Ramón Sosa Acosta is one of those players who seem destined to shine on the pitch. Born on August 31, 1999, in the small town of Maracaná in Paraguay, he grew up kicking a ball on the dusty streets of rural Paraguay, dreaming of the big stadiums. At 26 years old, standing 1.79 meters tall with a lean 73-kilo frame, Sosa stands out as a fast, skillful, and unpredictable left winger. His ability to dribble at speed, cross with precision, and finish with composure has made him one of the most exciting prospects in South American football. Today, donning the green shirt of Palmeiras, he is experiencing a moment of consolidation in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. But his journey hasn’t been a bed of roses: full of challenges, loans, and bold decisions, Sosa’s story is an example of persistence and pure talent.
In this article, we dive into the life and career of this Paraguayan who has already won over fans in Paraguay, Argentina, England, and now Brazil. From a humble boy to a rising goalscorer, Ramón Sosa embodies the essence of South American football: passion, grit, and a touch of genius.
First Steps: Childhood and Early Days in Paraguayan Football
Maracaná, a rural locality in the Itapúa department in southern Paraguay, isn’t exactly a breeding ground for stars. But that’s where Ramón Sosa took his first kicks at the ball. The son of a modest family, he split his time between school and improvised training sessions with friends. “I played barefoot in the mud, making up goals with stones,” Sosa recounted in a recent interview on the official Palmeiras website. At 10 years old, his talent caught the eye of scouts from Atlético Tembetary, a small club in the neighboring city of Encarnación.
At Tembetary, Sosa started as an attacking midfielder but soon shifted to the left wing, where his natural speed shone. By 15, he was already a starter for the under-17 team, scoring decisive goals in regional tournaments. It was during this phase that River Plate, one of Paraguay’s football giants, signed him for their youth academy. In Asunción, the capital, Sosa faced his first big test: adapting to a big city and a rigorous professional routine.
Early Challenges and the Dream of Going Pro
Life in River Plate’s youth setup wasn’t easy. Sosa shared a room with other young talents, woke up early for training, and studied at night. Minor injuries and fierce competition tested his patience. In 2017, at 18, he finally debuted for the senior team in a Paraguayan second-division match. His first goal came soon after, converting a perfect cross with a header. “That moment changed me. I felt like football was my life,” he recalls.
At River Plate, Sosa played for two seasons, accumulating 25 matches and five goals. His one-on-one skills and game vision drew attention, but the club faced financial instability. In 2019, a loan to Olimpia, the biggest rival and Paraguay’s most successful team, came along. There, he learned what real pressure means: packed derbies and sky-high expectations.
Rise at Olimpia: From Bench to Star
Olimpia, with its history of 14 Libertadores titles, is a pressure cooker. Sosa arrived as a cheap bet but quickly became a key piece. In the 2020 season, he played 18 games, scoring four goals and providing crucial assists in the Paraguayan championship campaign. His playing style—short dribbles, explosive accelerations, and long-range shots—recalled idols like Ángel Romero, another Paraguayan who shone in Brazil.
Memorable Moments in the Decagonal
The Decagonal, the tournament that crowns the Paraguayan champion, was the stage where Sosa exploded. In a match against Cerro Porteño, he dribbled past three defenders and finished into the top corner, securing a 2-1 victory. Fans nicknamed him “El Rayo” for his speed. In 2021, with Olimpia in the Libertadores, Sosa faced teams like River Plate and Argentinos Juniors. Though the team was eliminated in the round of 16, his individual performance—two goals and one assist—put him on the radar of Argentine clubs.
In total, for Olimpia, Sosa tallied 45 games, eight goals, and six assists. It was there that he matured as a professional, handling the pressure of being Paraguayan in an intense football country. “Paraguay gave me my roots. I learned to fight for every ball,” he said in a Palmeiras press conference.
Leap to Argentina: Spotlight at Talleres de Córdoba
In July 2021, Ramón Sosa signed with Talleres de Córdoba in the Argentine first division. The move to the neighboring country was an upgrade: more visibility, better salaries, and more tactical football. Under Alexander Medina, Sosa adapted quickly. His debut was against Boca Juniors in a thrilling draw where he nearly scored.
Season of Consolidation and Titles
The 2022 season was magical. Sosa played 35 matches, scored 10 goals, and provided eight assists, helping Talleres win the Argentine League Cup. His most iconic goal? Against River Plate at the Monumental: a volley after a Colón cross that silenced 70,000 fans. The Argentine media compared him to Di María for his versatility.
In 2023, under Ángel Potenza, Sosa continued to shine. In the Libertadores, Talleres reached the semifinals, and he was voted the team’s best player in internal polls. In total, for the Córdoba club, there were 80 games, 22 goals, and 18 assists. It was in Argentina that Sosa gained the confidence to aim for Europe. “Talleres taught me to be consistent. Every game was a final,” he reflects.
But the European dream was knocking. In August 2024, Nottingham Forest of the Premier League paid £11 million for his services. At 25, Sosa was ready for the challenge.
Adventure in England: Lessons at Nottingham Forest
The Premier League is a world apart: frenetic pace, rugged defenders, and unpredictable weather. Sosa arrived at Forest as reinforcement to avoid relegation, under Nuno Espírito Santo. His debut was against Arsenal, where he came on in the second half and nearly assisted a goal.
Adaptation and Personal Challenges
His first season in England was a rollercoaster. Sosa played 23 games, only four as a starter, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Muscle injuries hampered him, and the pressure of a survival fight weighed heavy. “England is physical. You run the whole game, non-stop,” he explained in an interview with The Athletic.
Despite modest numbers, Sosa showed flashes of brilliance: a dribble past Humphrey against Manchester United and a perfect cross for Elanga against Tottenham. Off the field, he dealt with homesickness and Nottingham’s cold. But Forest avoided the drop, and Sosa left with the baggage of hard-earned lessons.
Arrival at Palmeiras: A New Chapter in Brazil
In July 2025, after just one year in Europe, Sosa returned to South America. Palmeiras, three-time Libertadores champions and current Brazilian powerhouse, paid around €12.5 million to prise him from Forest. The deal was swift: Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira saw him as the ideal replacement for Estêvão, who headed to Chelsea.
Presentation and Early Training
Sosa was announced on July 9, 2025, at Allianz Parque, wearing the number 27 shirt—in homage to his birthday. “It’s a giant step. Palmeiras is a massive club with history in the Libertadores. I want to win everything here,” he declared at the press conference, alongside Gustavo Gómez, his Paraguay national team teammate. Sosa became the 13th Paraguayan in the club’s history, joining legends like Arce and Gamarra.
The early training sessions were intense. Abel Ferreira, known for his tactical rigor, praised Sosa’s speed but warned about cultural adaptation. “He comes from England, where football is about not falling. Here, it’s about winning titles. He needs time to acclimate to the pitch, the fans, and the demands,” the coach said after a scrimmage.
On the field, Sosa debuted against Flamengo, coming on in the second half and creating chances. His preference for the left wing fit perfectly into Abel’s 4-2-3-1 scheme, alongside Veiga and Dudu. In his first months, he racked up 15 games, with three goals and four assists in the Brasileirão and Copa do Brasil.
Performance with the Paraguayan National Team: National Pride
The Albirroja shirt is sacred to Sosa. He debuted for the senior national team in 2021, against Brazil in World Cup qualifiers. Since then, he has 25 caps, with five goals and three assists. His partnership with Gustavo Gómez, Palmeiras’ defender, is a trump card: the two understand each other without words.
Highlights in Qualifiers and Copa América
In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Sosa was a starter in nearly every match. His most memorable goal was against Argentina in Asunción, a long-range strike that leveled the score at 1-1. In the 2024 Copa América, Paraguay reached the quarterfinals, and Sosa scored against Uruguay. “Playing for the national team is honoring my family and my country. Every call-up is a blessing,” he says.
In 2025, with Paraguay qualified for the World Cup, Sosa is seen as the offensive leader alongside Alcaraz and Enciso. His speed is a lethal weapon against South American defenses.
Personal Life: Family, Hobbies, and Values
Off the pitch, Sosa is a simple guy. Married to his childhood sweetheart, Mariana, he has a two-year-old daughter named Sofia. The family accompanies him in São Paulo, where they’ve adapted to the big-city rhythm. “I miss Paraguayan chimarrão, but Brazil is welcoming,” he jokes.
Sosa is a devotee of São Raimundo, the patron saint of his hometown, and always prays before games. In his free time, he enjoys video games—he’s a FIFA fan—and listening to Guarani music. He also gets involved in social actions: he donated kits to Tembetary and supports youth football projects for poor kids in Paraguay. “Success is for sharing. I want to inspire the boys like I once was,” he says.
Latest Updates: The First Goal and Current Moment
On September 21, 2025, Ramón Sosa lived an unforgettable day. In the Brasileirão, Palmeiras thrashed Fortaleza 4-1 at Allianz Parque in the 24th round. Coming on as a substitute at the 60th minute, Sosa scored his first official goal for the club: a beautiful curled shot after dribbling past his marker, making it 2-1. Raphael Veiga and Andreas Pereira completed the party with two more goals.
Abel Ferreira, in the post-match press conference, offered words of affection: “Ramón had seven shots today. He’s acclimating. He comes from England, needs time to understand our South American mentality. I care for him like a son, because here there are no gods, only players who fight.” The Palmeiras fans, already enamored, erupted in applause.
With the goal, Sosa has four strikes this season for Verdão, plus five assists. The team leads the Brasileirão comfortably and advances in the Libertadores. For Sosa, the moment is one of focus: “This goal is for my family and Paraguay. Now, it’s titles.” Analysts predict that with more rhythm, he could be the league’s top scorer.
Conclusion: Ramón Sosa’s Bright Future
Ramón Sosa is more than a player: he’s a symbol of overcoming. From Maracaná to Allianz Parque, his journey inspires millions. With undeniable talent, humility, and a hunger for wins, he has everything to become an idol in Brazil and a reference for the Paraguayan national team. At 26, his peak is just beginning. Here’s to more goals, dribbles, and trophies. Avanti, Ramón!
