From Rosario to the Bantams: The Journey of Ivo Soboleosky
It began as an unexpected fascination and blossomed into a remarkable connection between an Argentine football fan and a historic English club. Ivo Soboleosky, a native of Rosario—the same city that has given the world Lionel Messi—found his allegiance shifting from South America’s footballing fervor to the heart of West Yorkshire.
Soboleosky’s chronicle with Bradford City, which could easily script a sports docudrama, began with a moment of serendipity. In 2015, he found himself captivated by Bradford City's extraordinary 4-2 victory against Chelsea in the FA Cup—a victory that not only defied odds but also created a profound impact on Soboleosky. “I was watching the Chelsea v Bradford game and I hated Mourinho because of Messi,” he recalls, his passion for football tangled with personal team loyalties. “When a third division team beat the top of the Premier League, I was buzzing and wanted to know more about them.”
Fast forward to May 2022, when Soboleosky embarked on a pilgrimage to West Yorkshire to witness Bradford City in action first-hand. His stay, initially planned as a short visit, extended into a three-month residence. During his sojourn, the Bantams thrived, chalking up an impressive series of home victories. The matches seemed to play in harmony with the allure of a good fortune charm—an accolade that fans respectfully bestowed upon Soboleosky. “I was here for three months between December and March and we had a very good run of results where we were winning every game we played,” Soboleosky reflects, his reminiscence underlined by the warmth of the fans’ acceptance.
His departure from the UK coincided ominously with a dip in Bradford City's form, a slump disappointingly noted by observant supporters. Fans, some of whose devotion bordered on theatrical, surmised that Soboleosky’s presence carried far more gravitas than mere coincidence. “The fans started calling me the good luck charm, and when I went home we started losing games,” states Soboleosky with a blend of humility and humor. “One of the fans worked out the points per game and said we should do a GoFundMe for this guy to get him back for the last two games.”
In an inspiring show of solidarity and community spirit often only romanticized in sports narratives, the fans initiated a crowdfunding campaign. Gathering £1,500, they enabled Soboleosky’s return for the critical climactic matches, a gesture that left him both grateful and speechless. “I thank them so much. I don’t have words enough for not only paying for the trip but all the messages they have sent me on my social media accounts. I don't think I deserve them,” Soboleosky expresses, his gratitude boundless.
As the season’s finale approached, Bradford City geared up to face Fleetwood Town, harboring aspirations of promotion—a fitting conclusion to a season painted with drama and suspense. Through victory and defeat, the spirit of the Bantams depicted the unpredictable yet unifying beauty of the sport. Soboleosky’s tale is a reminder that football’s reach extends beyond the pitch, carving connections that transcend cultures and continents.
The essence of Bradford City’s season and Soboleosky’s involvement is more than just statistics or results; it’s a reflection of football’s power to forge affinities and recount stories that last a lifetime. As the Bantams marched towards their season’s pivotal moments, they did so with not just a team or fans behind them, but with an entire narrative piecing together hope, serendipity, and the indomitable spirit of community.