She became the celebrated ‘girlfriend of the World Cup’ at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Larissa Riquelme recalled that 16 years ago, she became the celebrated “girlfriend of the World Cup” at the 2010 South Africa tournament, an unofficial title that marked her life and propelled her to international stardom.

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Her fame began in Asuncion, where she cheered on the Paraguayan national team from a public square, with photographs that went viral showing her passion for the Albirroja (the Paraguayan national team).

Riquelme confessed that the title took her out of her “bubble” and allowed her to fulfill her dream of being recognized worldwide, transforming her into a media icon in the region.

After becoming famous, she secured contracts in countries such as Peru, Chile, Venezuela, China, South Korea, Japan, and Spain, where the sports press first proclaimed her the “girlfriend of the World Cup.”

The text reads, “WE FACE OFF AGAINST THE WORLD CHAMPIONS, AND WE DON’T BACK DOWN. Days before the 2026 World Cup, we look back at Paraguay’s first match in the 2010 South Africa World Cup against Italy.”

A common misconception places her at the 2010 South Africa tournament, although she never actually attended. She herself clarified that this will be her first World Cup in person.

Former Paraguayan footballer Jose Luis Chilavert even called her, thinking she was in the stands in Cape Town during the 1-1 draw against Italy in 2010.

That day, Larissa went to a “mini-stadium” set up in a plaza in Asuncion, where her enthusiasm was captured by photographers, and she quickly became a symbol of Latin American fervor for football.

Now, like the Paraguayan national team, Larissa returns to the World Cup after 16 years, this time in the stands as a fan and journalist, closely following the Albirroja’s journey in the 2026 World Cup.

teleSUR: JP

Source: EFE

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