Facundo Trigueros transitioned from a promising youth career at Boca Juniors to driving a remis taxi and working as a restaurant waiter before debuting in the Argentine Primera División at age 25, Infobae reported.
From La Bombonera to the Steering Wheel in Buenos Aires
Born in Villa Maipú, San Martín, Trigueros joined Club Mitre at age 14 before earning a trial at Boca Juniors through coach Carlos Aimar and physical preparer Enrique Polola. Entering La Bombonera at age 16, he practiced alongside figures such as Gabriel Batistuta, Blas Giunta, and Diego Latorre.
Stepping Away From Soccer for Restaurant Work
When Chacarita did not renew his stint, Trigueros found himself without a club, lacking professional advice, and facing financial uncertainty. He spent four years away from organized soccer, initially working as a driver for a remis rental car service in Buenos Aires. He later joined his father’s restaurant located near the Obelisco in downtown Buenos Aires, where he spent two years mastering tasks as a dishwasher, assistant cook, waiter, and delivery driver. The experience taught him culinary skills, including making pizzas and roasted meats, during a period when he felt completely estranged from the sport.
A Chance Encounter on the Waterfront
A routine menu distribution outside his father’s restaurant changed his trajectory when a former youth coach from Boca Juniors recognized him on the street. The coach invited him to train with a squad of free agents operating at Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires. After 10 months of rigorous preparation, managers Ricardo Zielinski and Omar De Felippe invited Trigueros to join San Telmo for a pre-season training camp. He secured a professional contract at age 25, marking his official debut in the professional divisions and spending four seasons competing for promotion with the Candombero.
Encounters With Diego Armando Maradona Across the Lower Leagues
Throughout his career in Argentina’s ascenso divisions, Trigueros crossed paths with Diego Armando Maradona on multiple occasions. Years later, while playing for J.J. Urquiza, a club director invited him to a private gathering at a country estate in Morón along the Acceso Oeste, where Maradona hosted players for an evening. Later, when Trigueros suffered a torn left knee ligament at age 34 and contemplated retirement, J.J. Urquiza teammate and manager Marcelo Pilo played an audio message from Maradona urging him to finish his rehabilitation on the pitch. The motivation inspired Trigueros to complete his recovery and play two and a half additional seasons before retiring.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Argentine Juveniles
Reflecting on the psychological tolls of professional sports, Trigueros now works in youth development, advising young prospects on mental and emotional formation. Drawing from his journey through Boca Juniors, San Telmo, All Boys, Atlanta, and Excursionistas, he emphasizes building a strong personal identity before pursuing competitive milestones. He resides in Puerto Madero, just blocks away from the waterfront fields where he trained as a free agent, applying the lessons learned from his years away from the game to help modern academy prospects handle the pressures of professional athletics.
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