Discovered by Boca Juniors, the world champion with Argentina returns to his beloved club after more than a decade in Europe.
Leandro Paredes is back at Boca Juniors, signing a three-year contract. Twelve years after leaving the club that revealed him, the midfielder, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, was greeted with a celebration at La Bombonera on Thursday afternoon.
The 31-year-old’s presentation mobilized over 50,000 fans and made history at the stadium. Alongside Juan Román Riquelme, Boca Juniors president, the former Roma player spoke to the press and became emotional as he recalled the journey that led him back to his beloved club. “From day one, my desire was always to return in good shape. It’s one of the most important days of my life. I played in Europe for years, with great players and for great clubs. But returning home is something I’ve always dreamed of,” said Paredes, wearing the traditional number 5 jersey, donned by Rodrigo Battaglia. “Today I feel very good physically and emotionally. I’m returning more mature, prepared, and I hope to help the team as soon as possible.”
Jokingly, Riquelme began the press conference by asking, “Are you ready, champion?” He then thanked his homegrown idol for returning. “Thank you for coming back,” said the former number 10.
Paredes’ return to the club was treated as a true event. In addition to the press conference, the player went to the Bombonera pitch with his family—all wearing the number 5 uniform—and watched the stadium erupt in celebration, with shouts, flags, fireworks, and chants. “I was scared to think that maybe no one would come. But when I saw the Bombonera like this, I couldn’t believe it. This is unique,” he said.
Leandro Paredes’ Career
A Qatar World Cup champion and two-time Copa América winner, Paredes terminated his contract with Roma and arrived in Buenos Aires to sign with Boca Juniors, where he began his professional career in 2010 at the age of 16. Wearing the blue and gold jersey, he played 29 matches before being traded to European football, later playing for Chievo, Empoli, Zenit, PSG, Juventus, and Roma.
