The World Today
The news arrived from Italy and quickly spread to Argentina. A message on Instagram from the mayor of Bacoli, Josi Gerardo Della Ragione, sparked a debate that seemed forgotten: the possible return of Edinson Cavani to Napoli , the club where he left an indelible mark between 2010 and 2013. The proposal appeared just after the serious injury of Romelu Lukaku , a key figure in the last Scudetto, was confirmed. He will be out of action for several months due to a problem in the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh.
If you follow European football, you know what it means to lose a striker of that caliber. And if you're also Argentinian or Uruguayan, Cavani's name immediately connects you with a glorious past in Italy and a present filled with doubts at Boca Juniors .
The mayor's message that sparked controversy
The spark was lit this Monday. On Instagram, the mayor of Bacoli wrote:
“What if Lukaku is out for a long time? What if a third striker is needed in the squad? What if…”
A brief, almost joking phrase, but enough to spark a phenomenon on Neapolitan social media. Comments multiplied, and the idea of a "last dance" for Cavani in Napoli was once again raised.
You know it: in southern Italy, football is almost a religion. And Cavani isn't just another name. With 104 goals in 138 matches, the Uruguayan won the hearts of the fans and became the club's sixth-highest scorer in history, behind Maradona, Hamsik, Insigne, Mertens, and Vojak.
The Matador's legacy in Naples
You may remember that Napoli team from the early 1990s. They were a hungry team, far from the northern giants, eager to compete for cups and tournaments. Cavani was the spearhead of that project. His 2012 season saw him crowned Serie A's top scorer and catapulted him to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) , where he continued scoring goals.
But in Naples, something more than numbers remained: popular devotion. What they feel for him is still reflected today in every comment on social media, in every mural painted in the Spanish Quarter, in every café debate about "il Matador."
Boca Juniors and the other side of history
Meanwhile, in Argentina, the picture is different. Cavani arrived at Boca Juniors in 2023 with the hope of becoming an attacking leader, but so far his stats haven't been convincing enough: 26 goals in 73 matches . For some fans, that's a weak number, especially at a club accustomed to strikers who decide matches.
You've probably heard the criticism: missed goals, inconsistency, and the pressure of an unforgiving Bombonera. However, there are also those who defend him, remembering his career and dedication. In the middle, the player navigates between the demands of the Xeneize and the songs of nostalgia from Italy.
Lukaku's injury and Napoli's need
Lukaku's absence isn't a minor issue. We're talking about a striker who was a key player in the last title and now faces months of recovery. The club issued an official statement: a high-grade injury to the rectus femoris muscle of his left thigh. Translated: a long absence and risk of surgery.
In this context, what can Napoli do? Either look for an expensive and powerful option on the market, or gamble on a symbolic and strategic return like Cavani's. From a financial perspective, the Uruguayan could be an affordable reinforcement, at least immediately.
The debate in the media and networks
Specialized media outlets like Spazionapoli.it have already asked the question:
"What if Napoli did something crazy to replace the injured Lukaku?"
Other supporter websites joined in. The accounts @arrapatodinapoli and @adelantonapolitano1926 also talked about a possible "last dance" for El Matador.
On social media, fans express the same emotions: excitement, nostalgia, and even romanticism. In contrast, the reaction in Argentina is different. Among Boca fans, there is relief at the thought of his departure and concern about being without an experienced striker in the middle of the season.
The factors that weigh in the decision
As a curious reader, you know that not everything depends on the will of the people. For Cavani to return to Napoli, several pieces must fall into place:
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Current contract with Boca Juniors , who should negotiate an exit.
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The player's physical condition , which is no longer the same as in 2012.
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Economic viability for Napoli , who must decide whether to gamble on an emotional return or go for a younger reinforcement.
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Cavani's own will , torn between his desire for revenge at Boca Juniors and the sentimental call of Naples.
Cavani as a symbol of two worlds
The story shows a stark contrast: in Argentina, Cavani faces constant criticism and demands; in Italy, he remains idolized. This duality places him at the center of a soccer novel that blends present, past, and future.
If you're a fan, these kinds of situations affect you emotionally. What weighs more: sporting rationality or the passion of memories?
Conclusion: an open question
There are no certainties today. The only thing that's clear is that Lukaku's injury opened a door and that the message from the mayor of Bacoli served to revive a bond that seemed dormant.
You, as a follower of history, find yourself in a realm of pure speculation. The question that arises is inevitable:
👉 Can you imagine Cavani leaving Boca Juniors and returning to Naples for one last dance?
