Copa Libertadores, or CONMEBOL Libertadores, is the most significant and celebrated international club competition of South American football clubs run by the CONMEBOL. Founded in 1960 and presently involving 32 teams across the continent, The Copa Libertadores is the equivalent of UEFA Champions League for South America and is continually growing in stature and traction. The league involves teams from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela and is commonly known for its high standard of football. The group stage begins in February and is made up of 8 groups containing four teams each. The top two teams in each group advance to the Round of 16 stage after which the tournament continues on a knock-out basis. The teams that win each of these 8 games will then move onto the quarter-finals, semi-finals and then finally, the grand final. The winner of Copa Libertadores is given a spot to compete in the FIFA World Club Championship and is bestowed the title of Champions of South America.Popular teams in the competition currently include Corinthians, Internacional, Independiente, Flamengo, River Plate, and Boca Juniors, while some of the most popular current players include Luis Suarez, Neymar Jr, Ronaldinho, and James Rodriguez. Historically, the most successful team in both the overall standings and the most recent decade is Argentinean side, Boca Juniors, which also currently holds the record for highest goal difference.The Copa Libertadores is one of the most celebrated football competitions in the world and is continuing to raise its status as a globally renowned champion’s league. The competition is renowned for its high-quality football, exciting players, and thrilling playoffs. It is a tournament that showcases the best South American football has to offer and one that thoroughly deserves its place on the world stage!