Argentina’s Soccer Association Honors Rosario Central with New League Championship Title

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — In a surprising move, Argentina’s soccer association announced on Thursday that Rosario Central has been awarded the title of “League Champion” for 2025, a newly created designation.

Star forward Ángel Di María was present to accept the trophy, catching many in Argentina off guard, as the league traditionally recognizes only the Apertura and Clausura tournaments, with playoffs used to determine their champions.

The association’s executive committee stated that the decision to establish the title of ‘League Champion’ was made unanimously, aimed at recognizing the team that accumulates the most points across the overall standings.

Rosario Central finished the regular phases of both the Apertura and Clausura tournaments with a total of 66 points, making them the overall leaders. These annual standings play a crucial role in determining which teams qualify for continental competitions such as Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, as well as those that face relegation.

In a celebratory message on social media, Central proclaimed, “We are the best team of the year,” and promptly added their eighth star to their crest, symbolizing this achievement.

Earlier in the season, Platense secured the Apertura title, while the round of 16 for the Clausura tournament is set to commence next weekend, culminating in a single-match final on December 11 to determine a new champion.

Currently, Central, competing in Group B, leads the Clausura’s regular phase with 31 points. The playoffs for this tournament are scheduled to begin on Saturday, with Central set to face Estudiantes in the first round.

Under the leadership of Claudio Tapia, the soccer association has seen a series of reforms in tournament formats and the processes for promotion and relegation in recent years. However, this marks the first instance of a new trophy being introduced while a season is actively ongoing.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.