Zárate, Argentina – Former River Plate midfielder Oscar Ahumada has entered the political arena, joining La Libertad Avanza (LLA) in the province of Buenos Aires. The move marks a significant shift for the 43-year-old, who once faced criticism for his outspokenness following a controversial match, and now steps into a new role with the party of Argentine President Javier Milei.
The announcement came via social media, shared by Daiana Hergert, a local councilwoman and coordinator for LLA in Zárate. Hergert posted a photo of Ahumada alongside herself and Gonzalo Cabezas, the Vice President of the Buenos Aires Senate, welcoming him to the team. “We joyfully welcome Oscar Ahumada, who joins the La Libertad Avanza Zárate team,” the post read, highlighting Ahumada’s “important trajectory in the world of football and as a recognized construction entrepreneur in our district.”
Ahumada’s career spanned several countries, beginning with his development through River Plate’s youth system. He went on to play for Wolfsburg in Germany, Veracruz in Mexico, and Rostov in Russia, before finishing his professional career with All Boys in Argentina. During his time with River Plate, he secured three league titles in 2003, 2004, and 2008. However, it was a moment of frustration following a Copa Libertadores match in 2008 that arguably defined a portion of his legacy.
Following a contentious match against San Lorenzo, Ahumada publicly criticized the River Plate fanbase, describing their reaction as a “silent atrocity.” This statement drew immediate and intense backlash. “They went to my house, they blocked the street, my family had a subpar time,” Ahumada recounted years later, explaining the pressure he faced. He never played for River Plate again.
Now, Ahumada is channeling his experience and business acumen – he’s a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry – into a new field. LLA’s statement emphasized his “experience, discipline, and commitment” as valuable assets to the party. The party hopes his involvement will contribute to building “a city with more opportunities, development, and future” in Zárate.
This isn’t an isolated case of athletes transitioning into politics in Argentina. Claudio “Turco” García, a former forward for Racing, Huracán, and Vélez, ran for national deputy in the 2025 legislative elections. Caruso Lombardi also participated in Buenos Aires city elections, representing the Movimiento de Integración y Desarrollo (MID). Even Diego Hartfield, a former tennis player, currently holds a seat in the Chamber of Deputies for La Libertad Avanza. Water Erviti, another athlete, recently joined Consolidación Política, a group supporting a potential presidential candidacy for Pastor Dante Gebel.
The trend extends beyond football and tennis. Daniel Scioli, the current Minister of Tourism and Sports, previously played basketball for River Plate. Héctor “Pichi” Campana, another former River Plate basketball player, and “Camau” Espínola have also ventured into political careers. José Sanfilippo, who ran for deputy in 2017 with a hardline anti-crime platform, represents another example of athletes seeking public office, though he did not succeed in securing a seat.
Ahumada’s entry into politics comes at a time of significant change in Argentina, with President Milei’s LLA pushing for sweeping economic and social reforms. His experience as a businessman and his public profile could prove valuable to the party as it seeks to expand its influence in the province of Buenos Aires, a key political battleground. The move also highlights a growing trend of athletes leveraging their name recognition and public trust to pursue careers in public service.
The situation in Zárate is particularly interesting, as the municipality is currently governed by the PRO party. Ahumada’s involvement with LLA could signal a growing challenge to the established political order in the region. His business background, particularly in the construction sector – an industry currently facing headwinds due to government policies – could also provide a unique perspective on the challenges facing the local economy.
As Ahumada embarks on this new chapter, his past experiences – both the triumphs on the football field and the controversy surrounding his departure from River Plate – will undoubtedly shape his approach to politics. Whether he will seek elected office himself remains to be seen, but his decision to join La Libertad Avanza marks a notable moment in the intersection of sports and politics in Argentina.
The next step for Ahumada and LLA Zárate will be to continue building support within the community and preparing for future elections. The party’s focus will likely be on promoting its economic agenda and attracting voters who are disillusioned with the traditional political establishment. Further updates on Ahumada’s political activities will be available through LLA’s official channels and local news sources.
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