Why is Nicolas Otamendi being booed during Boca Juniors vs. Benfica at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

Boca Juniors and SL Benfica kicked off Matchday 1 of Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in a highly anticipated clash, with the majority of fans in attendance backing the Argentine powerhouse. But during the game, a surprising moment drew attention—boos from the crowd were aimed squarely at Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi.

In a crowded Hard Rock stadium, stands were mostly covered by blue and yellow shirts, showing a deafening support to the team. But Boca Juniors’ fans didn’t only show their support to their players, but also showed no mercy to Benfica‘s, specially to Otamendi, who was booed not only in his entrance, but every time he touched the ball.

Nicolas Otamendi, linked with River Plate

Despite his long-standing success with Argentina’s national team, Otamendi is no fan favorite among Boca supporters. The reason? His well-known loyalty to Boca’s archrival, River Plate.

Apart from whistling every single Benfica player as they were coming out, Boca Juniors’ fans didn’t back down when Otamendi came out. They even started singing “Vos sos de la B,” (You’re from B division), an usual chant used to trigger River fans about their relegation season in 2011.

In a 2024 interview with ESPN, Otamendi made headlines by openly expressing his support for the Buenos Aires club: “I’d love to play for River because I’m a fan. My family supports River, and everyone at home is very passionate about the club. I think about my family. I’ve been in Europe for many years, and I have to consider the safety of my children. Given the current situation in Argentina, it’s very difficult to return.”

In the same interview, he added that he spoke with River Plate president Jorge Brito: “He was very persistent in trying to get me to come play for River, and he treated me incredibly well. It’s hard to say no to such a big club like River.”