Buenos Aires – Veteran striker Edinson Cavani is facing increasing pressure to retire from professional football after a challenging spell at Boca Juniors, punctuated by recent fan discontent and ongoing injury concerns. The 39-year-old Uruguayan international, who joined the Argentine club in August 2023, was reportedly booed by supporters during a recent draw with Racing Club, raising questions about his future.
Cavani’s arrival at Boca Juniors generated significant excitement, with the former Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain star expected to bolster the team’s attacking options. However, his goal-scoring form has diminished, managing just five goals in the 2025 season – a quarter of his output from the previous year – and limited appearances in 2026 due to injury. This downturn in performance has led to criticism from fans and calls for the experienced forward to consider ending his career.
Calls for Retirement from a World Cup Winner
Oscar Ruggeri, a member of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning squad and a former Boca Juniors player, has been particularly vocal in urging Cavani to retire. According to reports via Marca, Ruggeri stated, “He has to stop playing,” expressing concern over the treatment Cavani has received from the fans and suggesting his physical condition is no longer suited to the demands of the game. Ruggeri added, “It’s a sin that this star is insulted in that way [booed] with the immense career he has.”
Ruggeri reiterated his stance in January, expressing sympathy for Cavani but emphasizing the physical toll the game is taking on him. “I know he wants to turn the situation around and wants to do well, that he came to Boca and succeeded. But he has to seriously think about what he can do because his body is struggling,” he said. He further noted that the constant cycle of injury and attempted recovery is a “signal that football is giving him” to consider retirement.
Injury Struggles and a Brief Retirement Attempt
Cavani’s time at Boca Juniors has been hampered by a series of injuries. Since February 2023, the forward has accumulated 13 injuries, sidelining him for 36 games, according to data from Transfermarkt. Most recently, he has been dealing with lower back pain, although he did make a brief return to the pitch as a substitute against Platense earlier this month.
Interestingly, Cavani initially announced his retirement from football in December, bringing an end to a 20-year career that saw him score 458 goals for club and country. However, he quickly reversed his decision, signing a contract extension with Boca Juniors that runs through December 31, 2026, as reported by Wikipedia. Despite this renewed commitment, his recent struggles have reignited the debate over his future.
A Decorated Career Facing a Difficult Chapter
Throughout his illustrious career, Cavani has enjoyed considerable success, winning 24 trophies, primarily during his time with Paris Saint-Germain. He has also represented Uruguay on 136 occasions, scoring 58 goals, according to Soccerway. His resume includes a Copa América title with Uruguay in 2011.
Despite his past achievements, Cavani’s current situation at Boca Juniors presents a stark contrast. The pressure from fans, coupled with his ongoing injury problems, raises serious questions about whether he can rediscover his form and contribute effectively to the team. The club’s leadership group status does not shield him from the growing criticism.
The situation echoes similar debates surrounding other aging stars in South American football, where the physical demands of the game and the passionate expectations of fans can create a challenging environment for players in the twilight of their careers. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a former teammate of Cavani at PSG, continued playing until age 41, but whether Cavani can follow a similar path remains uncertain.
As Boca Juniors navigate a crucial period in their season, the question of Cavani’s future will undoubtedly remain a prominent topic of discussion. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether the veteran striker can overcome his current challenges and silence his critics, or if Oscar Ruggeri’s calls for retirement will ultimately prove to be prescient.
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