Juan Román Riquelme: The Artist Who Kissed the Ball
In January 2015, Argentine football legend Juan Román Riquelme officially announced his retirement on live television at the age of 36. The reaction from the host was emotional almost tearful. In Argentina, Riquelme is more than just a player; he’s a national treasure. A symbol of elegance, creativity, and passion in football. As he turns 47 today, the memories of his magic on the field still echo.
Riquelme ruled South America with his feet and his mind. Europe admired him too, though his journey there was more complicated. His early move to Barcelona didn’t go as planned. The club was in a transitional period and had already decided to build around Ronaldinho, leaving little room for Riquelme to shine. But when he moved to Villarreal, he found his rhythm again, guiding the team all the way to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the 2005/06 season.
Yet, one decision continues to haunt him. Before that semi-final match against Arsenal, Manchester United had made him an offer. Riquelme turned it down, choosing to stay at Villarreal because of his bond with his teammates. Years later, he admitted, “The only thing I regret in my career is saying no to United. I made that decision alone in a hotel room in England.”
If you judge Riquelme’s career purely on European trophies, it might not seem exceptional. He didn’t win major titles there. But he did win three Copa Libertadores, an Intercontinental Cup, and even Olympic gold in Beijing. Titles aside, what set Riquelme apart was his artistry. He wasn’t just a footballer he was a performer. Fans came to see him the way people go to the theater: for beauty, creativity, and unforgettable moments.
One of his most famous performances came in 2000, when Boca Juniors defeated Real Madrid in the Intercontinental Cup final. Riquelme played with such confidence that he outclassed world-class players, especially Claude Makelele, who couldn’t cope with his flair and intelligence.
Riquelme was one of football’s last great romantics a traditional playmaker, a true “number 10.” One time, when asked why he kissed the ball before taking corners, he simply said, “Because the rest of the time, we treat it badly.” That one line captures everything about his philosophy of the game.
Even after retirement, his influence remains strong. In the 2022 World Cup, after Argentina’s win against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, Lionel Messi mimicked one of Riquelme’s signature celebrations by cupping his hands behind his ears in front of Louis van Gaal. It wasn’t random it was a tribute. Back in 2001, when Boca Juniors crushed River Plate 3–0, Riquelme did the same celebration after scoring. It was aimed directly at the VIP section, where the club’s president Mauricio Macri was seated.
At that time, Riquelme had a disagreement with Boca’s management over his salary. Despite his huge contribution winning multiple league titles and Copa Libertadores trophies by the age of 22 he was being paid the same as youth players: just 240,000 pesos. He felt it was unfair, and his celebration was a silent protest that went viral long before social media existed.
That iconic gesture has since been copied by stars like Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, and even tennis legend Roger Federer. Ironically, Macri, the man Riquelme was protesting against, later became president of Argentina in 2015.
Even during his short spell at Barcelona, Riquelme never abandoned his unique style. In a 2003 match at Camp Nou against Racing, he scored and celebrated in his signature way again. His time at Barça, however, was strained. Coach Louis van Gaal didn’t allow him to play in his natural position behind the striker, which caused friction.
So, when Messi copied Riquelme’s celebration in front of van Gaal during the 2022 World Cup, it brought everything full circle. It was more than a taunt it was a nod to one of the most graceful, passionate, and misunderstood geniuses football has ever seen.
By: Kingsley Agba