The connection between Viktor Gyokeres and Boca Juniors might not be immediately clear, but it’s rooted in a fascinating story. It begins with the Argentine club’s iconic jersey, which has featured a yellow stripe on a blue background since 1908. This design wasn’t always the case, as the team’s early uniforms went through several changes, including pink, white with black stripes, and sky blue.
The switch to the current colors was inspired by a Swedish ship, the Drottning Sophia, which sailed from Stockholm to Buenos Aires. Juan Bricchetto, the club’s president at the time, was working at the port and suggested that the team’s colors be determined by the flag of the next ship to pass under a nearby bridge. The Drottning Sophia, with its blue and yellow flag, was the first to arrive, and the rest is history.
This unusual origin story has a interesting parallel with Gyokeres, the Swedish striker who recently joined a Portuguese club. While the connection might seem tenuous, it highlights the global nature of football and the unexpected ways that teams and players can be linked.
Boca Juniors, with their unique nickname “xeneizes,” has a strong identity tied to the La Boca neighborhood in Buenos Aires. The team’s stadium, known for its steep vertical seating, is an iconic symbol of the club. But the story of their jersey colors is a reminder that even the most seemingly permanent aspects of a team’s identity can have unexpected origins.
As the FIFA Club World Cup gets underway, fans can catch all the action on the DAZN app. With its rich history and global reach, the tournament is a celebration of the beautiful game and the diverse stories that make it so compelling.
Key facts about Boca Juniors and their jersey colors
- The team’s jersey colors were inspired by a Swedish ship, the Drottning Sophia.
- The ship sailed from Stockholm to Buenos Aires, a distance of over 12,500 kilometers.
- The club’s president, Juan Bricchetto, suggested that the team’s colors be determined by the flag of the next ship to pass under a nearby bridge.
- The Drottning Sophia’s blue and yellow flag became the basis for the team’s iconic jersey design.
Watch the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN
All matches from the tournament are available to stream on the DAZN app. Sign up for free at dazn.com/fifa.