Boca Juniors Political Shake-up: Former Angelici Ally Horacio Paolini Eyes 2027 Presidency

The political landscape at Boca Juniors is shifting long before the next ballot is cast. In a move that has caught many in the Xeneize community by surprise, Horacio Paolini has officially announced his intention to compete against Riquelme in Boca for the club’s presidency in the 2027 elections.

Paolini is not a newcomer to the halls of power at the club. He previously served as the second vice president during the tenure of Daniel Angelici, a period marked by significant institutional change and high-profile controversy. Now, as the club navigates its current era under the leadership of club legend Juan Román Riquelme, Paolini is positioning himself as a viable alternative for the club’s membership.

A Calculated Challenge to the Riquelme Era

Juan Román Riquelme currently holds a commanding grip on the club’s administration. In the December 2023 elections, Riquelme secured a landslide victory, winning 65.3% of the vote and leaving the opposition—led by Andrés Ibarra and Mauricio Macri—far behind. That decisive result forced the opposing factions to return to the drawing board to rethink their strategy for the future.

Paolini’s entry into the race represents the first major sign of that reorganization. Whereas Riquelme remains the dominant figure, the internal political climate is beginning to simmer. Paolini has not yet specified which political group he will represent or who will join his ticket, but his announcement signals that the opposition is no longer in a state of retreat.

For those unfamiliar with the inner workings of Argentine club politics, the presidency of a club like Boca Juniors is as much about political maneuvering and alliance-building as This proves about football operations. The “socios” (club members) hold the power and the ability to unite disparate factions is often the key to victory.

The Angelici Connection and Political Pedigree

Paolini’s candidacy is heavily tied to his experience within the previous administration. By serving under Daniel Angelici, who served as the 33rd President of Boca Juniors from 2011 to 2019, Paolini possesses a level of dirigencial experience that few other potential candidates can claim.

Angelici’s tenure was characterized by a professionalized approach to club management and a close relationship with Mauricio Macri. However, it was also a period of friction, particularly with Riquelme himself. Records present that in 2010, while serving as treasurer, Angelici famously opposed the renewal of Riquelme’s contract, arguing the club could not afford a high-dollar deal for an aging player. That historical tension adds a layer of personal and professional rivalry to Paolini’s current bid.

Beyond his club experience, Paolini is a businessman in the logistics sector. This professional background, combined with his ties to the political sphere of Mauricio Macri, gives him a profile that appeals to the more corporate and conservative wing of the club’s membership.

Building a Coalition: Palermo and Pergolini

Paolini is not attempting to run a solitary campaign. He has already begun the groundwork of building a broad coalition, reaching out to figures who carry significant weight with the fans. Most notably, he has held meetings with Martín Palermo, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer. While Palermo’s exact role in the political setup remains undefined, his endorsement or involvement would provide an immense boost in credibility and popularity.

Paolini has shown closeness to Mario Pergolini, who served as first vice president during the mandate of Jorge Ameal. By bridging the gap between different former administrations, Paolini is attempting to create a “united front” against the current officialism.

In a public message, Paolini called for unity among the members and supporters, stating, “It is time to decide together the future of the club.” This rhetoric is designed to contrast with the perceived centralization of power under Riquelme’s current leadership.

The Road to December 2027

While the elections are not scheduled until December 2027, the announcement of Paolini’s candidacy, alongside other names like José Beraldi, suggests that the race will be a long-term war of attrition. The opposition is betting that the current administration may face institutional fatigue or that dissatisfaction with off-field decision-making will grow over the next year.

The primary challenge for Paolini will be distancing himself from the unpopular aspects of the Angelici era while leveraging the administrative stability that the previous management claimed to provide. To win, he will necessitate to convince a majority of the socios that his vision for the club is more sustainable than the one currently being implemented by Riquelme.

As the political theater at Brandsen 805 unfolds, the focus will remain on whether Paolini can successfully consolidate the various opposition fragments into a single, competitive list or if the opposition will remain split, effectively gifting Riquelme another term.

Key Figures in the 2027 Presidential Race

The next major milestone for the club’s political cycle will be the formalization of political groups and the announcement of official tickets as the 2027 deadline approaches. For now, the “surprise” of Paolini’s candidacy has successfully shifted the conversation from the pitch to the boardroom.

What do you perceive about Paolini’s bid for the presidency? Can a former Angelici ally successfully challenge Riquelme’s dominance? Let us know in the comments below.