Boca Juniors names Rodolfo Arruabarrena as new coach

Boca Juniors has officially confirmed Rodolfo “Vasco” Arruabarrena as the club's new head coach, signing a contract that extends through December 31, 2027. The appointment comes 18 days after the departure of Claudio Úbeda, filling the managerial vacancy at the Buenos Aires club.

Arruabarrena returns to Boca, where he previously served as coach from 2014 to 2016, leading the team to two titles: the 2015 league championship and the 2015 Copa Argentina. His previous tenure included 75 matches, with 47 wins, 13 draws, and 15 losses. The club statement detailed the technical staff accompanying Arruabarrena, including Diego Markic and Juan Gobet as assistant coaches, and Gustavo Roberti and Cristian Aquino as fitness coaches.

Club president Juan Román Riquelme personally contacted Arruabarrena to offer him the position. Despite Arruabarrena's immediate acceptance, contractual details and the formation of his coaching staff required several days to finalize. Riquelme managed the decision process discreetly but acted swiftly to prepare the team for a busy second half of 2026.

Upon his arrival from Spain, Arruabarrena expressed confidence in the current squad, acknowledging potential player changes but stressing his belief in the existing talent. He emphasized the importance of personality in a Boca player, stating, “A player of Boca has to have personality. Not too old, not too young, not too technical, not not technical. I believe there are players with personality.” He aims to enhance the team's quality and potential.

Arruabarrena, 50, returns to Argentina after a decade abroad. His history with Boca is extensive, having joined the club's youth system at age 11. As a player, he appeared in 178 matches, scored 17 goals, and won three titles, including the Apertura 1998, Clausura 1999, and the 2000 Copa Libertadores. His coaching career also includes a stint with Al-Wasl in the UAE.