It is essential to be aware that in Argentine football, there are certain teams that command the greatest fervor among sports enthusiasts. These are: Boca Juniors, Independiente, San Lorenzo, Racing Club, and finally, River Plate. These five teams generate passions, drawing hundreds of thousands of people who follow the club's daily and match-by-match progress.
While the aforementioned teams are all of high rank, it is impossible to talk about the history of Argentine football without mentioning one of its global references. We are talking about Club Atlético River Plate. Therefore, in this article, we will tell you about its history, its present, and the legacy that this giant among giants leaves and will leave.
RIVER PLATE: THE MILLIONAIRE
It is one of the most emblematic clubs in Argentine and world football. The team has been the protagonist of numerous sporting feats, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the sport.
It was founded on May 25, 1901, ironically, in the neighborhood of La Boca. Legend has it that the club took its name from an English ship called "River Plate," which had docked at the port of Buenos Aires. In its early years, the club played in the Argentine Football League, one of the precursors to the current AFA (Argentine Football Association).
As the years went by, River established itself as one of the main teams in Argentina. However, it wasn't until the 1930s that it began to stand out among its peers and sibling clubs. With players like Bernabé Ferreyra and Adolfo Pedernera, River won several league titles and consolidated itself as one of the most feared teams in the country.
The 1940s saw the rise of "La Máquina," considered by many to be one of the best teams in the history of Argentine football. With legendary players such as José Manuel Moreno, Adolfo Pedernera, Ángel Labruna, Félix Loustau, and Juan Carlos Muñoz, River Plate dazzled everyone with its offensive play and absolute dominance in the sporting field.
In the following decades, River Plate continued to reap successes both nationally and internationally. They won multiple league championships and began to excel in international competitions such as the Copa Libertadores. Winning the Copa Libertadores in 1986, with figures like Enzo Francescoli and "Beto" Alonso, marked one of the most glorious moments in the club's history.
CUPS AND TITLES
International Titles:
- Copa Libertadores: 4 times (1986, 1996, 2015, 2018)
- Intercontinental Cup: 1 time (1986)
- Copa Sudamericana: 2 times (2014, 2021)
- Recopa Sudamericana: 3 times (2015, 2016, 2019)
National Titles:
- Argentine Primera División: 36 times (the last in 2021)
- Copa Argentina: 3 times (2016, 2017, 2019)
- Argentine Supercup: 3 times (2017, 2021, 2023)
- Professional League Cup: 1 time (2021)
PRESENT AND LEGACY
In recent years, River has continued to be one of the most outstanding teams in Argentina and South America. Marcelo Gallardo, who was in charge from 2014 to 2022, tasted international success, winning multiple Copa Libertadores titles and other important competitions: 2014 Copa Sudamericana, 2015 Recopa, 2015 Copa Libertadores, 2015 Suruga Bank Cup, 2016 Recopa, 2016 Copa Argentina, 2017 Copa Argentina, 2017 Supercopa Argentina, 2018 Copa Libertadores, 2019 Recopa, 2019 Copa Argentina.
Although all glory has its end, currently, the club remains victorious but at an indisputably lower level than during the so-called "Gallardo Era." With the end of the contract for the victorious coach, the club faces a high bar to meet. The current coach, Martín Demichelis, a former player of the team, is under the scrutiny of the public eye with enormous shoes to fill.
In addition to its success in football, the club is also recognized for its commitment to developing young talent and its impact on the community. Its stadium, the Monumental, is a symbol of the passion and greatness of Argentine football, and its fans are among the most passionate and loyal in the world. If you want to experience it, in the following link, you can get your tickets to witness a match.
In summary, the history and present of River Plate are full of glory, successes, and football passion, which have made it one of the most respected and admired clubs globally. Although the present may not dazzle, the future promises another journey raising a cup.