Club Atlético Independiente
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Club Atlético Independiente () is an
Argentine Argentines (mistakenly translated Argentineans in the past; in Spanish (masculine) or (feminine)) are people identified with the country of Argentina. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Argentines, s ...
professional
sports club A sports club or sporting club, sometimes an athletics club or sports society or sports association, is a group of people formed for the purpose of playing sports. Sports clubs range from organisations whose members play together, unpaid, and ...
, which has its headquarters and stadium in the city of
Avellaneda Avellaneda (, ) is a port city in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the seat of the Avellaneda Partido, whose population was 342,677 as per the . Avellaneda is located within the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area, and is connected ...
in
Greater Buenos Aires Greater Buenos Aires ( es, Gran Buenos Aires, GBA), also known as the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area ( es, Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, AMBA), refers to the urban agglomeration comprising the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the adjac ...
. The club is best known for its
football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kicking a ball to score a goal. Unqualified, the word ''football'' normally means the form of football that is the most popular where the word is used. Sports commonly c ...
team, which plays in the Primera División and is considered one of Argentina's ''Big Five'' football clubs. Independiente was officially founded on 1 January 1905, although the institution had been formed on 4 August 1904. Originally from Monserrat, a neighbourhood of
Buenos Aires Buenos Aires ( or ; ), officially the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires ( es, link=no, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires), is the capital and primate city of Argentina. The city is located on the western shore of the Río de la Plata, on South ...
, the club moved to Avellaneda in 1907. The
football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kicking a ball to score a goal. Unqualified, the word ''football'' normally means the form of football that is the most popular where the word is used. Sports commonly c ...
team has won 16 Primera División titles (the last one was the 2002 Apertura) and 9 National cups. In international club football competitions, Independiente has won a total of 21 titles, with 18 of them organised by
CONMEBOL The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL, , or CSF; es, Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol; pt, Confederação Sul-Americana de Futebol) is the continental governing body of football in South America (apart from Guyana, Suri ...
and other associations. Independiente's achievements include a record of seven
Copa Libertadores The CONMEBOL Libertadores, also known as the Copa Libertadores de América ( pt, Copa Libertadores da América), is an annual international club football competition organized by CONMEBOL since 1960. It is the highest level of competition in S ...
won, being the only club to win four finals in a row, between
1972 Within the context of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) it was the longest year ever, as two leap seconds were added during this 366-day year, an event which has not since been repeated. (If its start and end are defined using Solar time, me ...
and
1975 It was also declared the ''International Women's Year'' by the United Nations and the European Architectural Heritage Year by the Council of Europe. Events January * January 1 - Watergate scandal (United States): John N. Mitchell, H. R. ...
. The club has won the
Copa Interamericana The Copa Interamericana ( en, Interamerican Cup) was an annual club football competition contested between a representative from North America (CONCACAF) and South America (CONMEBOL). Established in 1969, it was discontinued in 1998 after CONCACA ...
three times, the
Supercopa Sudamericana The Supercopa Libertadores (English: ''Libertadores Supercup''), also known as the Supercopa Libertadores João Havelange, Supercopa João Havelange or simply Supercopa, was a football club competition contested annually between 1988 and 1997 by t ...
twice, the
Recopa Sudamericana The CONMEBOL Recopa Sudamericana ( pt, CONMEBOL Recopa Sul-Americana), known also as the Recopa Sudamericana or CONMEBOL Recopa, and simply as the Recopa (, ; "Winners' Cup"), is an annual international club association football, football compe ...
once, the Intercontinental Cup twice (
1973 Events January * January 1 - The United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Denmark enter the European Economic Community, which later becomes the European Union. * January 15 – Vietnam War: Citing progress in peace negotiations, U.S. ...
and
1984 Events January * January 1 – The Bornean Sultanate of Brunei gains full independence from the United Kingdom, having become a British protectorate in 1888. * January 7 – Brunei becomes the sixth member of the Association of Southeast A ...
), and the
Copa Sudamericana The CONMEBOL Sudamericana, named as ''Copa Sudamericana'' (; pt, Copa Sul-Americana ), is an annual international club football competition organized by CONMEBOL since 2002. It is the second-most prestigious club competition in South American ...
twice, in
2010 File:2010 Events Collage New.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2010 Chile earthquake was one of the strongest recorded in history; The Eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland disrupts air travel in Europe; A scene from the opening ceremony of ...
and
2017 File:2017 Events Collage V2.png, From top left, clockwise: The War Against ISIS at the Battle of Mosul (2016-2017); aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing; The Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 ("Great American Eclipse"); North Korea tests a ser ...
. The
2018 Suruga Bank Championship The 2018 Suruga Bank Championship ( ja, スルガ銀行チャンピオンシップ2018; es, Copa Suruga Bank 2018) was the eleventh edition of the Suruga Bank Championship (also referred to as the ''J.League Cup / Copa Sudamericana Championship F ...
was its most recent achievement. These achievements led the team to adopt the nickname of ''Rey de Copas'' (King of Cups) after they conquered its 12th international title, the first team in the world to do so, in reference to the
Spanish playing cards Spanish-suited playing cards or Spanish-suited cards have four suits, and a deck is usually made up of 40 or 48 cards (or even 50 by including two jokers). It is categorized as a Latin-suited deck and has strong similarities with the Italian- ...
' highest number. After winning the
1984 Intercontinental Cup The 1984 Intercontinental Cup was an association football match between Liverpool of England and Independiente of Argentina on 9 December 1984 at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, the annual Intercontinental Cup contested between the winners ...
against
Liverpool F.C. Liverpool Football Club is a professional football club based in Liverpool, England. The club competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football. Founded in 1892, the club joined the Football League the following year and has p ...
in
Japan Japan ( ja, 日本, or , and formally , ''Nihonkoku'') is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north ...
, Independiente won the first confrontation involving Argentine and British teams after the
Falklands War The Falklands War ( es, link=no, Guerra de las Malvinas) was a ten-week undeclared war between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982 over two British dependent territories in the South Atlantic: the Falkland Islands and its territorial de ...
, a triumph that was celebrated by all Argentines and gave the team the motto of ''Orgullo Nacional'' (National Pride). Apart from football, other activities practised at the club are
athletics Athletics may refer to: Sports * Sport of athletics, a collection of sporting events that involve competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking ** Track and field, a sub-category of the above sport * Athletics (physical culture), competiti ...
,
basketball Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, most commonly of five players each, opposing one another on a rectangular Basketball court, court, compete with the primary objective of #Shooting, shooting a basketball (ball), basketball (appr ...
,
boxing Boxing (also known as "Western boxing" or "pugilism") is a combat sport in which two people, usually wearing protective gloves and other protective equipment such as hand wraps and mouthguards, throw punches at each other for a predetermined ...
,
chess Chess is a board game for two players, called White and Black, each controlling an army of chess pieces in their color, with the objective to checkmate the opponent's king. It is sometimes called international chess or Western chess to disti ...
,
field hockey Field hockey is a team sport structured in standard hockey format, in which each team plays with ten outfield players and a goalkeeper. Teams must drive a round hockey ball by hitting it with a hockey stick towards the rival team's shooting ci ...
,
futsal Futsal is a football-based game played on a hardcourt, hard court smaller than a football pitch, and mainly indoors. It has similarities to five-a-side football and Indoor soccer, indoor football. Futsal is played between two teams of five players ...
,
handball Handball (also known as team handball, European handball or Olympic handball) is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each (six outcourt players and a goalkeeper) pass a ball using their hands with the aim of throwing it into the g ...
,
gymnastics Gymnastics is a type of sport that includes physical exercises requiring balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, dedication and endurance. The movements involved in gymnastics contribute to the development of the arms, legs, shou ...
,
martial arts Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defense; military and law enforcement applications; combat sport, competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; a ...
,
Pilates Pilates (; ) is a type of mind-body exercise developed in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, after whom it was named. Pilates called his method "Contrology". It is practiced worldwide, especially in countries suc ...
,
roller skating Roller skating is the act of traveling on surfaces with roller skates. It is a recreational activity, a sport, and a form of transportation. Roller rinks and skate parks are built for roller skating, though it also takes place on streets, sid ...
,
scuba diving Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving whereby divers use breathing equipment that is completely independent of a surface air supply. The name "scuba", an acronym for "Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus", was coined by Chris ...
, swimming,
tennis Tennis is a racket sport that is played either individually against a single opponent ( singles) or between two teams of two players each ( doubles). Each player uses a tennis racket that is strung with cord to strike a hollow rubber ball ...
,
volleyball Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules. It has been a part of the official program of the Summ ...
,
water polo Water polo is a competitive team sport played in water between two teams of seven players each. The game consists of four quarters in which the teams attempt to score goals by throwing the ball into the opposing team's goal. The team with the ...
, and
yoga Yoga (; sa, योग, lit=yoke' or 'union ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India and aim to control (yoke) and still the mind, recognizing a detached witness-consciou ...
. Also, the club has its own school, with Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Elementary and Secondary school levels.


History


Foundation

Independiente was founded on 4 August 1904. A group of employees from a shoes store located in
Buenos Aires Buenos Aires ( or ; ), officially the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires ( es, link=no, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires), is the capital and primate city of Argentina. The city is located on the western shore of the Río de la Plata, on South ...
city founded a football club called Maipú FC. The mostly young employees were only allowed to watch the games; they could not play for the team. As a result, at a meeting in a bar located in front of the club, they chose to form a new club. The name chosen was "Independiente" to mark their independence from Maipú FC. Rosendo Degiorgi was appointed interim president. Degiorgi's family offered the use of a small room in their home to serve as the first club headquarters. It was established the Sunday 1 January 1905 as the official foundation date. Arístides Langone was elected first president of the institution, and it was proposed by him to adopt white with details in blue as the club's colors, inspired by team St. Andrew's, the first champions of football in
Argentina Argentina (), officially the Argentine Republic ( es, link=no, República Argentina), is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina covers an area of , making it the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, th ...
winners of 1891 season. Independiente played the first game on his history on Sunday 15 January 1905, against
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...
, in the "bohemios" field, losing 1–0. The next game was played on 22 January 1905 against Maipú Banfield F.C., which ended in a 0–0 draw. The club won the first game in its history with a resounding 11–0 win against Albion on 7 May 1905. Independiente then got affiliated to The Argentine Football Association, and was allowed to play in the second and third divisions. The first "
Avellaneda derby The Avellaneda derby ( es, Clásico de Avellaneda) is the second-most important rivalry in Argentine football. It is contested between Independiente and Racing Club. It is the second-most important local derby, behind the '' Superclásico'' cont ...
" was played on 9 June 1907. Independiente beat
Racing In sport, racing is a competition of speed, in which competitors try to complete a given task in the shortest amount of time. Typically this involves traversing some distance, but it can be any other task involving speed to reach a specific goa ...
3–2. That same year Independiente moved from
Buenos Aires Buenos Aires ( or ; ), officially the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires ( es, link=no, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires), is the capital and primate city of Argentina. The city is located on the western shore of the Río de la Plata, on South ...
to its new field located in
Avellaneda Avellaneda (, ) is a port city in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the seat of the Avellaneda Partido, whose population was 342,677 as per the . Avellaneda is located within the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area, and is connected ...
city, which was built in Manuel Ocantos street. On 10 May 1908, the team played for the first time wearing the red jersey, in a match against Banfield that Independiente won 9–2. The adoption of the red color is subject to controversy; the most recognized version is the one by decision of president Arístides Langone, who became surprised watching English team
Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest Football Club is an association football club based in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, England. Nottingham Forest was founded in 1865 and have been playing their home games at the City Ground, on the banks of the River Tren ...
in a tour winning by a trashing 6–0 against Alumni AC, the strongest Argentine club on that era, so he decided to adopt the Forest's colors. In 1909, the Independiente F.C. won its first trophy; the 1909
Copa Bullrich The Copa de Competencia Adolfo Bullrich, or simply Copa Bullrich, was an official football tournament held from 1903 to 1934 in Argentina. From 1905 to 1915 the championship was contested by clubs playing in the second division of Argentine league ...
, a domestic cup for second tier teams. Goalkeeper
José Buruca Laforia José María Buruca, also known as José Buruca Laforia ( Atalaya, Spain, 16 May 1884 - Buenos Aires, Argentina, 6 Jun 1957) was an Argentine association football goalkeeper. Nicknamed ''El Vasco'', Buruca Laforia is considered the first great g ...
was one of the first star players on Independiente.


Promotion to Primera División

Independiente became an Argentine top division team in 1912, taking part in 1912 FAF Primera Division. Since there were a conflict between some clubs, the football league was dividided into two leagues with their own separate federation (AAF and FAF), and only a few teams remained in FAF, so the federation invited Independiente, among other teams. With politician and club president Juan Mignaburu as head coach, the team finished in first place along with CA Porteño at 20 points. Goal difference wasn't used and the teams had to play a playoff match, with Porteño winning the championship as a result of Independiente abandoning the match in protest at a disallowed goal by referee. League's top scorer was Independiente striker Enrique Colla, with 12 goals. At the 1910s, the
Avellaneda derby The Avellaneda derby ( es, Clásico de Avellaneda) is the second-most important rivalry in Argentine football. It is contested between Independiente and Racing Club. It is the second-most important local derby, behind the '' Superclásico'' cont ...
between Independiente and
Racing Club de Avellaneda Racing Club de Avellaneda, officially known as Racing Club or shortened to just Racing, is an Argentine professional sports club based in Avellaneda, a city of the Buenos Aires Province. Founded in 1903, Racing has been historically considered o ...
was the most popular confrontation, ahead of the "
Superclásico Superclásico is the football match in Argentina between Buenos Aires rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate. It derives from the Spanish usage of "clásico" to mean derby, with the prefix "super" used as the two clubs are the most popular and su ...
" between River Plate and
Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors () is an Argentine sports club headquartered in La Boca, a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. The club is mostly known for its professional football team which, since its promotion in 1913, has always played in the A ...
. Although being one of the most popular teams, Independiente did not win any league on that decade. They instead won some domestic first division trophies; 1914 Copa de Competencia La Nación (awarded), 1917 Copa de Competencia Jockey Club (defeating
Estudiantes de La Plata Club Estudiantes de La Plata ( lit. "Students from La Plata"), simply referred to as Estudiantes de La Plata , is an Argentine professional sports club based in La Plata. The club's football team currently competes in the Primera División, wh ...
, 2–1) and the 1918 Copa de Honor (beating
CA Platense CA or ca may refer to: Businesses and organizations Companies * Air China (IATA airline code CA) * CA Technologies, a U.S. software company * Cayman Airways, a Cayman Islands airline * Channel America, a defunct U.S. television network * Classic ...
, 1–0). With the obtention of cup titles, Independiente qualified for the first time to rioplatense competitions (international titles between Argentine and Uruguayan teams), both resulting in defeat; 1917
Tie Cup The Tie Cup Competition (also known as Copa de Competencia Chevallier Boutell) is a defunct international football tournament played between representatives of the Argentina and Uruguay Associations. It was one of the earliest international footbal ...
(to
Montevideo Wanderers Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, usually known simply as Wanderers, is a Uruguayan professional football club based in Montevideo. The club are currently members of the Primera División and play at the Estadio Viera. Beside football, the cl ...
, 0–4) and 1918
Copa de Honor Cousenier The Copa de Honor Cusenier was an international football club competition which was played 13 times between representatives of the Argentina and Uruguay associations between 1905 and 1920. History The trophy was donated by "E. Cusenier Fils Auné ...
(to
Peñarol Club Atlético Peñarol (; English: ''Peñarol Athletic Club'') —also known as ''Carboneros'', ''Aurinegros,'' and (familiarly) ''Manyas''— is a Uruguayan sports club from Montevideo. The name "Peñarol" comes from the Peñarol neigh ...
, 0–4). In early the 1920s Independiente won its first league title, the 1922 AAmF Primera División whereas football in
Argentina Argentina (), officially the Argentine Republic ( es, link=no, República Argentina), is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina covers an area of , making it the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, th ...
was still split in two separated leagues. Next league title was the 1926 AAmF Primera División season. Both championships featured
Manuel Seoane Manuel Seoane (19 March 1902 – 21 August 1975), nicknamed ''La Chancha'', was an Argentine footballer who played as a striker for Independiente and Argentina national team. Seoane is considered one of the best all-time players for Independi ...
as top scorer, giving Independiente a lot of power in attack along with Luis Ravaschino and future Italian world champion
Raimundo Orsi Raimundo Bibiani "Mumo" Orsi (2 December 1901 – 6 April 1986) was an Italian Argentine footballer who played as a winger or as a forward. At the international level he represented both Argentina and Italy, winning the 1927 Copa América and t ...
. Due to Independiente's powerful attack, media gave the nickname ''Diablos Rojos'' (Red Devils) to the team, which quickly became popular among fans and remained identifying the team since then. The club also won consecutively the 1922, 1923 and 1924 editions of the AAmF Copa de Competencia, beating
Club Almagro Club Almagro is an Argentine sports club from José Ingenieros, Buenos Aires, although its headquarters are in the Almagro district. The football team currently plays in the Primera Nacional, the second division of the Argentine football league ...
,
Sportivo Palermo Club Sportivo Palermo was an Argentine football club that played in the Primera División during the 1920s. After being relegated in the 1930s and having played at lower divisions, the club was finally disbanded in the 1980s. History On May 18 ...
and
CA Lanús CA or ca may refer to: Businesses and organizations Companies * Air China (IATA airline code CA) * CA Technologies, a U.S. software company * Cayman Airways, a Cayman Islands airline * Channel America, a defunct U.S. television network * Classi ...
respectively at the finals. In 1923 the Rojos for the first time faced a European team, with Scottish team
Third Lanark Third Lanark Athletic Club was a Scottish football club based in Glasgow. Founded in 1872 as an offshoot of the 3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers, the club was a founder member of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) in 1872 and the Scottish ...
touring in Argentina. The Argentines won by 2–1 with two goals from Orsi. Later in 1928 the red team defeated a less wealthy
FC Barcelona Futbol Club Barcelona (), commonly referred to as Barcelona and colloquially known as Barça (), is a professional football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, that competes in La Liga, the top flight of Spanish football. Founded ...
by 4–1, and one year after, touring team
Chelsea FC Chelsea Football Club is an English professional football club based in Fulham, West London. Founded in 1905, they play their home games at Stamford Bridge. The club competes in the Premier League, the top division of English football. Th ...
visited Independiente resulting in a 1–1 tie, with Seoane scoring for el Rojo. After the 1927 season,
Raimundo Orsi Raimundo Bibiani "Mumo" Orsi (2 December 1901 – 6 April 1986) was an Italian Argentine footballer who played as a winger or as a forward. At the international level he represented both Argentina and Italy, winning the 1927 Copa América and t ...
left and joined
Juventus F.C. )''I Bianconeri'' (The White and Blacks)''Le Zebre'' (The Zebras)''La Signora Omicidi'' (The Killer Lady)''La Gheuba'' (: The Hunchback) , founded = as Sport-Club Juventus , ground = Juventus Stadium , capacity = 41,507 , owner = Agnelli ...
Later in 1928 the club built the Estadio Doble Visera, the first stadium in Latin America made entirely of cement, and second in the world after the
Harvard Stadium Harvard Stadium is a U-shaped college football stadium in the northeast United States, located in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. The stadium is owned and operated by Harvard University and is home to the Harvard Crimson footba ...
. Formerly, football stadiums in Latin America consisted simply on tribunes and seats made of wooden planks.


1930s

1931 was the
Argentine Primera División The Primera División (; en, "First Division"), known officialy as Liga Profesional de Fútbol, or Torneo Binance for sponsorship reasons, is a professional football league in Argentina, organised by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Th ...
's first season as a fully professional league. In the early 30s, Independiente finished as runners-up in 1932, 1934, 1935 and 1937.
Manuel Seoane Manuel Seoane (19 March 1902 – 21 August 1975), nicknamed ''La Chancha'', was an Argentine footballer who played as a striker for Independiente and Argentina national team. Seoane is considered one of the best all-time players for Independi ...
retired in 1933, having become the
Argentine Primera División The Primera División (; en, "First Division"), known officialy as Liga Profesional de Fútbol, or Torneo Binance for sponsorship reasons, is a professional football league in Argentina, organised by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Th ...
's amateur era top scorer, with 241 goals in 264 matches. In the next years Vicente de la Mata,
Arsenio Erico Arsenio Pastor Erico Martínez (30 March 1915 – 23 July 1977) was a Paraguayan football striker. He is the all-time highest goalscorer in the Argentine first division, with 295 goals according to Argentine Football Association. Previously ...
and
Antonio Sastre Antonio Sastre (27 April 1911 – 23 November 1987) was an Argentine footballer who played most of his career for Club Atlético Independiente and São Paulo of Brazil. He is one of the 24 players inducted into the Argentine Football Associatio ...
arrived to the club. Arsenio Erico was a young Paraguayan who came to
Argentina Argentina (), officially the Argentine Republic ( es, link=no, República Argentina), is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina covers an area of , making it the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, th ...
to avoid fighting at the
Chaco War The Chaco War ( es, link=no, Guerra del Chaco, gn, Cháko ÑorairõArgentine Primera División The Primera División (; en, "First Division"), known officialy as Liga Profesional de Fútbol, or Torneo Binance for sponsorship reasons, is a professional football league in Argentina, organised by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Th ...
's top scorer on three consecutive seasons – 1937, 1938 and 1939 – while Antonio Sastre was considered the best footballer in Argentina's history on that times. The team won the 1938 Primera División and 1939 Primera División seasons, three domestic cups (one
Copa Adrián C. Escobar The Copa Adrián C. Escobar was an official List of Argentine football national cups, Argentine football cup competition contested by clubs of Argentina, organized by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) from 1939 to 1949. The trophy of the to ...
in 1938, and two
Copa Ibarguren The Copa Dr. Carlos Ibarguren, also called Campeonato Argentino
by Osvaldo Gorgazzi on the RSSSF or simply Copa Ibarguren was an offic ...
in 1938 and 1939), and its first two international titles; the Copa Ricardo Aldao on its 1938 and 1939 seasons, defeating
Peñarol Club Atlético Peñarol (; English: ''Peñarol Athletic Club'') —also known as ''Carboneros'', ''Aurinegros,'' and (familiarly) ''Manyas''— is a Uruguayan sports club from Montevideo. The name "Peñarol" comes from the Peñarol neigh ...
(3–1 in
Montevideo Montevideo () is the Capital city, capital and List of cities in Uruguay, largest city of Uruguay. According to the 2011 census, the city proper has a population of 1,319,108 (about one-third of the country's total population) in an area of . M ...
) and
Nacional de Montevideo Club Nacional de Football (, ''National Football Club'' or simply as Nacional) is a Uruguayan professional sports club based in Montevideo. The club was founded on 14 May 1899 as a result of the merger between ''Uruguay Athletic Club'' and ''Mo ...
(5–0 in
Buenos Aires Buenos Aires ( or ; ), officially the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires ( es, link=no, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires), is the capital and primate city of Argentina. The city is located on the western shore of the Río de la Plata, on South ...
) respectively.


The 1940s and 1950s

Independiente achieved several overwhelming victories in early the 1940s, including an 8–1 win over
Estudiantes de La Plata Club Estudiantes de La Plata ( lit. "Students from La Plata"), simply referred to as Estudiantes de La Plata , is an Argentine professional sports club based in La Plata. The club's football team currently competes in the Primera División, wh ...
, 7–1 over
Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors () is an Argentine sports club headquartered in La Boca, a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. The club is mostly known for its professional football team which, since its promotion in 1913, has always played in the A ...
and 7–0 over Racing Club, which are still to this days, the worst defeat on those teams' history. In 1945 it was Independiente' turn to suffer its biggest defeat; 0–8 to
CA Vélez Sarsfield CA or ca may refer to: Businesses and organizations Companies * Air China (IATA airline code CA) * CA Technologies, a U.S. software company * Cayman Airways, a Cayman Islands airline * Channel America, a defunct U.S. television network * Classi ...
. Although having a lethal offensive, Independiente were crowned champions nine years later, at the 1948 Primera División season, with former team's goalkeeper Fernando Bello as head coach In 1946, goal scorer
Arsenio Erico Arsenio Pastor Erico Martínez (30 March 1915 – 23 July 1977) was a Paraguayan football striker. He is the all-time highest goalscorer in the Argentine first division, with 295 goals according to Argentine Football Association. Previously ...
left the club after 325 official matches and 295 goals, having become in Argentine Primera División and Independiente's all-time top scorer.
Antonio Sastre Antonio Sastre (27 April 1911 – 23 November 1987) was an Argentine footballer who played most of his career for Club Atlético Independiente and São Paulo of Brazil. He is one of the 24 players inducted into the Argentine Football Associatio ...
left in 1942 and Vicente de la Mata remained till 1950, winning the 1948 championship. Independiente did not win any trophy in the 1950s. This is the only decade in the club's history to not win any title. Its best position was 2nd place in 1954. In 1953 the ''Rojos'' won 6–0 on a friendly match against
Real Madrid Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (, meaning ''Royal Madrid Football Club''), commonly referred to as Real Madrid, is a Spanish professional football club based in Madrid. Founded in 1902 as Madrid Football Club, the club has traditionally wor ...
on a European tour, with star player
Alfredo Di Stefano Alfredo (, ) is a cognate of the Anglo-Saxon name Alfred and a common Italian, Galician, Portuguese and Spanish language personal name. People with the given name include: *Alfredo (born 1946), Brazilian footballer born as Alfredo Mostarda Filho ...
playing for the Spanish team. The tour also included victories against
Valencia CF Valencia Club de Fútbol (, ca-valencia, València Club de Futbol ), commonly referred to as Valencia CF (or simply Valencia) is a professional football club based in Valencia, Spain, that currently plays in La Liga, the top flight of the Spa ...
(3–0),
Atlético de Madrid Atlético, Spanish for ''athletics'', or Athletico in English, may refer to: Sports Teams Athletico * Athletico SC (Lebanon), a Lebanese football academy * Athletic Bilbao, or Atletico Bilbao, Basque students athletic club (also forming Athletic ...
(5–3), Benfica (2–1) and
Sporting CP Sporting Clube de Portugal, founded Sporting Club de Portugal (), otherwise referred to as Sporting CP, often known abroad as Sporting Lisbon , is a Portuguese professional sports club based in Lisbon. It is best known for the professional foot ...
(8–1). In 1958, Independiente inspired Ecuadorian team
Independiente del Valle Club de Alto Rendimiento Especializado Independiente del Valle, known simply as Independiente del Valle, is a professional football club based in Sangolquí, Ecuador, that currently plays in the Ecuadorian Serie A. Founded in 1958, the club play ...
's founders to adopt the Argentine team's name. Initially, the forementioned team also featured the same colors and a similar emblem. They now compete regularly at the
Ecuadorian Serie A The Liga Pro Betcris, simply known as the Liga Pro, or the Serie A, is a professional football league in Ecuador. At the top of the Ecuadorian football league system, it is the country's premier football competition. Contested by sixteen clubs, i ...
.


1960s to 1980s: success at continental and world stages

Independiente won three league titles at the 60s decade;
1960 It is also known as the "Year of Africa" because of major events—particularly the independence of seventeen African nations—that focused global attention on the continent and intensified feelings of Pan-Africanism. Events January * Ja ...
,
1963 Events January * January 1 – Bogle–Chandler case: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation scientist Dr. Gilbert Bogle and Mrs. Margaret Chandler are found dead (presumed poisoned), in bushland near the Lane Cov ...
and
1967 Events January * January 1 – Canada begins a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of Confederation, featuring the Expo 67 World's Fair. * January 5 ** Spain and Romania sign an agreement in Paris, establishing full consular and ...
. However, at the time of this last one, Independiente was already making his first steps towards South American glory. After the 1960 title, the team participated for the first time at a continental championship with its participation at the 1961 Copa Libertadores, losing both quarter-finals legs against
SE Palmeiras Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras (), commonly known as Palmeiras, is a Brazilian professional football club based in the city of São Paulo, in the district of Perdizes. Palmeiras is one of the most popular clubs in South America, with around ...
. The team won their first continental title by defeating Uruguayan club
Nacional Nacional, the Portuguese and Spanish word for "national", may refer to: Airlines * Nacional Transportes Aéreos, a Brazilian airline defunct in 2002 * Transportes Aéreos Nacional, a Brazilian airline defunct in 1961 Bank * Banco Nacional, a ...
at the 1964 Copa Libertadores Finals after a scoreless draw in Montevideo and a 1–0 win at home, having previously disqualified title holders Santos which featured several Brazilian world champion players like
Pelé Edson Arantes do Nascimento (; born 23 October 1940), known as Pelé (), is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a forward. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and labelled "the greatest" by FIFA, ...
, becoming the first Argentine team to win the competition. They would also win the
1965 Copa Libertadores The 1965 Copa Libertadores de América was the sixth edition of South America's premier club football tournament. Colombia did not send a representative due to the disagreements between CONMEBOL and the Colombian football federation. This will bec ...
, this time after defeating
Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors () is an Argentine sports club headquartered in La Boca, a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. The club is mostly known for its professional football team which, since its promotion in 1913, has always played in the A ...
at semi-finals and Uruguay's other big team,
Peñarol Club Atlético Peñarol (; English: ''Peñarol Athletic Club'') —also known as ''Carboneros'', ''Aurinegros,'' and (familiarly) ''Manyas''— is a Uruguayan sports club from Montevideo. The name "Peñarol" comes from the Peñarol neigh ...
(4–1 at neutral match held in
Estadio Nacional de Chile A stadium ( : stadiums or stadia) is a place or venue for (mostly) outdoor sports, concerts, or other events and consists of a field or stage either partly or completely surrounded by a tiered structure designed to allow spectators to stand o ...
). Being the
CONMEBOL The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL, , or CSF; es, Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol; pt, Confederação Sul-Americana de Futebol) is the continental governing body of football in South America (apart from Guyana, Suri ...
champions, Independiente contested twice the Intercontinental Cup but lost both to Italian powerhouse
Inter Milan Football Club Internazionale Milano, commonly referred to as Internazionale () or simply Inter, and colloquially known as Inter Milan in English-speaking countries, is an Football in Italy, Italian professional Association football, football ...
. After a win for each other, the teams played a third match play-off in
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Santiago (, ; ), also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile as well as one of the largest cities in the Americas. It is the center of Chile's most densely populated region, the Santiago Metropolitan Region, whose ...
in Spain to decide the 1964 title, with Internazionale winning in extra time with a goal from
Mario Corso Mario Corso (; 25 August 1941 – 19 June 2020) was an Italian football player and coach. A famed and dynamic left winger, he was regarded as one of the greatest Italian players in his position, earning the nicknames "Mandrake" and "God's Left ...
. For the 1965 edition, Inter won 3–0 on aggregate. Again, Independiente started a new decade by winning two league titles in a row;
1970 Events January * January 1 – Unix time epoch reached at 00:00:00 UTC. * January 5 – The 7.1 Tonghai earthquake shakes Tonghai County, Yunnan province, China, with a maximum Mercalli intensity scale, Mercalli intensity of X (''Extrem ...
,
1971 * The year 1971 had three partial solar eclipses ( February 25, July 22 and August 20) and two total lunar eclipses (February 10, and August 6). The world population increased by 2.1% this year, the highest increase in history. Events Ja ...
and, later in the same decade, the
1977 Events January * January 8 – Three bombs explode in Moscow within 37 minutes, killing seven. The bombings are attributed to an Armenian separatist group. * January 10 – Mount Nyiragongo erupts in eastern Zaire (now the Democratic R ...
and
1978 Events January * January 1 – Air India Flight 855, a Boeing 747 passenger jet, crashes off the coast of Bombay, killing 213. * January 5 – Bülent Ecevit, of Republican People's Party, CHP, forms the new government of Turkey (42nd go ...
editions of the National Championship. The 1977 title is especially remembered by the club as an historic triumph, as the team managed to win the finals against
Talleres de Córdoba Club Atlético Talleres (; (lit. Workshops Athletic Club) mostly known simply as Talleres (lit. Workshops) or Talleres de Córdoba ) (Córdoba Workshops) is an Argentine sports club from the city of Córdoba. The institution is mostly known f ...
with a goal from
Ricardo Bochini Ricardo Enrique Bochini (born 25 January 1954 in Zárate, Buenos Aires) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is nicknamed ''El Bocha''. He spent his nearly twenty-year professional career at c ...
, assisted by
Daniel Bertoni Ricardo Daniel Bertoni (born 14 March 1955) is an Argentine former footballer who played as a right or left winger. In Argentina, he had a successful career at Club Atlético Independiente, where he won three Copa Libertadores, one Intercontine ...
, after suffering three players being polemically sent off by the referee. The 1978 title came after a 2–0 win against River Plate in the finals. Independiente's greatest achievements in the 1970s were conquering the premier continental competition again, and this time with a record four times in a row. In fact, the ''Diablos Rojos'' won the
1972 Copa Libertadores The 1972 Copa Libertadores was the 13th edition of the Copa Libertadores, CONMEBOL's the annual club tournament. Independiente of Argentina defeated Universitario de Deportes of Peru in the finals, and became the second team in the tournament' ...
defeating
Universitario Club Universitario de Deportes, popularly known as Universitario or simply as La "U", is a Peruvian football club located in Lima. The club was founded in 1924 under the name Federación Universitaria by students of the National University of S ...
of
Peru , image_flag = Flag of Peru.svg , image_coat = Escudo nacional del Perú.svg , other_symbol = Great Seal of the State , other_symbol_type = Seal (emblem), National seal , national_motto = "Fi ...
, the
1973 Copa Libertadores Copa Libertadores 1973 was won by defending champions Independiente of Argentina after defeating Colo Colo of Chile in a third decisive game. The third match which ended 2–1 in extra time was necessary after the previous two leg matches ended ...
after a third playoff match in
Estadio Centenario Estadio Centenario is a stadium in the Parque Batlle of Montevideo, Uruguay, used primarily for football. The stadium was built between 1929 and 1930 to host the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as to commemorate the centenary of Uruguay ...
against
Colo-Colo Club Social y Deportivo Colo-Colo () is a Chilean professional football club based in Macul, Santiago. Founded in 1925 by David Arellano they play in the Chilean Primera División, from which they have never been relegated. The team has played ...
, 1974 Copa Libertadores after another playoff match held in
Santiago de Chile Santiago (, ; ), also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile as well as one of the largest cities in the Americas. It is the center of Chile's most densely populated region, the Santiago Metropolitan Region, whose ...
against
Brazil Brazil ( pt, Brasil; ), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: ), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At and with over 217 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area ...
's
São Paulo FC São Paulo Futebol Clube (), commonly referred to as São Paulo, is a professional football club in the Morumbi district of São Paulo, Brazil, founded in 1930. It plays in the Campeonato Paulista (the State of São Paulo's premier state leag ...
, and
1975 Copa Libertadores The Copa Libertadores 1975 was an association football competition contested between the top clubs of the CONMEBOL federation. Independiente won the competition defeating Unión Española Club Unión Española S.A.D.P. is a professional foo ...
against
Unión Española Club Unión Española S.A.D.P. is a professional association football, football club based in the Independencia, Chile, Independencia neighborhood, commune of Santiago, Chile. They currently participate in the Chilean Primera Division, Primera D ...
. After the 1973 title, Independiente became the team with most Libertadores titles. Success at the Intercontinental Cup was short. The 1972 edition resulted in loss against
AFC Ajax Amsterdam Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax (), also known as AFC Ajax, Ajax Amsterdam, or simply Ajax, is a Dutch professional Association football, football Football team, club based in Amsterdam, that plays in the , the top tier in Dutch football. Hi ...
and the 1974 one went to
Atlético de Madrid Atlético, Spanish for ''athletics'', or Athletico in English, may refer to: Sports Teams Athletico * Athletico SC (Lebanon), a Lebanese football academy * Athletic Bilbao, or Atletico Bilbao, Basque students athletic club (also forming Athletic ...
's showcases. However the Argentine side managed to win the
1973 Intercontinental Cup The 1973 Intercontinental Cup was an association football match played on 28 November 1973 between Juventus, runners-up of the 1972–73 European Cup, and Independiente, winners of the 1973 Copa Libertadores. The match was played at the Stadio Ol ...
against
Juventus F.C. )''I Bianconeri'' (The White and Blacks)''Le Zebre'' (The Zebras)''La Signora Omicidi'' (The Killer Lady)''La Gheuba'' (: The Hunchback) , founded = as Sport-Club Juventus , ground = Juventus Stadium , capacity = 41,507 , owner = Agnelli ...
, on a single match held at
Stadio Olimpico The Stadio Olimpico (English: ''Olympic Stadium'') is the largest sports facility in Rome, Italy, seating over 70,000 spectators. It is located within the Foro Italico sports complex, north of the city. The structure is owned by the Italian Na ...
in Rome, where
Ricardo Bochini Ricardo Enrique Bochini (born 25 January 1954 in Zárate, Buenos Aires) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is nicknamed ''El Bocha''. He spent his nearly twenty-year professional career at c ...
scored to give Independiente a 1–0 win. Another edition was to be contested with
FC Bayern Munich Fußball-Club Bayern München e. V. (FCB, ), also known as FC Bayern (), Bayern Munich, or simply Bayern, is a German professional sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional men's football team, which play ...
in 1975 but it was never played. The club also obtained three times in a row the
Interamerican Cup The Copa Interamericana ( en, Interamerican Cup) was an annual club football competition contested between a representative from North America (CONCACAF) and South America (CONMEBOL). Established in 1969, it was discontinued in 1998 after CONCACA ...
; in 1973, 1974 and 1976 defeating
Club Deportivo Olimpia Club Deportivo Olimpia is a professional Honduran football club based in Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán. The club is the nation's most successful team both in the domestic league and in international club competitions. History Olimpia was f ...
,
CSD Municipal Club Social y Deportivo Municipal, also known as Municipal or ''Los Rojos'' (the Reds), is a Guatemalan football club based in Guatemala City. They compete in the Liga Nacional, the top tier of Guatemalan football, and play their home matches a ...
and
Atlético Español Atlético, Spanish for ''athletics'', or Athletico in English, may refer to: Sports Teams Athletico * Athletico SC (Lebanon), a Lebanese football academy * Athletic Bilbao, or Atletico Bilbao, Basque students athletic club (also forming Athletic ...
respectively, going through the penalty shootout in 1974 and 1976. At the 80s Independiente won the 1983 Torneo Metropolitano after a 2–0 away victory against city archirrivals
Racing Club de Avellaneda Racing Club de Avellaneda, officially known as Racing Club or shortened to just Racing, is an Argentine professional sports club based in Avellaneda, a city of the Buenos Aires Province. Founded in 1903, Racing has been historically considered o ...
, who suffered relegation to Primera B division as well, resulting in another historic moment for the team and his supporters. Later on, Independiente won the 1988–89 Primera División season. The 1983 domestic title served as qualifying for the 1984 Copa Libertadores. Independiente advanced to second stage after tying with
Club Olimpia Club Olimpia is a Paraguayan sports club based in the city of Asunción. The club promotes the practice of various sports with most importance given to the football, rugby and basketball sides, the former being the highest priority and most s ...
at 9 points, whereas the ''Rojos'' had a better goal difference than the Paraguayans. Again, the team advanced as
Nacional de Montevideo Club Nacional de Football (, ''National Football Club'' or simply as Nacional) is a Uruguayan professional sports club based in Montevideo. The club was founded on 14 May 1899 as a result of the merger between ''Uruguay Athletic Club'' and ''Mo ...
and CD Universidad Católica where both defeated and Independiente went to a new continental final match.
Jorge Burruchaga Jorge Luis Burruchaga (; born 9 October 1962), nicknamed ''Burru'', is an Argentine association football coach and former professional football player. He played both as an attacking midfielder and forward and scored the winning goal in the fina ...
scored to settle a 1–0 away win against Brazilian side Grêmio and, after a scoreless draw at
Avellaneda Avellaneda (, ) is a port city in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the seat of the Avellaneda Partido, whose population was 342,677 as per the . Avellaneda is located within the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area, and is connected ...
, Independiente won his seventh
Copa Libertadores The CONMEBOL Libertadores, also known as the Copa Libertadores de América ( pt, Copa Libertadores da América), is an annual international club football competition organized by CONMEBOL since 1960. It is the highest level of competition in S ...
title. The season ended successfully after a 1–0 win against
Liverpool F.C. Liverpool Football Club is a professional football club based in Liverpool, England. The club competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football. Founded in 1892, the club joined the Football League the following year and has p ...
at
Tokyo National Stadium The Japan National Stadium, officially named and formerly known as or , is a multi-purpose stadium used mostly for association football in Kasumigaokamachi, Kasumigaoka, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. The facility served as the main stadium for ...
in Japan to win the
1984 Intercontinental Cup The 1984 Intercontinental Cup was an association football match between Liverpool of England and Independiente of Argentina on 9 December 1984 at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, the annual Intercontinental Cup contested between the winners ...
and claim their second world title. Goal was scored by
José Alberto Percudani José is a predominantly Spanish and Portuguese form of the given name Joseph. While spelled alike, this name is pronounced differently in each language: Spanish ; Portuguese (or ). In French, the name ''José'', pronounced , is an old vernacul ...
at the first half. Independiente reached the 1989 Supercopa Sudamericana Finals, having beaten
Santos FC Santos Futebol Clube (), commonly known simply as Santos or Santos FC and nicknamed the ''Peixe'' (; "fish"), is a Brazilian sports club based in Vila Belmiro, a '' bairro'' in the city of Santos. It is also the team with the most goals i ...
,
Atlético Nacional Atlético Nacional S. A., best known as Atlético Nacional, is a Colombian professional association football, football club based in Medellín. The club is one of only three clubs to have played in every first division tournament in the countr ...
and
Argentinos Juniors Asociación Atlética Argentinos Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Paternal, Buenos Aires. The club is mostly known for its football team, which currently plays in the Argentine Primera División, and was recognized as one of the ...
. But no goals where scored in the two legs against compatriots
Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors () is an Argentine sports club headquartered in La Boca, a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. The club is mostly known for its professional football team which, since its promotion in 1913, has always played in the A ...
and the red team lost on penalty shootout.


The 1990s and 2000s titles

The 90s started with the retirement of
Ricardo Bochini Ricardo Enrique Bochini (born 25 January 1954 in Zárate, Buenos Aires) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is nicknamed ''El Bocha''. He spent his nearly twenty-year professional career at c ...
in 1991. A one club man, in his 20 years of professional football from 1972 to 1991 Bochini played only for Independiente (apart from the
Argentina national football team The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in men's international football and is administered by the Argentine Football Association, the governing body for football in Argentina. Nicknamed ''La Albiceleste'' ('The White and S ...
), and participated in the club's Golden Era, with 8 international titles, and 4 Argentine championships. He played a total of 740 matches, scoring 107 goals. Independiente would then win the 1994 Clausura at national level, while in the next semester, the team won the 1994 Supercopa Libertadores, starting at the round of 16 and beating consecutively the Brazilian teams
Santos FC Santos Futebol Clube (), commonly known simply as Santos or Santos FC and nicknamed the ''Peixe'' (; "fish"), is a Brazilian sports club based in Vila Belmiro, a '' bairro'' in the city of Santos. It is also the team with the most goals i ...
, Grêmio and
Cruzeiro EC Cruzeiro Esporte Clube (), known simply as Cruzeiro, is a Brazilian sports club based in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Although they compete in a number of different sports, Cruzeiro is mostly known for its association football team. It plays ...
. Like in 1989, the finals were contested by Argentina's two international-experienced football teams, Independiente and
Boca Juniors Club Atlético Boca Juniors () is an Argentine sports club headquartered in La Boca, a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. The club is mostly known for its professional football team which, since its promotion in 1913, has always played in the A ...
, with Independiente winning the title with a 1–1 draw in
La Bombonera The Alberto José Armando Stadium is a football stadium located in La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Widely known as La Bombonera (; en, The chocolate box) due to its shape, with a "flat" stand on one side of the pitch and three steep stands rou ...
and a 1–0 win at home with a goal by
Sebastián Rambert Sebastián Pascual Rambert (born 30 January 1974) is a retired Argentine football striker. He was born in the city of Bernal in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina and is of French descent. In fact, his father, Ángel Rambert, was a ...
. With its new international triumph, Independiente contested and won the 1995 Recopa Sudamericana against Copa Libertadores winners Vélez Sarsfield in a single match held in Tokyo, Japan, thanks to a single goal by
José Serrizuela José Tiburcio Serrizuela (born 10 June 1962) is an Argentine former footballer who played as a defender. His nickname is ''El Tiburón'' (The Shark). Career Early years Born in Palo, Tucumán Province, Serrizuela started his career with Los ...
. A new international title came into Independiente's showcases as they managed to defend the title at the
1995 Supercopa Libertadores The 1995 Supercopa Libertadores was the eighth season of the Supercopa Libertadores, a club football tournament for past Copa Libertadores winners. Independiente, who beat Flamengo 2–1 on aggregate in the final, won the competition for the secon ...
after a 2–1 aggregate score over
Brazil Brazil ( pt, Brasil; ), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: ), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At and with over 217 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area ...
's
Flamengo Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (; English: ''Flamengo Rowing Club''), more commonly referred to as simply Flamengo, is a Brazilian sports club based in Rio de Janeiro, in the neighborhood of Gávea, best known for their professional football t ...
, becoming the first foreign team to be crowned at the
Maracanã Stadium Maracanã Stadium ( pt, Estádio do Maracanã, standard Brazilian Portuguese: , local pronunciation: ), officially named Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho (), is an association football stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stadium is part o ...
. The club now had reached 15 international trophies. However, this time failed to repeat the Japanese held Recopa and lost the 1996 Recopa Sudamericana by 1–4 to Grêmio at the Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium. In Argentine summer 2002, Uruguayan striker Diego Forlán was signed by Manchester United for £7.5 million and the result was loss of practically all attack power. Independiente for the first time finished last at the Argentine league at the 2002 Clausura, scoring 14 goals in 19 games. However the next semester the team achieved their next title by being crowned champions of the 2002–03 Argentine Primera División, 2002 Apertura. This team is very well remembered because of its offensive trident composed by Andrés Silvera, Federico Insúa and Daniel Montenegro, three players with some future at the national team, while being defended by Gabriel Milito. In 2006 the club sold its young star Sergio Agüero to
Atlético de Madrid Atlético, Spanish for ''athletics'', or Athletico in English, may refer to: Sports Teams Athletico * Athletico SC (Lebanon), a Lebanese football academy * Athletic Bilbao, or Atletico Bilbao, Basque students athletic club (also forming Athletic ...
with a transfer fee of $28 million, becoming Argentina's biggest sale up to this days. ''Kun'' made his senior team debut against San Lorenzo de Almagro, San Lorenzo in 2003 with only 15 years and one month, what made him the youngest player to ever debut in the Argentinean league. With other remarkable players being sold to European teams like Oscar Ustari and Germán Denis, president Julio Comparada announced the building of new and modern Estadio Libertadores de América, whose construction was finished in 2016 due to various debts and financial problems.


Relegation and comeback

After 15 years without winning an international title, Independiente once again returned to South American elite by being crowned champions of the 2010 Copa Sudamericana, beating Brazilian side Goiás EC at the penalty shootout in the finals, with Independiente hosting the second leg. Oddly enough, the Brazilian team reached the finals after being relegated to Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, Série B in the Brazilian championship, and Independiente had finished at the bottom of the Argentinian league. The following year, Independiente lost the 2011 Recopa Sudamericana to Brazilian team SC Internacional after a 2–3 aggregate. When Independiente's president, Julio Comparada, was replaced with Javier Cantero, the latter revealed severe economic problems that could bring Independiente to an end if not dealt with. He revealed that the club had a liability of AR$600 million ($129 million US dollars), debts with former players and managers and various providers and banks. Campaigns in Primera División went just as poorly as the club's institutional crisis; the team wasn't able to reverse its poor form, and was relegated to the Primera B Nacional division for the first time in its history, after the 2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, 2012–13 Primera División. President Javier Cantero resigned a few months later, after a seven-match winless run by the team in Primara B Nacional. However, soon after that, the influential leader Hugo Moyano took over the club by winning the elections. After being in relegation spots to Primera B Metropolitana for almost two months, the team managed to reverse its form with Omar De Felippe's management and reached and won a promotion play-off against CA Huracán by 2–0 at a single match. Independiente went back to Primera División and, in its first tournament after their return, earned an unexpected fourth place. Three years later, with Ariel Holan as head coach and international players such as captain Nicolás Tagliafico, Fabricio Bustos, Maximiliano Meza (footballer, born 1992), Maximiliano Meza, Alan Franco (footballer, born 1996), Alan Franco, Gastón Silva, and Martín Campaña, Independiente reached once again the elite level in Argentine football. They won the 2017 Copa Sudamericana after beating
Brazil Brazil ( pt, Brasil; ), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: ), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At and with over 217 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area ...
's popular club
Flamengo Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (; English: ''Flamengo Rowing Club''), more commonly referred to as simply Flamengo, is a Brazilian sports club based in Rio de Janeiro, in the neighborhood of Gávea, best known for their professional football t ...
in the finals. After the finals, the club sold team captain Nicolás Tagliafico to AFC Ajax for €4.5 million, and youngster Ezequiel Barco to Atlanta United for a transfer fee of $15 million, setting an all-time record transfer for Major League Soccer. Independiente contested the 2018 Recopa Sudamericana against Copa Libertadores winners Grêmio. Despite the departure of two key players and suffering two early expulsions, the team performed well but finally lost in a penalty shootout. Later they won the
2018 Suruga Bank Championship The 2018 Suruga Bank Championship ( ja, スルガ銀行チャンピオンシップ2018; es, Copa Suruga Bank 2018) was the eleventh edition of the Suruga Bank Championship (also referred to as the ''J.League Cup / Copa Sudamericana Championship F ...
, held in Japan, against Cerezo Osaka; and reached the 2018 Copa Libertadores quarterfinals where they lost against eventual champions CA River Plate. At the end of the year, Maximiliano Meza was transferred to CF Monterrey by a $15 million fee.


Kit and badge

The first shirt worn by the club since its foundation in 1904 was white, with a blue badge on its chest with the acronym "IFC" ("Independiente Football Club"). That badge was inspired on St. Andrew's Athletic Club's. a club established by Scottish descendants that had been the first Primera División champion in 1891 Argentine Primera División, 1891. The traditional red shirt was not worn until 1908, and was inspired on English side Nottingham Forest F.C, Nottingham Forest, which had British football clubs tours to South America, toured Argentina in 1905. Independiente executives were so impressed by the performance of ''The Forest'' that they decide to adopt the red colors for the club. The red shirt debuted on May 10, 1908.Dos vecinos íntimos
by Alejandro Fabbri on Tiempo Argentino, 15 Mar 2022
The first badge of the club was also inspired on Saint Andrew's and was used until 1912 when the club switched to a red seal. The logo changed again in 1930, being the closest version of the current emblem. It has been modified (with minor alterations) several times since then.


Stadium

The "Estadio Libertadores de América" is a stadium located in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires Province. The stadium was officially named only as recently as 2005, having been previously known simply as "Estadio de Independiente" or "La Doble Visera de Cemento (The double cement visor") because of the two roofs overhanging the spectators. On 4 March 1928, in a match against Peñarol of Uruguay that ended in a draw, Independiente established the first concrete stadium in South America and would host all international finals Independiente played as local team (7 of the Copa Libertadores, 3 of the Intercontinental Cups, 2 of the Supercopa Sudamericanas and 2 of the Interamericanas Cup) as well as many Argentina international matches, mostly in the 1930s and 1940s. The Estadio Libertadores de América was closed for repairs in 2007, and reopened on 28 October 2009 in a league match against Club Atlético Colón, Colón de Santa Fe, which Independiente won 3–2. During construction, Independiente played their home games in four stadiums. In July 2014, one of the objectives was the completion of the court. Thus it was that, in the 2-1 victory against Racing Club on August 31 for the fifth date of the Transition Tournament, the "Bochini Alta" grandstand could be seen finished. In May 2015, the construction of "Garganta 3" began and the "Bochini Baja" grandstand was also completed, plus the boxes and also the Press sector. On December 16, 2016 when facing Banfield, Independiente completely inaugurated the "Libertadores de América".


Players


Current squad

.


Out on loan


Individual records


Most appearances


Top scorers


Top-scorers by season

The following tables lists the players that have been named top scorers playing for Independiente in Primera División. Independiente has 15 top scorers.


Gallery

File:Luis_Ravaschino_1929.jpg, Luis Ravaschino played 11 years for the club scoring 136 goals. File:Seoane Indepte.jpg,
Manuel Seoane Manuel Seoane (19 March 1902 – 21 August 1975), nicknamed ''La Chancha'', was an Argentine footballer who played as a striker for Independiente and Argentina national team. Seoane is considered one of the best all-time players for Independi ...
, all-time 2nd. top scorer with 241 goals. File:Raimundo_Orsi_Independiente.jpg,
Raimundo Orsi Raimundo Bibiani "Mumo" Orsi (2 December 1901 – 6 April 1986) was an Italian Argentine footballer who played as a winger or as a forward. At the international level he represented both Argentina and Italy, winning the 1927 Copa América and t ...
played during the 1920s before his success in Italy. File:Erico en independiente.jpg,
Arsenio Erico Arsenio Pastor Erico Martínez (30 March 1915 – 23 July 1977) was a Paraguayan football striker. He is the all-time highest goalscorer in the Argentine first division, with 295 goals according to Argentine Football Association. Previously ...
, the all-time Primera División top scorer with 295 goals. File:Vicente De la Mata - 2.jpg, Vicente de la Mata, who played 362 games for Independiente. File:Antonio sastre indepte.jpg,
Antonio Sastre Antonio Sastre (27 April 1911 – 23 November 1987) was an Argentine footballer who played most of his career for Club Atlético Independiente and São Paulo of Brazil. He is one of the 24 players inducted into the Argentine Football Associatio ...
played 340 matches scoring 112 goals. File:Ernesto_Grillo.jpg, Ernesto Grillo played 9 years for the club scoring 90 goals. File:Raul_Bernao_3.jpg, Raúl Bernao played from 1961 to 1970 winning two
Copa Libertadores The CONMEBOL Libertadores, also known as the Copa Libertadores de América ( pt, Copa Libertadores da América), is an annual international club football competition organized by CONMEBOL since 1960. It is the highest level of competition in S ...
. File:Miguel Angel Santoro.jpg, Miguel Ángel Santoro, Miguel A. Santoro played 14 years, winning 10 titles. File:Pavoni.jpg, Ricardo Pavoni made 423 appearances in 11 years playing for the club. File:José Pastoriza.jpg, José Omar Pastoriza, a great scorer and a historical manager who won 5 trophies. File:H%C3%A9ctor_Yazalde.jpg, Héctor Yazalde was a great Striker (association football), striker, scoring 72 goals in 5 years with Independiente. File:Bochini dominada.jpg,
Ricardo Bochini Ricardo Enrique Bochini (born 25 January 1954 in Zárate, Buenos Aires) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is nicknamed ''El Bocha''. He spent his nearly twenty-year professional career at c ...
played all his professional career with the club, with 13 titles won. File:Burruchaga independiente.jpg,
Jorge Burruchaga Jorge Luis Burruchaga (; born 9 October 1962), nicknamed ''Burru'', is an Argentine association football coach and former professional football player. He played both as an attacking midfielder and forward and scored the winning goal in the fina ...
won 4 international Cups during his two tenures on Independiente.


Previous managers

* Máximo Garay (1936) * Osvaldo Brandão (1961–63) * Manuel Giúdice (1963–66) * Osvaldo Brandão (1967) * Roberto Ferreiro (1973–74) * José Omar Pastoriza, José Pastoriza (1976–79) * Miguel Ángel Santoro (1980) * José Omar Pastoriza, José Pastoriza (1983–84), (1985–87) * Jorge Solari (1987–89) * José Omar Pastoriza, José Pastoriza (1990–91) * Carlos Fren &
Ricardo Bochini Ricardo Enrique Bochini (born 25 January 1954 in Zárate, Buenos Aires) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is nicknamed ''El Bocha''. He spent his nearly twenty-year professional career at c ...
(1991) * Miguel Ángel Brindisi (1994–95) * Ricardo Pavoni (1995) * Gregorio Pérez (1995–96) * César Luis Menotti (July 1996 – June 97) * Ricardo Gareca (1997) * César Luis Menotti (1997–99) * Enzo Trossero (1999–2000) * Osvaldo Piazza (2000–2002) * Miguel Ángel Santoro (2001) * Néstor Clausen (Jan 2001 – Dec 2001) * Américo Gallego (2002–2003) * Oscar Ruggeri (2003) * Osvaldo Sosa (2003) * José Omar Pastoriza, José Pastoriza (2003–2004) * César Luis Menotti (2004) * Miguel Ángel Santoro (2005) * Julio Falcioni (July 2005 – June 2006) *
Jorge Burruchaga Jorge Luis Burruchaga (; born 9 October 1962), nicknamed ''Burru'', is an Argentine association football coach and former professional football player. He played both as an attacking midfielder and forward and scored the winning goal in the fina ...
(July 2006 – April 2007) * Pedro Troglio (2007 – 2008) * Miguel Ángel Santoro, M.A. Santoro ''(interim)'' (April 2008 – May 2008) * Claudio Borghi (football manager), Claudio Borghi (May 2008 – Oct 2008) * Miguel Ángel Santoro (Oct 2008 – March 2009) * Américo Gallego (March 2009 – June 2010) * César Luis Menotti (July 2009 – Oct 2010) * Daniel Garnero (July 2010 – Sept 2010) * Antonio Mohamed (Oct 2010 – Sept 2011) * Ramón Díaz (Sept 2011 – March 2012) * Christian Díaz (March 2012 – Aug 2012) * Américo Gallego (Aug 2012 – April 2013) * Miguel Ángel Brindisi (April 2013 – Aug 2013) * Omar De Felippe (Aug 2013 – July 2014) * Jorge Almirón (July 2014 – May 2015) * Mauricio Pellegrino (May 2015 – Jun 2016) * Gabriel Milito (Jun 2016 – Dec 2016) * Ariel Holan (Jan 2017 – May 2019) * Sebastián Beccacece (May 2019 - Oct 2019) * Fernando Berón (Oct 2019 - Dec 2019) * Lucas Pusineri (Dec 2019 - Jan 2021) * Fernando Berón (Jan 2021) * Julio Falcioni (Jan 2021 – Dec 2021)


Honours


National


League

* Primera División (16): 1922 Argentine Primera División, 1922 AAm, 1926 Argentine Primera División, 1926 , 1938 Argentine Primera División, 1938, 1939 Argentine Primera División, 1939, 1948 Argentine Primera División, 1948,
1960 It is also known as the "Year of Africa" because of major events—particularly the independence of seventeen African nations—that focused global attention on the continent and intensified feelings of Pan-Africanism. Events January * Ja ...
,
1963 Events January * January 1 – Bogle–Chandler case: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation scientist Dr. Gilbert Bogle and Mrs. Margaret Chandler are found dead (presumed poisoned), in bushland near the Lane Cov ...
, 1967 Argentine Primera División, 1967 Nacional, 1970 Argentine Primera División, 1970 Metropolitano, 1971 Argentine Primera División, 1971 Metropolitano, 1977 Argentine Primera División, 1977 Nacional, 1978 Argentine Primera División, 1978 Nacional, 1983 Argentine Primera División, 1983 Metropolitano, 1988-89 Argentine Primera División, 1988–89, 1993-94 Argentine Primera División, 1994 Clausura, 2002-03 Argentine Primera División, 2002 Apertura


National cups

*
Copa Ibarguren The Copa Dr. Carlos Ibarguren, also called Campeonato Argentino
by Osvaldo Gorgazzi on the RSSSF or simply Copa Ibarguren was an offic ...
(2): 1938 Copa Ibarguren, 1938, 1939 Copa Ibarguren, 1939 *
Copa Adrián C. Escobar The Copa Adrián C. Escobar was an official List of Argentine football national cups, Argentine football cup competition contested by clubs of Argentina, organized by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) from 1939 to 1949. The trophy of the to ...
(1): 1939 *Copa de Competencia La Nación (1): 1914 *Copa de Competencia Jockey Club (1): 1917 *Copa de Honor Municipalidad de Buenos Aires (1): 1918 *Copa de Competencia (Asociación Amateurs), Copa de Competencia (AAmF) (3): 1924, 1925, 1926


Other cups

*
Copa Bullrich The Copa de Competencia Adolfo Bullrich, or simply Copa Bullrich, was an official football tournament held from 1903 to 1934 in Argentina. From 1905 to 1915 the championship was contested by clubs playing in the second division of Argentine league ...
(2): 1909, 1917


International

* Intercontinental Cup (2):
1973 Events January * January 1 - The United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Denmark enter the European Economic Community, which later becomes the European Union. * January 15 – Vietnam War: Citing progress in peace negotiations, U.S. ...
,
1984 Events January * January 1 – The Bornean Sultanate of Brunei gains full independence from the United Kingdom, having become a British protectorate in 1888. * January 7 – Brunei becomes the sixth member of the Association of Southeast A ...
*
Copa Libertadores The CONMEBOL Libertadores, also known as the Copa Libertadores de América ( pt, Copa Libertadores da América), is an annual international club football competition organized by CONMEBOL since 1960. It is the highest level of competition in S ...
(7): 1964 Copa Libertadores, 1964, 1965 Copa Libertadores, 1965,
1972 Within the context of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) it was the longest year ever, as two leap seconds were added during this 366-day year, an event which has not since been repeated. (If its start and end are defined using Solar time, me ...
, 1973 Copa Libertadores, 1973, 1974 Copa Libertadores, 1974,
1975 It was also declared the ''International Women's Year'' by the United Nations and the European Architectural Heritage Year by the Council of Europe. Events January * January 1 - Watergate scandal (United States): John N. Mitchell, H. R. ...
, Copa Libertadores 1984, 1984 *
Copa Sudamericana The CONMEBOL Sudamericana, named as ''Copa Sudamericana'' (; pt, Copa Sul-Americana ), is an annual international club football competition organized by CONMEBOL since 2002. It is the second-most prestigious club competition in South American ...
(2):
2010 File:2010 Events Collage New.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2010 Chile earthquake was one of the strongest recorded in history; The Eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland disrupts air travel in Europe; A scene from the opening ceremony of ...
,
2017 File:2017 Events Collage V2.png, From top left, clockwise: The War Against ISIS at the Battle of Mosul (2016-2017); aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing; The Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 ("Great American Eclipse"); North Korea tests a ser ...
*
Recopa Sudamericana The CONMEBOL Recopa Sudamericana ( pt, CONMEBOL Recopa Sul-Americana), known also as the Recopa Sudamericana or CONMEBOL Recopa, and simply as the Recopa (, ; "Winners' Cup"), is an annual international club association football, football compe ...
(1): 1995 Recopa Sudamericana, 1995 *J.League Cup / Copa Sudamericana Championship, Suruga Bank Championship (1): 2018 Suruga Bank Championship, 2018 *
Copa Interamericana The Copa Interamericana ( en, Interamerican Cup) was an annual club football competition contested between a representative from North America (CONCACAF) and South America (CONMEBOL). Established in 1969, it was discontinued in 1998 after CONCACA ...
(3): 1972 Copa Interamericana, 1972, 1974 Copa Interamericana, 1974, 1975 Copa Interamericana, 1975 *Supercopa Libertadores (2): 1994 Supercopa Libertadores, 1994, 1995 Supercopa Libertadores, 1995 *Copa Aldao (2): 1938 Copa Aldao, 1938, 1939 Copa Aldao, 1939


Friendlies

* Lunar New Year Cup (1): 1975 Lunar New Year Cup (1908–2011)
by Nei Morrison on the RSSSF
* Torneo Internacional Nocturno Rioplatense, Torneo Internacional Nocturno (1): 1936 * Copa Fraternidad (1): 1941 * Copa Presidente Prado (1): 1941 * Torneo Cuadrangular de Lisboa (1): 1953 * Torneo Internacional de Chile (1): 1964 * Festa d'Elx Trophy (1): 1967 * Trofeo Montilla Moriles (1): 1967 * Trofeo Villa de Madrid (1): 1981 * Torneo Internacional de Miami (1): 1986 * Copa de las Instituciones (1): 1993 ;Notes


Notes


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Independiente, Club Atletico Club Atlético Independiente Association football clubs established in 1905, i Basketball teams in Buenos Aires Province, i Field hockey clubs in Buenos Aires Province, i Argentine volleyball teams, i 1905 establishments in Argentina, i Football clubs in Avellaneda, i Copa Libertadores winning clubs, Independiente Copa Sudamericana winning clubs, Independiente Recopa Sudamericana winning clubs, Independiente Intercontinental Cup winning clubs, I Copa Interamericana winning clubs, I