Antonio Roma, Argentinian footballer (b. 1932)

In the pantheon of Argentine football legends, few names resonate with the same devotion and passion as Antonio Roma. Born on July 13, 1932, and passing away on February 20, 2013, Roma was much more than just a goalkeeper; he was an emblem of resilience, an icon for Boca Juniors, and a national hero. His fearless style between the posts earned him the fitting nickname "Tarzan," a testament to his acrobatic saves and daring dives.

The Ascent of a "Tarzan": Early Career and Boca Juniors Debut

Antonio Roma began his professional journey in 1955 with Ferrocarril Oeste, a club where he honed his formidable skills for four years until 1959. His exceptional talent quickly caught the eye of bigger clubs, leading to a pivotal move that would define his career. In 1960, Roma, alongside his teammate Silvio Marzolini, made the significant transfer to Boca Juniors, a club that would become synonymous with his name. His debut for the Xeneizes was on April 3, 1960, a memorable victory against Estudiantes de La Plata, signaling the start of an extraordinary era.

A Boca Juniors Legend: Championships and Unbreakable Records

Roma’s tenure at Boca Juniors stretched an impressive twelve years until his retirement in 1972. During this period, he solidified his status as one of the club's all-time greatest idols, making a staggering 323 appearances across all competitions. His dedication and skill were instrumental in securing numerous titles for Boca Juniors, cementing their dominance in Argentine football. The club lifted the Argentine League trophy in 1962, 1964, and 1965, followed by the Campeonato Nacional in both 1969 and 1970. Beyond team achievements, Roma also etched his name into the record books with an individual feat in 1969, maintaining a pristine clean sheet for an incredible 783 consecutive minutes, a testament to his unwavering focus and the defensive prowess of his team.

The Iconic Penalty Save: A Moment Etched in History

Perhaps no moment better encapsulates Antonio Roma's legendary status than his decisive penalty save in the crucial 1962 championship match against Boca Juniors' eternal rivals, River Plate. This wasn't just any game; with only two rounds remaining, both Boca and River were locked at the top of the local league, making their clash at La Bombonera, Boca Juniors' revered home stadium, a veritable final. With Boca holding a narrow 1-0 lead, the tension was palpable when referee Nai Foino awarded a penalty to River. The weight of the championship rested on Roma's shoulders as Brazilian River player Delem stepped up to take the shot. In a moment of sheer brilliance, Roma dove, parrying the ball to the corner and denying River the equalizer. The stadium erupted; the public, overwhelmed with emotion, invaded the pitch, delaying the match for 11 minutes. River, despite the delay and their fervent efforts, couldn't alter the score. Boca ultimately secured that championship after defeating Estudiantes de La Plata in the subsequent round, forever cementing Roma's save as one of the most celebrated and pivotal moments in Argentine football history, a true symbol of the intense Boca-River rivalry and the passion that defines it.

Representing the Nation: Antonio Roma on the International Stage

Antonio Roma’s exceptional talent was not confined to club football; he also proudly donned the sky blue and white of the Argentina national football team. Between 1956 and 1967, Roma made a total of 42 appearances for his country, showcasing his skills on the global stage. He was a key part of the Argentine squad at two FIFA World Cup tournaments, participating in both the 1962 FIFA World Cup held in Chile and the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England. His presence in these prestigious international competitions further highlighted his standing as one of Argentina's premier goalkeepers of his era.

FAQs: Getting to Know Antonio Roma

Who was Antonio Roma?
Antonio Roma was a legendary Argentine football goalkeeper, best known for his long and successful career with Boca Juniors and the Argentina national team. He was often nicknamed "Tarzan" for his acrobatic saves.
When was Antonio Roma born and when did he pass away?
Antonio Roma was born on July 13, 1932, and passed away on February 20, 2013.
What clubs did Antonio Roma play for?
He started his professional career with Ferrocarril Oeste (1955-1959) and then moved to Boca Juniors (1960-1972), where he became an icon.
What are Antonio Roma's major achievements with Boca Juniors?
With Boca Juniors, he won the Argentine League in 1962, 1964, and 1965, and the Campeonato Nacional in 1969 and 1970. He also holds a record for keeping a clean sheet for 783 minutes in 1969.
What is Antonio Roma's most famous moment?
His most remembered moment is the crucial penalty save against River Plate's Delem in the 1962 championship match at La Bombonera, which was pivotal in Boca Juniors winning the league title that year.
Did Antonio Roma play for the Argentina national team?
Yes, he made 42 appearances for the Argentina national football team between 1956 and 1967 and represented his country in the 1962 and 1966 FIFA World Cups.