San Lorenzo

ArgentinaEst. 1908

Liga Profesional#9 · 3W-5D-3L · 14 pts

<h3>History & Origins</h3> Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro, commonly known as San Lorenzo, is one of Argentina's most traditional and successful football clubs, founded in 1908 in the Almagro neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The club emerged from humble beginnings when Father Lorenzo Massa, an Italian priest, allowed local children to play football in the courtyard of the Salesians of San Antonio oratory after witnessing them being chased away by police while playing in the streets. The team was named in honor of both the priest and Saint Lawrence of Rome. San Lorenzo quickly established itself as a force in Argentine football, becoming one of the founding members of the Argentine Football Association and one of the 'Big Five' traditional clubs of Argentine football alongside Boca Juniors, River Plate, Racing Club, and Independiente. The club's golden era began in the 1940s under the guidance of legendary players and continued through several decades of domestic success. <h3>Honours & Achievements</h3> San Lorenzo has won numerous Primera División titles, with their first championship coming in 1923. The club has captured multiple league titles throughout its history, including championships in 1946, 1959, 1968, 1972, 1974, 1995, 2001, 2007, and 2013. Beyond domestic success, San Lorenzo achieved international glory by winning the Copa Libertadores in 2014, defeating Nacional of Paraguay in the final. This triumph was particularly meaningful as it came after years of near-misses in continental competition and allowed the club to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. The club also won the Copa Mercosur in 2001 and has claimed several Copa Argentina titles. <h3>Notable Players</h3> San Lorenzo's history is deeply intertwined with Argentine culture and society. The club gained international recognition when it was revealed that Pope Francis, then Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was a lifelong supporter and even worked as a nightclub bouncer to pay for his San Lorenzo membership as a young man. The team's playing style has traditionally emphasized technical football and has produced numerous players who went on to represent the Argentine national team. Notable alumni include Óscar Ruggeri, Claudio López, Pablo Zabaleta, and Ángel Di María, among many others. The club has also been known for developing young talent through its youth academy system. <h3>Playing Style & Identity</h3> San Lorenzo's rivalry with Huracán, known as the 'Clásico del Parque', is one of the most intense local derbies in Argentine football, as both clubs originated in the same neighborhood. The team also maintains significant rivalries with other major Argentine clubs. The club's fanbase, known as 'Cuervos' (Crows), is renowned for their passion and loyalty. The supporters have maintained their dedication through the club's various ups and downs, including the years without a proper home stadium. The club's social impact extends beyond football, as it operates various community programs and maintains strong ties to its neighborhood roots. <h3>Stadium & Facilities</h3> Throughout its history, San Lorenzo has faced various challenges, including financial difficulties and stadium issues. For many years, the club was forced to play its home matches at various venues after selling its historic Gasómetro stadium in 1979 due to financial pressures. The loss of their traditional home ground became a defining struggle for the club and its supporters, who campaigned for decades to return to their original neighborhood. In 2014, the Argentine government passed a law requiring the return of the land where the Gasómetro once stood, marking a significant victory for the club and its fans. The new stadium project represents not just a return home but also a symbol of the club's resilience and the dedication of its supporters.