Lucas Blondel, the Boca Juniors player, made headlines as he earned his first start for the Swiss national team in a friendly match against Luxembourg on March 25, 2025. In this match, which took place in San Galo, Switzerland, the team secured a decisive 3-1 victory, marking a solid outing for Blondel.
Blondel's journey to this moment has garnered significant attention, especially among Boca fans. Notably, during the national anthem before the match, Blondel stood out as he did not place his hand on his chest like his teammates, a move that caught the cameras and sparked discussion online.
The match against Luxembourg was part of a FIFA date during which national teams fielded their players. Prior to this match, Blondel had debuted for Switzerland just days earlier on March 20, 2025, in a friendly match against Northern Ireland, where he played 22 minutes in a 1-1 draw.
In the game against Luxembourg, Blondel was positioned as a right midfielder in a 3-4-2-1 formation coached by Murat Yakin. He played for 65 minutes before being replaced by Isaac Schmidt, contributing to a match that saw Switzerland's goals come from Ruben Vargas, Breel Embolo, and Miro Muheim.
Blondel was selected to represent Switzerland with a touching nod to his heritage—right after a video went viral of him skillfully participating in a “head to head” challenge with his new teammates. In this challenge, he successfully passed the ball to his teammates without dropping it, culminating in a celebratory moment that showcased his camaraderie with the squad. Fans quickly took to social media, showing their support and expressing pride in the player's achievements.
A significant aspect of Blondel's first appearance with Switzerland was showcased through visible support from Boca Juniors fans, with banners saying, “Bienvenido a la Selección. De Boca a Los Alpes, con pasión,” which translates to “Welcome to the National Team. From Boca to the Alps, with passion.” This enthusiastic reception highlighted the connection between his former club and national pride.
As the game against Luxembourg unfolded, Blondel made a strong impression by making a notable tackle early on, signaling his readiness to contribute defensively. Ultimately, the Swiss team's win not only bolstered their confidence but also set a positive tone as they prepare for the European qualifiers scheduled for June 2025, where they aim to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Following the match, Blondel is expected to return to Argentina to join Boca Juniors' squad led by coach Fernando Gago. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to his continued performance after establishing his foothold in international football.
The excitement surrounding Lucas Blondel's debut and performance with the Swiss national team marks a new chapter in his career, where he balances his roots with his ambition on the international stage. As he navigates this new experience, his journey will undoubtedly be followed closely by fans both in Switzerland and Argentina.
