How is this possible? Alexander Barboza missed Clásico de Avellaneda due to a hair-straightening procedure
Ileana Sanchez
Dailysports's expert
Experienced Argentine center-back Alexander Barboza is on the verge of changing his nationality and gaining eligibility to play for the Uruguay national team.
His career might have taken a completely different trajectory if not for an unusual incident in September 2020.
According to journalist Lautaro Segura, citing de Closs, Barboza missed the Clásico de Avellaneda between Racing and Independiente in 2020 due to non-football-related reasons.
On the eve of the match, Barboza underwent a hair-straightening procedure. Afterward, his hairstylist informed him that the product used could potentially cause issues with his doping test.
Perhaps it was Barboza’s absence that cost Independiente that match, as his team lost the Clásico 0-1.
The defender didn’t stay long at the club, moving to Libertad Asunción in February 2021.
In January 2024, Barboza relocated to Brazil, where he currently plays for Botafogo.
Last night, he featured in the first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana final against Racing, a match Botafogo lost 0-2. However, instead of returning to Brazil with his team, Barboza traveled to Uruguay to finalize his nationality switch. Soon, he could become part of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad and represent the Uruguayan national team.
