Newell's Old Boys
Argentinian football team.
Newell's Old Boys is a professional football club based in Rosario, Argentina, playing in the Argentine Primera División. Founded on November 3, 1903, the club is named after Isaac Newell, an English teacher who founded the Colegio Comercial Anglicano Argentino in Rosario. Newell's is known for its rich history and its reputation for producing world-class talent.
The club's nickname is "La Lepra" (The Lepers), which originated from a charity match played against a local hospital for lepers in the early 20th century. Newell's colors are red and black, typically worn in vertical stripes. They play their home matches at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, named after their famous former player and manager, which has a capacity of around 42,000 spectators.
Throughout its history, Newell's Old Boys has been one of the most successful clubs in Argentine football. They have won six Primera División titles, with their first championship coming in 1974. Their most recent league triumph was in the 2013 Final tournament. The club has also enjoyed success in cup competitions, winning three Copa Argentina titles.
On the international stage, Newell's has been a regular participant in South American club competitions. While they haven't won the Copa Libertadores, they have reached the final twice, in 1988 and 1992. The club has also won the Copa Sudamericana in 1992, adding to their impressive trophy collection.
One of Newell's Old Boys' most notable characteristics is its renowned youth academy. The club has produced an impressive array of talent that has gone on to achieve success both in Argentina and abroad. Perhaps the most famous product of Newell's youth system is Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Other notable players who started their careers at Newell's include Gabriel Batistuta, Mauricio Pochettino, and Maxi Rodríguez.
The club's biggest rivalry is with Rosario Central, their crosstown rivals. This derby, known as the "Clásico Rosarino," is one of the most intense and passionate rivalries in Argentine football. Matches between these two teams often draw national attention and are highly anticipated events in the football calendar.
In recent years, Newell's Old Boys has faced some challenges, including financial difficulties and inconsistent performances on the pitch. However, the club's loyal fanbase, known as "La Hinchada Leprosa," continues to support the team passionately. The club has been working on stabilizing its finances and rebuilding its squad to compete at the highest level once again.