Oh, San Lorenzo

A unique chronicle of the fabled football terraces of South America – and beyond, exploring the behaviour and psyche of the game’s most fanatical supporters.Falling in love with San Lorenzo de Almagro takes the English author on a unique groundhopping journey, from the barrios of Buenos Aires to the souks of Marrakech. Inside you will find:First-hand accounts from the most intense and passionate football culture in the world – from lower-league games in Buenos Aires, to the Copa Libertadores and a Club World Cup final against Real MadridThe thrilling experiences of an Englishman adapting to a new country, learning the local language and becoming part of a notorious Argentine fanbaseAn account of the fortunes of San Lorenzo de Almagro – one of the ‘Big Five’ in Argentina – home and away, including matches across the Argentine capital, the province of Buenos Aires, Rosario, Cordoba, Chile and even MoroccoA compelling study of the San Lorenzo fanatics (recognised by Diego Maradona as Argentina’s most creative), who write the terrace songs that spread across the worldAn exploration of the club’s history of rebellion and conflict with the military dictatorship in the 1970s and 80s, including a clash with the military junta that leaves the club displaced to this dayInterviews with a range of insiders, experts and fans, including the former head of San Lorenzo’s barra brava firm, the leader of the club’s campaign to return to Boedo, an ex-professional player and manager turned San Lorenzo pundit, members of the ‘School of the Terraces’ fan group, plus residents of the famously dangerous slum next to the current stadiumWhen you dig into the richest football culture in the world, the game itself is just one part of the story. Oh, San Lorenzo is a must-read for anyone interested in South American football or unique footballing cultures.