Óscar Córdoba Criticizes Cavani for Misinterpreting Boca Juniors

Óscar Córdoba, the former Boca Juniors goalkeeper, delivered a blunt critique of Edinson Cavani’s three-year stint in Buenos Aires, saying the Uruguay striker “misunderstood what it means to play for Boca,” TyC Sports reported. The criticism landed after Cavani’s departure from the club was confirmed in July, when coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena told the 38-year-old forward he would not be counted on, ending a cycle that faded amid physical problems.

Cavani, who joined Boca as a marquee signing in mid-2023, quickly began negotiating with the board led by Juan Román Riquelme to cut short a contract that ran through December. Across three years he played 81 matches, started only 27 of them fully, scored 28 goals and added three assists — a return that included a place in the 2023 Copa Libertadores final but no trophy, TyC Sports reported.

Córdoba’s critique of Cavani’s playing style on ESPN

The Colombian icon leveled his criticism in an interview with ESPN, zeroing in on how Cavani moved around the pitch. “I can’t assume my center forward is going to go score at the left post in a Copa Libertadores final,” Córdoba said. “He ran all over the place, and when he got to the front he arrived worn out. He wanted to show commitment at a Boca that didn’t have the ball for a position like his.”

Córdoba argued that Cavani tried to prove his commitment through constant running and physical exertion, a display that did not suit a team that needed him as a reference point in the penalty area. ESPN.com.ar noted that the remarks carry weight because of Córdoba’s standing in the club’s history: he was an Argentine league champion three times with Boca, won two Copa Libertadores titles and lifted the Intercontinental Cup, making him one of the reference figures of one of the most successful eras in the institution’s history.

Why Córdoba brought up Leandro Paredes

The former goalkeeper drew an explicit contrast with midfielder Leandro Paredes, whom he identified as the type of player Boca actually needed — someone to take on a leadership and playmaking role. “Boca needed a player like Paredes,” Córdoba said. “I was looking for that in Cavani, but I feel Cavani misunderstood what it means to play for Boca.”

Córdoba’s criticism focused on Cavani misinterpreting what it means to play at Boca, running everywhere and arriving exhausted at the front in a team that did not have the ball for his position, while Boca needed a player like Paredes.

Cavani’s record at Boca Juniors

Cavani arrived from Valencia as a star reinforcement in the middle of 2023 and was part of the squad that reached the 2023 Copa Libertadores final, where Boca lost to Fluminense. Over 81 appearances he scored 28 goals, but he left with more disappointment than glory, with several missed chances in key moments drawing heavy criticism from supporters, TyC Sports reported. Before Boca, the Uruguay national team striker had played for Napoli, Valencia, Paris Saint-German and Manchester United.

What remains unanswered after the exit

Cavani’s next destination has not been confirmed. With his contract originally due to run to December, the early termination agreed with Riquelme’s board leaves the veteran free to negotiate a new club, and no team has been officially announced.

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Questions readers are asking about Cavani’s Boca exit

• Cavani left Boca Juniors without winning a title. No. He played in the 2023 Copa Libertadores final but left the club without winning any trophy in three years, according to TyC Sports.
• Cavani played 81 matches for Boca, 27 of them complete, scoring 28 goals and providing three assists. He made 81 appearances, 27 of them as a starter through full matches, with 28 goals and three assists.
• Former Boca goalkeeper Óscar Córdoba, speaking to ESPN, said Cavani ran too much and arrived at the opponent’s area fatigued, and that he misunderstood what it means to play for Boca.
• Cavani left Boca after three years. His departure was confirmed in July, after coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena informed him he would not be part of the plans.