ROSARIO, Argentina – Andrés Bracamonte, known locally as “Pillín” and notorious as the leader of Rosario Central’s football hooligan gang, was killed Saturday, November 9, 2024, evening near his club’s stadium, Gigante de Arroyito, in a suspected gang-related shooting.
Bracamonte, who had led the Rosario Central supporters’ group for over two decades, was fatally shot along with his deputy, Daniel “Rana” Atardo, by a gunman on a motorcycle just four blocks from the stadium.
Bracamonte, 52, had long been banned from attending matches due to violent incidents and was facing multiple criminal charges, including money laundering and extortion.
Although Rosario Central had just completed a league match, Bracamonte was not at the stadium due to his ban.
Both men were rushed to Centenario Hospital in Rosario, but medical staff were unable to save them.
Argentine media has widely reported Bracamonte’s killing as a possible “settling of scores” linked to his involvement in longstanding gang disputes.
Known for his violent altercations with rival hooligan factions, Bracamonte was a prominent figure in the underbelly of Argentine football.
In August, Bracamonte narrowly survived an attack in which he was grazed by a bullet while with his partner, who was also injured.
His criminal history included alleged ties to Los Monos, a drug cartel based in Rosario, as well as ongoing investigations for suspected money-laundering activities.
The death of such a prominent figure underscores the persistent issues of violence and gang influence within Argentine football culture.
Local authorities have yet to comment on the investigation, but the incident has cast a spotlight on Rosario’s escalating crime rates and the violent networks surrounding football in Argentina.
