Boca Juniors is more than a football club. It’s a living, breathing institution deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Argentina. Rooted in the working-class neighborhood of La Boca, the club’s reach has long extended far beyond the city of Buenos Aires.
With six Copa Libertadores titles, 18 international trophies, and one of the most iconic stadiums in the world in La Bombonera, Boca has earned its place as one of the true giants of world football.
As the team prepares for its latest global challenge at the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States, it’s the perfect time to look back at the players who forged Boca’s footballing identity.
This is not a best XI by position, but a collection of the most influential and iconic players in the club’s rich history—legends whose impact still echoes from the terraces of La Bombonera to wherever blue and gold is worn.
Juan Román Riquelme
He didn’t just play football—he dictated it. Juan Román Riquelme, with his unmatched vision and tempo-setting style, was the orchestrator of some of Boca’s most glorious years. Across 388 appearances and 92 goals, he led the team to three Copa Libertadores titles, including a standout 2007 campaign in which he scored in both legs of the final. His 11 major titles with the club speak for themselves.
Off the field, his influence has only grown. Now serving as club vice president, Riquelme remains the quiet architect of Boca’s footballing philosophy.
Martín Palermo
A towering figure in every sense, Martín Palermo was a striker built for drama. With 236 goals, he remains Boca’s all-time leading scorer. Whether it was the iconic header against Real Madrid in the 2000 Intercontinental Cup or his record-breaking return from injury, Palermo’s career reads like a telenovela. He won two Libertadores, two Intercontinental Cups, and captured the heart of every Boca fan with his perseverance, poacher’s instinct, and flair for the miraculous.
Sebastián Battaglia
No one has won more titles with Boca than Sebastián Battaglia. The combative midfielder collected 18 trophies across two spells with the club and served as a linchpin in the side’s dominance during the early 2000s. Rugged, intelligent, and always dependable, Battaglia brought balance to some of Boca’s most attack-minded squads. He later returned as manager, continuing his legacy from the touchline.
Diego Maradona
His time at Boca was short, but the memory of Diego Armando Maradona in blue and gold is eternal. He joined in 1981, leading the club to a league title and dazzling fans with his audacity and skill. After a storied European career, Maradona returned in 1995 to end his playing days at the Bombonera. For Boca, he was not just a player—he was a myth made real.
Roberto Mouzo
With 426 official appearances, Roberto Mouzo holds the club record for most games played. He anchored Boca’s defense in the late ’70s, captaining the team during its first-ever Copa Libertadores victories in 1977 and 1978. His leadership extended to the global stage, where he helped the club defeat Borussia Mönchengladbach to win the Intercontinental Cup. A model of loyalty and consistency, Mouzo is a foundational figure in Boca’s success.
Hugo Ibarra
Nicknamed “El Negro,” Hugo Ibarra’s legacy is one of relentless excellence. Over 280 matches across three different spells with the club yielded 15 major trophies, including four Copa Libertadores. Known for his overlapping runs, defensive strength, and big-game temperament, Ibarra was one of the best right-backs in South America during his peak. His transition into coaching roles at Boca continues to shape the club’s footballing DNA.
Silvio Marzolini
Arguably the finest left-back Argentina has ever produced, Silvio Marzolini was the epitome of elegance and consistency. A one-club man from 1960 to 1972, he helped Boca win five league titles and represented Argentina in two World Cups. Later, as manager, he guided a young Maradona-led Boca team to the 1981 title. His influence endures not only in Boca’s history, but in the position he redefined.
Antonio Roma
They called him “Tarzán”—a nickname earned through his fearless dives and lightning-fast reflexes. Antonio Roma was Boca’s starting goalkeeper during the 1960s, helping the club to five league titles. His penalty save against River Plate in 1962 is part of club folklore and remains one of the most iconic moments in Superclásico history. With over a decade between the posts, Roma was the last line of defense in Boca’s first golden era.
Rubén Suñé
One of Boca’s fiercest leaders, Rubén Suñé captained the team during its transition into a continental powerhouse. Across two spells, he claimed eight major trophies, including the club’s first two Libertadores and the 1977 Intercontinental Cup. He scored one of the most memorable goals in Superclásico history in 1976, rifling a free kick past Ubaldo Fillol to win the Nacional Final. Suñé personified Boca’s fighting spirit.
Antonio Rattin
A towering presence in Boca Juniors’ midfield from 1956 to 1970, Antonio Rattin embodied strength, leadership, and unshakable loyalty. He played over 350 matches for the club, wearing the captain’s armband for much of his career. Rattin helped Boca win three Primera División titles and the Nacional in 1969, and was a symbol of authority during a key transitional era for Argentine football. His iconic presence on the field also carried over internationally, most memorably during the 1966 World Cup. For Boca fans, Rattin represents an era of iron-willed determination and pride.
Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tevez is the face of Boca’s modern passion. Rising through the club’s youth ranks, he played a pivotal role in the 2003 Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup wins before embarking on a global career. He returned to Boca twice more, bringing fire, fight, and several league titles with him. In 2020, he led the team to another domestic championship, celebrating with tears in his eyes. Tevez was Boca’s warrior poet—a bridge between eras, always playing for the badge.
Walter Samuel
He didn’t say much, but Walter Samuel didn’t need to. Known as “The Wall,” he was a rock in Boca’s defense during the 2000 treble-winning season. Strong, silent, and absolutely ruthless in the tackle, Samuel helped Boca conquer the continent and the world before heading to Europe. His influence continues through his role as assistant coach for Argentina’s national team.
