If you walk past the murals in La Boca today, the face of the man staring back at you hasn't changed, but the vibe definitely has. It's 2026. Juan Roman Riquelme Boca Juniors is a pairing that used to mean one thing: pure, unadulterated magic. Now? It’s complicated.
Honestly, watching Riquelme as president is a lot like watching him play. He’s slow, deliberate, and refuses to be rushed by anyone—not the press, not the fans, and certainly not the opposition. But while a slow pace works when you’re shielding the ball from Claude Makélélé in Tokyo, it’s a lot harder to pull off when your club hasn't lifted a major trophy in two years and the fans are starting to whistle.
The King of La Bombonera
To understand why people are so torn right now, you’ve basically got to remember the 2000 Intercontinental Cup. That night against Real Madrid is the gold standard. Riquelme didn't just play; he dictated terms to one of the greatest teams ever assembled. He spent 90 minutes putting world-class defenders in his pocket, moving at a speed that felt like he was playing in slow motion while everyone else was at 2x.
He finished his playing career at Boca with 388 matches. He scored 92 goals. He won 11 titles, including three Copa Libertadores.
Those aren't just stats. They are why he's untouchable to a huge portion of the fanbase. For many, Riquelme is Boca. He’s the kid who grew up poor in San Fernando and ended up conquering the world with a "10" on his back. That's why he won the 2023 election by a landslide, crushing Mauricio Macri’s ticket with over 65% of the vote. People weren't just voting for a president; they were protecting their idol.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Riquelme's Management
There’s this idea that Riquelme is just a figurehead or a "mate-drinking" legend who doesn't do the work. That’s just wrong. Since taking over the presidency, Román has been obsessed with the "Identity" of the club. He brought back icons like "Chelo" Delgado and "Chicho" Serna to run the Football Council. He revamped the youth academy.
But here is where the friction starts.
Boca ended 2025 without a single trophy. In the world of the Xeneize, that is a crisis. You’ve got a segment of the fans who are tired of the "Consejo de Fútbol" (Football Council) approach. They feel like the club has become too insular. They see River Plate or the Brazilian giants spending big and wonder why Boca is playing it so safe.
The Numbers That Matter (and the ones that don't)
People talk about the 11-game winless streak in 2025 or the early exit in the Copa de la Liga. Those hurt. But if you look at the books, Riquelme has actually done something few expected: he cleaned up the finances. The club went from carrying debt to being almost debt-free. He invested a massive amount into the stadium infrastructure and the training facilities at Ezeiza.
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The problem? You can’t parade a balanced spreadsheet around the Obelisco.
The 2026 Transfer Window: All or Nothing
As of January 2026, the pressure is on. Boca is back in the Copa Libertadores this year, and for Román, it’s the only trophy that really matters. The rumors are flying. Every day there's a new name—Paulo Dybala, Ander Herrera, or some kid from the interior of Argentina.
Riquelme’s strategy has always been about convincing players to come for the "glory" rather than just the paycheck. It worked with Edinson Cavani and Marcos Rojo. But the fans are starting to ask if that’s enough to compete with the financial might of Flamengo or Palmeiras.
Why the Bond is Fraying
The relationship between Juan Roman Riquelme Boca Juniors fans used to be a one-way street of love. Now, it’s a dialogue. A loud one. In mid-2025, we saw something almost unthinkable: whistles at La Bombonera directed toward the board.
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It wasn't everyone. The "La 12" barras bravas mostly stayed loyal, even chanting against the "plateistas" (the fans in the seats) who were whistling. But the divide is real. Half the stadium thinks Riquelme is the only person who can save the club from becoming a "private corporation" (a huge political battle in Argentina right now). The other half thinks his stubbornness is holding the team back on the pitch.
Looking Ahead: The Next Steps for Boca
So, where does this go? If you’re a Boca fan or just following the drama, there are a few key things to watch over the next six months:
- The Head Coach Situation: Claudio Úbeda is the man in the hot seat right now, but his contract only runs until mid-year. Riquelme has a history of being "hard to please" with managers. Who he picks next will define his presidency.
- The Libertadores Run: In Boca, the Libertadores isn't an obsession; it's a requirement. Anything less than a semi-final appearance in 2026 will make the political pressure unbearable.
- The Youth Integration: Keep an eye on the academy kids. Riquelme’s biggest win has been giving more minutes to "homegrown" players than any president in recent history. If those kids turn into stars, he’s a genius. If they don't, he’s "wasting time."
If you want to keep tabs on the situation, the best thing to do is watch the pre-season friendlies this month. Boca is kicking off 2026 with a tribute match for Miguel Ángel Russo. It’s a classic Román move—honoring the past while the future is still very much up in the air.
Whether you love him or think he’s too arrogant, you can’t look away. Riquelme doesn't do "quiet." He either wins everything or goes down swinging, usually with a mate in his hand and a scowl on his face.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're following the Juan Roman Riquelme Boca Juniors saga, pay close attention to the "General Director of Professional and Amateur Football" role. Riquelme recently shifted his title to focus more directly on the football side while leaving the administrative manager roles to his trusted inner circle. This means the 2026 results are 100% on his shoulders—no more excuses about "the previous management."