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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
By María Teresa Hernández,Nayara Batschke and Eleonore Hughes

Why soccer fandom in Latin America feels almost sacred

Soccer Latin America Diego Maradona Boca Colo Colo Fluminense Pope Francis Argentina Boca Juniors Chile
Argentina Soccer Religion - (Copyright 2026. The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The chain that hung from Santiago García’s neck carried no crosses or saint medals, yet it felt sacred nonetheless.

When García’s grandmother fell sick years ago and he visited her in intensive care, the Argentine soccer fan took off his beloved Boca Juniors necklace and placed it around her neck.

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