San Lorenzo de Almagro

Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro traces its roots back to April 1, 1908, when a group of young men gathered in the Boedo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. They founded the institution with a mission that extended far beyond sports, aiming to provide education and recreation for working-class youth. Today the club operates across eleven distinct disciplines including basketball, volleyball, futsal, handball, swimming, field hockey, tennis, boxing, roller skating, gymnastics, and table tennis. The football squad remains the most visible arm of this massive organization, competing at the highest level of Argentine football.

The team holds a unique place in history as the first Argentine club to win the Copa Libertadores in 1968. This triumph paved the way for further continental success, including the Copa Interamericana in 1969 and the Supercopa Sudamericana in 1989. On the domestic front, the squad secured major titles such as the 1972 Metropolitano and the 1995 Clausura championships. Their basketball division also boasts a strong record of national and continental victories, reinforcing the club's status as a multi-sport powerhouse.

A defining moment in the club's modern history occurred in March 2013 when Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis. A native of Boedo and a lifelong member, his elevation sparked massive celebrations among the fanbase. Supporters honored him by wearing his image on their jerseys during a match against Colón, highlighting the deep spiritual and cultural bond between the institution and its community. The rivalry with Boca Juniors stands as one of the most intense in South American football, drawing huge crowds to matches played at the Estadio Pedro Bidegain. [edit]

The club began its life in the humble halls of the Instituto Salesiano Don Bosco in Boedo. Early years focused on building a community center before expanding into competitive athletics. The football team quickly rose through the ranks, joining the professional league in 1931. For decades they played at the Estadio Gasómetro, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and steep stands. The government expropriated the land in 1979, forcing the club to relocate. After years of searching, they settled into the new Estadio Pedro Bidegain in Bajo Flores in 1993. Fans still call it Nuevo Gasómetro to honor the memory of the original ground.

International glory arrived in 1968 under coach Osvaldo Zubeldía. The team defeated Brazil's Flamengo in the final to claim the Copa Libertadores trophy. This victory marked a turning point for Argentine football on the world stage. The following year they added the Copa Interamericana to their collection. Domestic dominance continued with titles in 1972 and 1995. The club also developed a reputation for producing talented players who went on to represent Argentina internationally. [edit]