Welcome to our exciting series Passion and Pride, where we dive into the heart of Paraguayan football, spotlighting the 12 teams of the Primera División. In each episode, we will introduce to you one club, uncovering their rich histories, fierce rivalries and special moments that have shaped Paraguay’s top league. In part one of Passion and Pride Olimpia: the first-ever football club in Paraguay.
Founding Of Olimpia
Club Olimpia Asunción: Rey de Copas (King of Cups)
Club Olimpia was founded in 1902 by a Dutchman, William Paats. It is the oldest football club in Paraguay. Paats, a physical education instructor who arrived in Asunción in 1894, actually introduced the sport to Paraguay. He brought the very first football into the country from a trip to Argentina.
Legend has it that Paats organised the first formal football game in the country in 1901. It was held at the Plaza de Armas (now Plaza Independencia) in Asunción. The game was played between two teams of his students. Yet in Paraguayan football lies another tale, that of the very first game that unfolded in 1886 involving British railway workers from the Central Paraguayan Railway and local residents. Though specific details about the match remain undocumented.
Why Olimpia?
Record champion Olimpia was named after the Greek city of Olympia – birthplace of the Olympic Games – and has won a record 47 Primera División titles. The club’s nickname, Rey de Copas (King of Cups), stems from its impressive trophy haul, which includes the only three Copa Libertadores titles won by a Paraguayan club – the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League. It is a nickname you’ll often hear fans chanting during matches!
Stadium El Bosque
The club’s home stadium, Estadio Osvaldo Domínguez Dibb, is named after a former club president and is affectionately nicknamed El Bosque (The Forest) due to the surrounding trees. This stadium reflects Olimpia’s deep roots in the Mariscal López neighbourhood of Asunción. They are revamping the infrastructure and the new Osvaldo Domínguez Dibb stadium will host a match of the 2030 World Cup.
Launching Pad Olimpia
Olimpia has served as a launching pad for legendary players, including striker Roque Santa Cruz. He later played for Bayern Munich and Manchester City. At the age of 43, Santa Cruz is still active, now playing for Club Libertad. It is another proud football club rooted in the heart of Asunción.
You can follow Olimpia on Instagram here.
Coming Up… In part two of Passion and Pride we spotlight Club Libertad, nicknamed Repollero: the Cabbage Grower. Where the club’s early kits were handmade by the players’ mothers…
