Club Atlético Boca Juniors

Boca Juniors. The Xeneizes. A club rooted in La Boca, Buenos Aires—fashioned by Genoese immigrants, shaped by triumph and tragedy, and burning with a global, working-class identity. So let’s #Getthebadgein and see what we can see.

Founded in 1905 by five teenage boys—sons of Genoese immigrants. Many Genoese migrated to Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to poverty, overcrowding, and declining maritime jobs in Liguria. Argentina offered better opportunities, with an open-door immigration policy, booming trade, and high demand for skilled labour in port cities like Buenos Aires. La Boca, with its busy docks and working-class character, felt familiar to the Genoese, who settled there in large numbers. They brought their culture, dialect, and community spirit—helping to shape the identity of both the neighbourhood and Boca Juniors. Boca the football team took its name from the vibrant port neighbourhood they called home.

 In honour of their heritage, they briefly wore red and white shirts like those of Genoa, but in 1906, after agreeing to adopt the colours of the first ship to sail into the port, they switched to blue and gold—thanks to a Swedish vessel. The bold azul y oro still defines their identity to this day.

Their Genoese roots run deep. “Xeneizes”—the Ligurian word for “Genoese”—became their nickname, a proud marker of La Boca’s cultural history. The club has maintained these ties across generations, including an official twinning with Genoa CFC and commemorative kits that featured the word “ZENEIXI” above the player numbers. Ligurian is the language spoken traditionally in the north-western part of Italy in which Genoa is based – today it is endangered, with very few young people learning it, but the heritage is there and in the 19^th century those that came to Argentina from Genoa spoke it as their first language.

The club’s badge has evolved alongside its reputation. The original circular design from 1911 was soon replaced by the familiar shield shape. In 1932, the club declared that each Primera División title would earn a gold star on the badge—these stars began appearing officially in 1943. A chunkier CABJ monogram was added in 1996, and the full band of stars returned in 2009. Each tweak in the design reflects a layer of history and identity, not just for the club, but for the millions who support it.

In 1925, Boca became the first Argentine club to tour Europe. They played 19 matches, won 15, and returned home with the honorary title “Campeón de Honor.” But the legacy of that tour wasn’t just in results—it marked the birth of the legendary “12th man.” One travelling supporter, Victoriano Caffarena, was so integral to the team’s spirit that he was officially recognised, giving rise to “La Doce”—the passionate fan group that still defines Boca’s matchday experience.

Their home, La Bombonera, opened in 1940 and is unlike any other. Its steep, vertical stands create a cauldron of noise. Locals say “La Bombonera no tiembla. Late.” (“La Bombonera doesn’t tremble. It beats.”) The atmosphere inside is said to be electrifying, particularly during the Superclásico against River Plate, where blue and gold banners, firecrackers, flares and chants fill the air.

Boca’s story is not without sorrow. In 1968, during a match at River Plate’s Monumental stadium, 71 Boca fans were killed and over 150 injured at Gate 12—a catastrophe that went unacknowledged for decades. Only in 2008 did River install a plaque in remembrance, and Boca followed with their own tribute at La Bombonera. To this day, 23 June is marked as a day of mourning by the club.

The rivalry with River Plate—the Superclásico—is not just the fiercest in Argentina but one of the most charged in world football. It has always been more than a game. Boca came to represent the working-class pride of the southern docks, while River moved north and became associated with Argentina’s wealthy elite. Every match between the two is a battle of class and heritage.

Boca’s influence goes far beyond the pitch. Its youth academy is a breeding ground for brilliance—producing legends like Carlos Tevez, Juan Román Riquelme, Éver Banega, Leandro Paredes, and Nahuel Molina. The club also excels in other sports—basketball, futsal, volleyball, and hockey—most recently winning the 2023–24 basketball title.

Off the field, Boca operates like a cultural institution. There’s a Boca-themed hotel in Buenos Aires and even a restaurant in New York. Boca-branded taxis roam the city. There’s a Boca wine label, Boca funeral services, and even a section in a cemetery reserved for lifelong fans. It’s a club that follows its supporters from cradle to grave.

And then there are the trophies. Over 30 Primera División titles. Six Copa Libertadores. Three Intercontinental Cups—including famous victories over AC Milan and Real Madrid. Boca stands among the world’s most successful clubs, both historically and in terms of global reach, with over 315,000 members and a booming merchandise market stretching far beyond Argentina.

So, that badge – a field of stars. But it’s more than simply on field success. It’s a story of immigration, aspiration, community, and hope.