The accusations made by influencer Valentina Salcedo against Juan Román Riquelme's circle have plunged Boca Juniors into a new and noisy controversy. Salcedo claims to have been the victim of a violent physical assault and death threats near La Bombonera, directly pointing fingers at figures close to the club's current president.
The account of the assault
Photo: Juan Salamanca / Pexels (https://www.pexels.com/photo/football-stadium-61135/)
The incident, according to Salcedo's testimony, occurred before Boca Juniors' match against Lanús on August 29, 2026. The influencer recounted that while heading to the stadium with two friends, she was intercepted by a group of women. According to her version, she was beaten, had her hair pulled, and was kicked on the ground. Furthermore, she stated that one of the attackers threatened her with a bladed weapon. Salcedo shared images on her social media, displaying bruises that she explained were the result of the assault.
Direct accusations against Riquelme's circle
Salcedo's accusations were not limited to the assault itself. The influencer pointed directly at Cristian “Chanchi” Riquelme, Juan Román Riquelme's brother and a trusted associate of the president, as well as Ezequiel Benvenutto, known as “El Enano” and a collaborator of “Chanchi”. Salcedo held them responsible for instigating the attack, claiming that Benvenutto allegedly sent the women to assault her.
In a public statement made on her social media on August 29, 2026, Salcedo declared: “I am alive thanks to God. Today, 'Chanchi' Riquelme's right-hand man, Ezequiel Benvenutto, sent four women with a bladed weapon to scratch my face. One of them, the wife of this dwarf,” she detailed. She added that it is not the first time Cristian Riquelme has threatened her through third parties.
The influencer also extended her accusations to Juan Román Riquelme, stating: “Román, these are your people. You are complicit for allowing all this. Having daughters yourself, among all the mentioned individuals.” These statements suggest a possible responsibility by omission in the actions of his inner circle.
Personal ties and legal action
Valentina Salcedo is the ex-partner of Cristian Riquelme and is currently in a relationship with journalist Pablo Carrozza. It was Carrozza who, through his social media, supported Salcedo's accusations and disseminated the details of the incident. The journalist confirmed that a criminal complaint has been filed and that both Benvenutto and Cristian Riquelme have been held legally responsible for any eventuality that could affect the influencer's physical integrity.
The accusations became public between late August and early September 2026, generating widespread debate in the media and on social networks.
Potential repercussions for Boca Juniors
This new scandal adds to a series of situations that have put the club in the spotlight recently. Salcedo's accusations, by directly involving the president's brother and close collaborators, could have various repercussions:
- Impact on institutional image: The accusations of violence and threats tarnish the institution's reputation, causing concern among members and the public.
- Internal and external pressure: Voices demanding an internal investigation by the club or, at least, an official statement on the reported events are likely to increase.
- Division in leadership: A scandal of this magnitude could deepen differences or create new tensions within the leadership, especially if the accusations are maintained or escalate.
- Media scrutiny: The issue will undoubtedly be closely followed by the press, keeping Boca Juniors at the center of attention for non-sporting reasons.
The club now faces the challenge of managing this image crisis and the potential legal and political consequences that may arise from these serious accusations. The situation demands a clear and decisive response to safeguard the integrity and values of the institution.