The first recorded photo of Boca Juniors taken in 1906, after winning the Liga Central championship
On 3 April 1905, a group of boys, who were the sons of Italian immigrants (more specifically fromGenoa),[17] met in order to find a club. The house where the meeting was arranged was Esteban Baglietto's and the other four people who attended were Alfredo Scarpatti, Santiago Sana and brothers Juan Farenga and Teodoro Farenga .[18]Other important founding members include Arturo Penney, Marcelino Vergara, Luis Cerezo, Adolfo Taggio, Giovanelli, Donato Abbatángelo, and Bertolini.
In 1913, Boca was promoted toPrimera División after some previous failed attempts. This was possible when theArgentine Association decided to increase the number of teams in the league from 6 to 15.[19]
In 1925, Boca madeits first trip to Europe to play inSpain,Germany andFrance. The squad played a total of 19 games, winning 15 of them. For that reason Boca was declared "Campeón de Honor" (Champion of Honour) by the Association.
During successive years, Boca consolidated as one of the most popular teams of Argentina, with a huge number of fans not only in the country but worldwide.[20][21][22]
Some jerseys worn in the 1990s–2000s also in exhibition
According to the club's official site, the original jersey colour was a white shirt with thin black vertical stripes, being then replaced by a light blue shirt and then another striped jersey before adopting the definitive blue and gold.[23] Nevertheless, another version states that Boca Juniors' first jersey was pink, although it has been questioned by some journalists and historians who state that Boca, most probably, never wore a pink jersey, by pointing out the lack of any solid evidence and how this version stems from, and is only supported on, flawed testimonies.[24]
Legend has it that in 1906, Boca played Nottingham de Almagro. Both teams wore such similar shirts that the match was played to decide which team would get to keep it. Boca lost, and decided to adopt the colors of the flag of the first boat to sail into the port at La Boca. This proved to be aSwedish ship, therefore the yellow and blue of the Swedish flag were adopted as the new team colours.[25] Reportedly, it was the dockworker Juan Bricchetto who saw the ship, which was named Drottning Sophia.[26] The first version had a yellow diagonal band, which was later changed to a horizontal stripe.[23]
Through Boca Juniors history, the club has worn some alternate "rare" models, such as theAC Milan shirt in a match versusUniversidad de Chile (whose uniform was also blue) in the1963 Copa Libertadores.[27] WhenNike became official kit provider in 1996, the first model by the company introduced two thin white stripes surrounding the gold band, causing some controversy.[28][29] The brand also introduced a silver jersey designed exclusively for the1998 Copa Mercosur. For the 100th anniversary of the club, Nike launched commemorative editions of several models worn by the club since its foundation, including a version of the 1907 shirt with the diagonal sash, which was worn in two matches during the 2005Torneo de Verano (Summer Championship).[30] Other models were a black and white striped jersey (similar toJuventus FC)[31] and a purple model,[32] worn in the 2012 and 2013 "Torneos de Verano," respectively.
Nevertheless, no shirt caused more controversy than the pink model released as the away jersey for the2013–14 season, which was widely rejected by the fans.[33] Because of that, the introduction of this model (to be initially worn v.Rosario Central) was delayed until the last fixture when Boca playedGimnasia y Esgrima (LP).[34][35] As a replacement for the pink model, Nike designed a fluorescent yellow shirt launched that same season.[36][37]
In 2016, the club wore a black jersey for the first time in its history, originally launched as the third kit.[38] Although the President of the club,Daniel Angelici, had stated that the black kit would never be worn,[39] the kit debuted in a match v.Tigre, only four days after the announcement.[40]
Adidas is the club's current kit supplier since January 2020.[41] The agreement (which will remain in force until 2029) was signed forUS $10,069,000 plus 40% in royalties per year for the club.[42]
^Some sources state the first shirt was pink, as so did the club itself,[44] although further revisions established the striped black and white as the first shirt adopted by the club.[23]Nike released some versions based on this model, first in 2005 (although only for sale at stores)[45] and then in 2012, although this model was only worn during theTorneo de Verano.[46]
^A similar model was used as the alternate kit in the2006–07 season, 100 years after it was worn by the first time.
^According to photographic document of those times, the diagonal sash was displayed in both ways, from left to right and vice versa.
^After Olan was taken over by Topper, the brand (then owned byAlpargatas) was the kit suppier just for one month, until the contract with Nike entered into force in September 1996.[47]
The club has had five different designs for its badge during its history, although its outline has remained unchanged through most of its history.
The first known emblem dates from 1911, appearing on the club'sletterhead papers. In October 1932, the club stated that one star would be added to the badge for eachPrimera División title won.[50] Nevertheless, the stars would not appear until 1943, on aReport and Balance Sheet.[51][50]
A version with laurel leaves appeared in a magazine in 1955 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the club,[51] although the club never used it officially.[50]
The emblem with the stars was announced in 1932, but it has regularly appeared on Boca Juniors uniforms since 1993.[51]
In 1996, theRonald Shakespear Studio introduced a new badge (with the horizontal band suppressed) as part of a visual identity for the club. The new Boca Juniors image also featured new typography and style.[52][53]
Official grandstand ofEstadio Ministro Brin y Senguel, where Boca Juniors played from 1916 to 1924The Boca Juniors stadium in Brandsen and Del Crucero, inaugurated in 1924. It was later demolished to buildLa Bombonera, in the same place
Boca Juniors used several locations before settling on their current ground on Brandsen. Club's first ground was inDársena Sur[55] of the old Buenos Aires port (currentlyPuerto Madero) but it was vacated in 1907 as it failed to meet the minimum league requirements. Boca Juniors then used three grounds in theIsla Demarchi area between 1908 and 1912.[56][57] In the first year in the Primera Division (1913) the club hadn't an own stadium and played the home games in the pitches of the other teams, likely in Estudiantes de Buenos Aires in Palermo (on Figueroa Alcorta y Dorrego), but also in Avellaneda (first official derby against the River).[58] Between 1914 and 1915, the club moved away from La Boca for the second time in its history (beyond the 1913), moving toWilde in theAvellaneda Partido of theGreater Buenos Aires but a relatively poor season[59] and poor attendances in 1915 forced the club to move back to La Boca.
On 25 May 1916, Boca Juniors opened itsnew stadium at the intersection of Ministro Brin and Senguel streets, playing there until 1924 when the club moved to Brandsen and Del Crucero (Del Valle Iberlucea nowadays) streets, to build anew stadium there, which lasted until 1938 when the club decided to build a totally new venue, made of concrete grandstand instead of wood.[60]
Building of Boca Juniors' current stadium began in 1938, under the supervision of Engineer José L. Delpini. Boca played its home matches inFerro Carril Oeste'sEstadio Ricardo Etcheverry inCaballito until it was completed on 25 May 1940.[57] A third level was added in 1953, originating then its nicknameLa Bombonera ('The Chocolate Box').[61] The stand opposite theCasa Amarilla railway platforms remained mostly undeveloped until 1996, when it was upgraded with new balconies and quite expensive VIP boxes. Three sides of the Bombonera are thus made up of traditional sloping stadium stands, but the fourth side was built vertically, with several seating areas stacked one on top of the other, the only way that makes it stand into the club premises.
La Bombonera is known for vibrating when Boca fans (La 12) jump in rhythm; in particular, the unique vertical side will sway slightly, leading to the phrase, "La Bombonera no tiembla. Late" (The Bombonera does not tremble. It beats)[62][63]
La Bombonera currently has a capacity of around 54,000. The club's popularity make tickets hard to come by, especially for theSuperclásico game againstRiver Plate.[64] There are further improvements planned for the stadium, including measures to ease crowd congestion, use of new technology and improved corporate facilities.[65]
Apart from the venues listed, Boca Juniors also played its home games atEstudiantes de Buenos Aires's stadium (in 1913, then located on Figueroa Alcorta Avenue)[66] andFerro Carril Oeste stadium (1938–40, whileLa Bombonera was under construction).[67]
In 2023 while running for the president's role of the club, Jorge Reale famously unveiled plans and designs of a new state-of-the-art roofed stadium that would house 112,000 spectators, 444VIP boxes and 4,000 parking spaces. The plan was ceased in the following year after the incumbent president,Juan Roman Riquelme, a popular figure among fans due to his footballing heroics as a player, won the presidential election.[68]
Boca Juniors' supporters displaying their flags atLa Bombonera (north side), 2009
Boca Juniors is traditionally regarded as the club of Argentina's working class, in contrast with the supposedly more upper-class base of cross-town arch rivalRiver Plate[71] who moved to the more affluent district ofNúñez in the north of the city in 1923.
Boca Juniors claims to be the club of "half plus one" (la mitad más uno) of Argentina's population. A 2006 survey placed its following at 40%,[12][13] still the largest share. Nevertheless, they have the highest number of fans, as judged by percentage in their country.
In 1975, a film (La Raulito) was made about the life of Mary Esher Duffau, known as La Raulito, a well-known Boca Juniors fan. She died at the age of 74 on 30 April 2008, the same day Boca Juniors played a Copa Libertadores match against Brazilian club,Cruzeiro Esporte Clube with the players and fans observing a minute's silence in her memory.[72]
Boca Juniors usually play their league games in front of capacity crowds. The club's popularity make tickets hard to come by, especially for theSuperclásico game againstRiver Plate.[73]
Boca fans are known asLos Xeneizes (theGenoese) after the Genoese immigrants who founded the team and lived in La Boca in the early 20th century.[77]
Many rival fans in Argentina refer to the Boca Juniors' fans asLos Bosteros (the manure handlers), originating from the horse manure used in the brick factory which occupied the ground whereLa Bombonera stands. Originally an insult used by rivals, Boca fans are now proud of it.[78]
Reflecting the team's colors, Boca's shirt is also calledla azul y oro (the blue and gold).[79]
There is also a society which dedicates all of its activities to supporting the team known asla número 12 orla doce (player numberdoce or 12, meaning "the 12th player").[80]
The origin of the group dates back to 1925, when the Boca Juniors fanatic "Toto" Caffarena accompanied the team during a tournament in Europe in 1925. From then on, he was considered the "twelfth player", hence the name "La doce".
The naming of "La 12" (the twelfth player), by which Boca Juniors' fans became known, dates back to the year 1925, during the European tour they made that year.
At that time, the team was accompanied by a Boca fan called Victoriano Caffarena, who belonged to a wealthy family and funded part of the tour.
During that tour he helped the team in everything, thus establishing a strong relationship with the players, so they named him "Player No. 12".
When they returned to Argentina, Caffarena was as well known as the players themselves. Nowadays, this nickname is used primarily to name their group of supporters, known as "La 12".[81]
Some Boca fans runultra organizations similar to other "barra brava" gangs associated with football clubs in Argentina[82] but in the name of "La doce".
Their illegal activities include assault, drug sales and trafficking, extortion, and murder.[83]
They finance its activities by selling parking, reselling club tickets, and extorting commissions from the sale of players, plus the club for transportation to domestic and international events as well as their means of financing their activities.
If their demands are not met, they threaten violence at home matches or to take down club officials.[84]
Boca has fans throughout Latin America and also in parts of the United States where there has been Latin immigration. In July 2007, after the club had toured pre-season, it was reported that the club was considering the possibility of creating aBoca Juniors USA team to compete inMajor League Soccer.[90]
Boca Juniors has a long-standing, heated rivalry withRiver Plate known as theSuperclásico, known worldwide as one of world football's fiercest andmost important rivalries in Argentina and the world.[91][12][13]
The Superclásico is mostly noted for the fan passion, simultaneous jumping of the fans and fan songs (often based on popular Argentine rock band tunes) against their rivals, games have occasionally been marred by riots between the hardest supporters of both sides or against the police.
Out of their 338 previous meetings, Boca have won 126, River have won 107 and there have been 105 draws.[92] Boca Juniors and River Plate have played 259 official games all time against each other, with Boca winning 91, River winning 85 and 83 draws.[93]
The English newspaperThe Observer put the Superclásico (played at La Bombonera) at the top of their list of "50 sporting things you must do before you die".[94]
As of 15 October 2025[update][95]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
The first Boca Juniors coach recorded isMario Fortunato, who had been player before becoming coach of the team. Fortunato led Boca to win a total of five titles (4 league in1930,1931,1934 and1935) and oneNational cup (Copa de Competencia Británica in 1946).[134] He had three tenures on the club, coaching Boca Juniors in 1930–1936, 1946 and 1956.
Juan Román Riquelme is the current President of Boca Juniors since December 2023, when he was elected over Andrés Ibarra, getting more than 65% of the votes (a record of 46,400 members went to the club to vote).[136]Jorge Amor Ameal (which was president 2019–23)[137] was elected vice-president of the club.
Consequently, Boca is ranked third in the world in terms of number of complete international titles, afterReal Madrid (35) and Egyptian sideAl Ahly (26).[164]
Their success usually has the Boca Juniors ranked among theIFFHS's Club World Ranking Top 25, which they have reached the top position six times (mostly during the coaching tenure ofCarlos Bianchi).[168]
The Boca Juniorswomen's football team plays in theCampeonato de Fútbol Femenino and have won the championship a record 27 times of which 10 were in succession from the 2003 Apertura to the 2008 Clausura.[184]
The Boca Juniors basketball team, established in 1929, won several Argentine championships organised by now-defunct bodies "Asociación de Básquetbol de Buenos Aires" and "Federación Argentina de Básquetbol".
Since theLiga Nacional de Básquet was created in 1985, Boca Juniors has won the LNB league title four times (1996–97, 2003–04, 2006–07, and 2023-24), fiveCopa Argentina (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006), oneTorneo Top 4 (in 2004) and one Supercopa de La Liga (in 2024).
Boca Juniors men's compete inPrimera División de Futsal, the top division of the futsal league system and organised by AFA.
The club is the 2nd most winning team (after Club Pinocho) of Primera División, with 13 titles. One of those came in 2017 when they defeatedKimberley in the finals.[190]
The men's team won those thirteen league championship in 1992, 1993, 1997 Clausura, 1998 Apertura, 2003 Clausura, 2011 Clausura, 2012 Apertura, 2013 Apertura, 2013 Clausura, 2014 Apertura, 2014 Clausura, 2017, 2020–21.[191]
Boca also has a women's futsal team which plays in the Campeonato de Futsal Femenino, they won the inaugural tournament in 2004[192] and won it again in 2014.
Boca Juniors has a men's professional volleyball team that won the Metropolitan championship in 1991, 1992 and 1996, and achieved the second place in the 1996–97 A1 season.
Because of a lack of sponsors, the team was disbanded, but later it was reincorporated through the coaching of former Boca player Marcelo Gigante; after playing in the second division, it returned to the A1 league in 2005.
In August 2015 it was announced that Boca Juniors's volleyball team would not participate in theLiga Argentina de Voleibol – Serie A1 from 2016. The decision was personally taken by Boca Juniors chairman,Daniel Angelici.
The club alleged that taking part in a professional league resulted in a hugh commercial deficit so Boca Juniors declined to participate, although the volleyball department had reached an agreement with several sponsors which would put the money to cover the costs (aboutA$ 3 million).[193]
On 1 August 2023, it was announced that Boca Juniors after almost 8 years, will once again play in the Liga Argentina de Voleibol – Serie A1.[194]
Boca has a women's volleyball team that plays in theLiga Femenina de Voleibol Argentino and it has won the tournament a record 8 times (2010–11, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023).[195]
Boca Juniors has expanded its activity beyond sport, providing its fans with a number of other products and services.
In 2003, it became the fifth football club in the world to open its own TV channel. Boca TV broadcast 24 hours a day, featuring sports programs and talk shows. The channel was closed in 2005 due to low audience, returning in 2015 as a website.[197]
In 2005, a funerary company started to produce a line of coffins available for dead fans.[198][199]
The club also opened a "Boca Juniors" exclusive section of 3,000hectare in the Parque Iraola Cemetery ofLa Plata Partido in 2006.[200][201]
Also in 2006, Boca expanded its business launching its own fleet of taxis operating in Buenos Aires,[202][203] as well as its own brand of wine, called "Vino Boca Juniors".[204]
In 2012 Boca Juniors opened in Buenos Aires its first thematic hotel not only in Argentina but worldwide. The hotel was designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott. All the rooms were decorated with the colours of the club, apart from photos and paintings of notable players in the history of the club.[205][206]
There is an Argentine steakhouse in Queens, NYC which is a Boca Juniors theme restaurant.[207][208]
In racing, ArgentineTurismo Carretera stock-car competition league spun off theTop Race V6 category, in which teams were sponsored by football teams.[209]
Veteran race pilots Guillermo Ortelli and Ernesto Bessone and former Boca playerVicente Pernía drove for the "Boca Juniors" team; Ortelli finally won the first Top Race V6 championship with his car painted in Boca Juniors colors.[210]
^Usborne, David (19 January 2011)."Independent article". London: Travel.independent.co.uk. Archived fromthe original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved5 May 2013.
^"Adiós, "Raulito"" (in Spanish). infobae.com. 1 May 2008. Archived fromthe original on 3 August 2009. Retrieved27 May 2008.
^Usborne, David (19 January 2011)."Independent article". London: Travel.independent.co.uk. Archived fromthe original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved5 May 2013.
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