América mascots have served as cultural ambassadors, educating and raising awareness on the importance of environmental conservation and the promotion of national heritage.
The official mascot of the Conmebol Copa América 2024 will be an eagle named Captain, which, according to this entity, “represents the unique fusion between the South American passion for soccer and the vibrant American atmosphere. Daughter of a Latin mother and an American father, Captain invites us to celebrate the cultural diversity of South America and the USA, always respecting the differences between countries”.
Captain, mascot of the Copa América 2024.
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As the Copa América continues to evolve, these mascots remain in the collective memory, reminding us of the festivities and passion that only South American football can inspire.
DANIELA GUTIERREZ MUNAR
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