Newell's Old Boys

ArgentinaEst. 1903Estadio Marcelo Bielsa

Liga Profesional#15 · 1W-3D-7L · 6 pts

Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys is one of Argentina's most historic and prestigious football clubs, founded in 1903 in Rosario, Santa Fe Province. The club was named after Isaac Newell, an English educator who established the Anglo-Argentine Commercial School in Rosario. Isaac Newell was instrumental in introducing football to the region and promoting sports education among local youth. His son, Claudio Newell, was among the founding members of the club, which explains the naming tribute to his father. The club's formation was part of the broader wave of football club establishments in Argentina during the early 20th century, driven largely by British immigrants and their influence on Argentine society. Newell's Old Boys quickly established itself as a prominent force in Rosario football, competing with local rivals including Rosario Central, with whom they maintain one of Argentina's most intense football rivalries known as the Clásico Rosarino. Throughout its history, the club has been a significant contributor to Argentine football, both domestically and internationally. The club's golden era came during the early 1990s under coach Marcelo Bielsa, who led the team to unprecedented success. During this period, Newell's Old Boys won the Argentine championship in 1990-91 and 1992-93, playing an attractive, attacking style of football that earned widespread acclaim. The team's success extended to international competitions, reaching the final of the Copa Libertadores in 1992, where they were defeated by São Paulo FC. This period established Newell's as one of the most respected clubs in South American football. The club has been renowned for its youth development system, producing numerous talented players who have gone on to achieve success both domestically and internationally. Most famously, Lionel Messi spent his early years in Newell's youth academy before moving to Barcelona at age 13 due to growth hormone treatment needs. Other notable players who emerged from the club include Gabriel Batistuta, Américo Gallego, Gerardo Martino, Maxi Rodríguez, and Ignacio Scocco. The club's commitment to youth development has been a cornerstone of its philosophy and has contributed significantly to Argentine football talent pool. Newell's Old Boys has maintained a strong presence in Argentine first division football throughout most of its history, though like many Argentine clubs, it has faced periods of financial difficulty and administrative challenges. The club has won six Argentine league titles, with championships in 1974, 1987-88, 1990-91, 1992-93, and two Apertura tournaments in 2004 and 2013. Beyond domestic success, the club has participated regularly in international competitions, including the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. The rivalry with Rosario Central remains one of the defining aspects of the club's identity, with matches between the two teams generating enormous passion and interest throughout the city of Rosario and beyond. These encounters, known as Clásico Rosarino, are among the most intense in Argentine football and reflect the deep social and cultural divisions within Rosario society. The club's supporters, known as 'leprosos' (lepers), are famous for their passionate support and have created a distinctive football culture that emphasizes loyalty and tradition. Newell's Old Boys has also been notable for its progressive approach to various social issues and has maintained strong community connections in Rosario. The club operates various social programs and maintains facilities that serve the broader community beyond football activities. Throughout its history, the club has represented not just sporting excellence but also social values and community identity in Rosario. The current era presents both challenges and opportunities for Newell's Old Boys, as Argentine football faces economic pressures and increased competition for talent from European clubs. However, the club continues to maintain its commitment to youth development and competitive football at the highest levels of Argentine football.