Rodrigo Palacio surprises with basketball debut in Tres Arroyos team

Rodrigo Palacio, a name synonymous with Argentine football, has surprised many by making his debut in a basketball team in Tres Arroyos. The former Boca Juniors star, who also represented Argentina in the 2006 and 2014 World Cups, showcased his athletic prowess on the basketball court for TresaBasquet.

Palacio's impact was immediate and decisive in his team's 73-54 win against La Torcacita, the reigning champions of the Torneo Centro-Sur. He contributed 12 points, six assists, and five steals, according to local reports. His performance helped TresaBasquet, coached by Víctor “Cabe” Rodríguez, break a three-game losing streak and secure a spot in the tournament's semifinals.

The debut held a special significance as Palacio previously played for Huracán de Tres Arroyos in football before his professional career took off. Now, years later, he returns to the city to compete in a different sport. This is not Palacio's first foray into basketball; he played the sport during his youth in Bahía Blanca before dedicating himself to football.

After retiring from professional football in September 2022, having last played for Brescia, Palacio briefly played for an Italian basketball team, Garegnano, in Serie D. His football career was illustrious, marked by 185 appearances and 82 goals for Boca Juniors, where he won eight titles, including the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores. His transition to basketball in Tres Arroyos adds an unexpected chapter to his sporting journey.