Topo Gigio

Juan Román Riquelme's famous "Topo Gigio" celebration was born on April 8, 2001, after a goal against River Plate at La Bombonera. Riquelme performed the gesture—placing his hands behind his ears while facing the box of then-Boca president Mauricio Macri—as a protest against the refusal to improve his contract.

The Boca idol, true to his style, planned every step of the celebration. He ran to the midfield, stopped abruptly, placed both hands behind his ears, and stood motionless, listening to the roar of the crowd. His defiant gaze was aimed at a strategic sector: the official box, where most of the board of directors sat alongside Macri.

Riquelme sought financial recognition for the club's massive success (three local titles, two Libertadores, and an Intercontinental). He requested over 2 million pesos/dollars, which were equal in value at the time. His inner circle claimed he was receiving the same bonus as a youth player—roughly 240,000 pesos.

Ultimately, Barcelona’s $26 million offer—a record for Argentine football at the time—combined with Macri’s implementation of a strict salary cap, accelerated the idol's departure from the club.