How Long Has It Been Since Boca Juniors Won an International Title? The Debt They Aim to Settle in the Copa Sudamericana
Boca Juniors fell to Vasco da Gama and must mount a comeback in the Copa Sudamericana. But behind this semifinal lies a long wait that has shaped the Xeneize’s recent history.
Boca Juniors face a decisive challenge in the semifinals of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana. Their 1-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama at La Bombonera means they must mount a comeback in Brazil to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.
The setback also raises an uncomfortable question for one of South America’s most decorated clubs: How long has it been since Boca won an international title? The answer takes us back to a night that left a lasting mark on the club’s history.
Revisiting Boca’s Last International Crown
On August 27, 2008, Boca drew 2-2 with Arsenal de Sarandí to win the Recopa Sudamericana, their most recent international title to date. Head coach Carlos Ischia’s side entered the second leg with an advantage after securing a 3-1 victory in the first leg on August 13 at Racing’s stadium, where Arsenal played as the home team.
Rodrigo Palacio put Boca ahead in the second leg, and after Arsenal turned the score around, Juan Román Riquelme scored a late free kick to secure the draw. With a 5-3 aggregate victory, Boca claimed their fourth Recopa Sudamericana title and their last international trophy. More than 18 years have passed without another international crown since that night.
Riquelme and Palermo Headlined a Historic Night
The two-legged series featured several iconic names for Boca fans. In the first leg, Martín Palermo, Palacio, and Sebastián Battaglia scored in the 3-1 victory. Palermo also reached a historic goalscoring milestone in Boca’s blue-and-gold shirt, while Riquelme proved decisive in the return leg.
Boca entered the tie as the 2007 Copa Libertadores champions, while Arsenal had won the Copa Sudamericana that same season. The Recopa brought the two champions together and added another trophy to Boca’s collection. Today, that triumph remains the benchmark for measuring just how long the club’s wait for another international title has become.
The Copa Sudamericana Could Offer a New Opportunity
The defeat to Vasco da Gama complicated Boca’s path, but the tie is not over. The Argentine side must mount a comeback in the second leg to reach the final and keep alive their chances of winning a competition they have never lifted.
Winning the tournament would give Boca another international title and bring an 18-year wait to an end. Boca still have a chance to rewrite the story of their campaign, but first they must overcome Vasco and secure their place in the final.
