Roque Santa Cruz on Libertad's Title: “Winning Never Gets Easy”

Roque Santa Cruz added another trophy to his decorated career, but the Paraguayan legend was quick to point out that success, even at home, should never be taken for granted. After lifting the Apertura with Libertad, the veteran striker emphasized the difficulty of winning and the importance of sustaining a competitive mindset.

“It’s another achievement for the club and the group of players who began this season full of hope,” he said after the match. “We started well, winning the Supercopa early on, which reaffirmed our winning mentality. Even if the football wasn’t always pretty toward the end, what matters is competing and finishing the job.”

At 43, Santa Cruz remains a symbol of professionalism and leadership. He pushed back against the idea that domestic titles should be discounted just because they come with point gaps or less fanfare. “It’s not typical to win championships consistently. Some might try to downplay it, but winning is never easy. These things don’t just happen.”

He also took time to acknowledge the younger players who tasted silverware for the first time. “We’re especially happy for the younger guys. Many are just starting their careers, and winning a title this early is special. They need to value it—and more importantly, make it a habit. Compete, train, and fight to win championships.”

For Santa Cruz, it’s not just about adding to the trophy count. It’s about building a culture that demands excellence. In his words and his play, the message is clear: the path to titles is never routine—it’s earned.