BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) – Francisco Cáffaro is living a special moment. At 25 years old, the Argentine center has established himself as one of Boca Juniors’ key players, won the Basketball Champions League Americas 2025–26 title, and earned Final Four MVP honors, confirming his impact at the highest level of continental basketball. The big man averaged 13.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and a 22.0 efficiency rating during the decisive stage, leading his team to the title on home court. “The most important thing is always what we achieved as a team,” Cáffaro said in an interview with FIBA Americas. “But individual awards are also a nice reward. A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined this,” he added.
His current success carries a special emotional component: he is wearing the jersey of the club he has supported since childhood. “Every Argentine knows what Boca is, what its fans represent. Being here and representing all Boca supporters means a lot,” said the center, who admitted his passion for the club came from the influence of his brother Agustín Cáffaro. “He was always a huge Boca fan and passed that on to my brother Esteban and me.” That connection was evident during the Final Four at Obras Sanitarias, where the support from the crowd proved decisive. “The fans here cheer louder than all those people put together. It really pushes you and motivates you,” he said, comparing the experience to his years in the NCAA.
The road to the championship was not easy. Boca arrived with ups and downs from domestic league play but elevated its level at the right time. “We knew we were ready for the challenge, but we didn’t expect to win by that margin,” he said, referring to the victories over Flamengo in the Semi-Finals and then SESI Franca in the Final.
Everyone stepped up to achieve something the club had been chasing for a long time.”
The title also secured a place in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, one of the major goals of the season. “One of the reasons I decided to come to Boca was because I knew we would have international competition. These are very important tournaments,” he said.
Confidence, opportunity, and preparation
Cáffaro’s growth has been shaped by a combination of factors: preparation, playing time and confidence. “You have to be ready, but there’s also a bit of luck,” he explained. “I got a lot of minutes early on, and that helped me build confidence I hadn’t felt in years.” That development is also evident with the Argentine National Team, where he has become one of the key players in the Americas Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, averaging 16.5 points and 8.0 rebounds.
In the middle of the season, the center suffered an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks. Rather than slowing him down, the setback strengthened him mentally. “I knew I would come back because I had gone through worse things before,” he said. “You have to know how to manage these situations to come out better.” This stretch also coincided with a coaching change, as Nicolás Casalánguida took over the team. “We know every coach is different, but fortunately I feel comfortable with his style,” he noted. Far from settling, Cáffaro remains focused on continuous improvement. “You always have to try to take a step forward. Sometimes it might be one step back, but the next day you have to take two forward… There are no limits if you give one hundred percent,” he reflected.
Roots that keep him grounded
Despite his success, Cáffaro has not forgotten where he comes from. Born in Piamonte, a small town in Argentina, he shares a unique story with his brothers, who are also professional players. “No one would have imagined it. We come from a town without basketball, and now all three of us play professionally and represent the national team,” he said. “It’s something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.” After the continental title, Boca is not slowing down. The immediate goal is clear: go after the domestic league. “This is Boca—you aim for everything,” Cáffaro said. “We know what’s next is the league, and that’s what we’re going for!” At the peak of his form, with confidence, experience and a continental title under his belt, Francisco Cáffaro is no longer just a prospect. He is a proven force who continues to grow and deliver.
FIBA