Rosario Central, surprise league champion in Argentina with Di María

Rosario Central Crowned League Champion in Surprising Decision

In an unexpected announcement, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has declared Rosario Central as “League Champion” for the year 2025, establishing a new title that has taken the football world by surprise. The star Ángel Di María was present to receive the new trophy, a recognition that comes at an unusual time, since traditionally Argentine football is governed by two main championships: the Apertura and the Clausura, both defined by playoffs.

The directive decided unanimously to establish the title of ‘League Champion’ for the team with the highest accumulated score in the general table.

AFA Statement

Rosario Central accumulated a total of 66 points, leading the general table by adding the regular phases of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments. This annual table is what determines the teams classified for continental tournaments such as the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana, as well as relegations. The club celebrated the victory on its social media, adding a new star to its shield, the eighth in its professional history.

Platense was crowned Apertura champion mid-year. Next weekend, the round of 16 of the Clausura tournament will begin, which will culminate with a single-match final on December 11, where the new champion will be defined. Rosario Central, which competes in Group B, finished the regular phase of the Clausura with 31 points. The playoffs of this tournament will begin on Saturday, with Central facing Estudiantes in the first round. Claudio Tapia’s management of the AFA has been characterized by constant changes in tournament formats and in the definition of promotions and relegations, but this is the first time that a new trophy has been established in the middle of an ongoing season.