Russo Returns, Joins Elite Group of Boca Coaches with Three Stints

Miguel Ángel Russo is back at Boca Juniors for a third managerial spell, placing him in an exclusive circle of coaches who have led the team across three separate eras. Only Carlos Bianchi, Mario Fortunato, and José D’Amico share that distinction. The news comes after several days of talks and reshuffling on Boca’s bench.

The 69-year-old, a familiar face at La Bombonera, will begin this new chapter with a major task ahead: guiding Boca through the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. While this is not uncharted territory for Russo, each of his previous terms brought significant moments.

In 2007, during his first spell, Russo captured the Copa Libertadores in his debut season, led by a brilliant Juan Román Riquelme—now the club’s president. That side fell short in the Club World Cup final, losing 4–2 to AC Milan, but the continental title remains a cherished triumph for fans.

His second tenure began after Riquelme and Jorge Amor Ameal won the club elections in December 2019. Russo quickly delivered: Boca snatched the 2019/20 Superliga title from River Plate on the final matchday and later added a Copa Argentina. However, his run ended in 2021 after a poor stretch, capped by a loss to Estudiantes and a Libertadores semifinal exit against Santos.

With fresh backing from the current leadership and a proven record behind him, Russo now aims to leave another mark on Boca’s storied legacy.