The Los Angeles (LAFC) team paid homage to Juan Gabriel, with fans displaying a banner of the Divo de Juárez in the stands on June 1 during a match at BMO Stadium, marking the beginning of Pride Month.
Music transcends borders, bridging cultural divides and uniting people regardless of language. Juan Gabriel became an international icon with his music, leaving a lasting legacy not only in Mexico but also in the United States, thanks to the shared border culture. This cultural impact extends to sports, as demonstrated by LAFC’s tribute during an MLS match.
LAFC’s Tribute to Juan Gabriel Through Fans
During the match at BMO Stadium, the Los Angeles team caused a stir on social media by unveiling a tifo featuring Juan Gabriel’s image. The banner bore the message “Let’s go LA to win,” adorned with the team’s logo in the colors of the LGBT+ Pride flag, along with the number 3252, representing the institution’s supporters’ group.
While Juan Gabriel never openly identified as part of the LGBT+ community, he famously responded to inquiries about his sexuality with the iconic phrase, “What you see, you don’t ask about.” Subsequently, he became a symbol of the community’s struggle for acceptance, earning recognition for his support of individuals who refuse to be discriminated against based on their preferences.
Los Angeles Football Club joined the MLS’s inclusion campaign, using Juan Gabriel’s image to represent the LGBT+ community. This gesture not only made a positive impact within the stadium but also resonated beyond borders, reaching Mexico through social media. Users expressed pride in seeing such an important figure as the Divo de Juárez being acknowledged.
Other Juan Gabriel’s Tributes at different sports
This isn’t the first time that a sports team or athlete has honored the singer and songwriter known for hits like “Así Fue” and “Abrázame muy fuerte.” In 2022, Bravos de Ciudad Juárez, a team from his hometown, paid tribute to him by wearing jerseys inspired by one of his characteristic black and gold outfits worn during a concert at the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Figure skater Donovan Carillo also paid tribute to Juan Gabriel in 2016 by incorporating one of his songs into his routine. Carillo, whose love for the singer was instilled by his grandmother and mother from a young age, performed to “Hasta que te conocí” during a skating routine.
Originating from Ciudad Juárez and known as the creator of the “Noa Noa Style,” AAA wrestler Pagano dedicated a tweet to Juan Gabriel, dedicating one of his matches to the singer after his passing. The tweet featured an animated photo of the Divo de Juárez with Pagano’s characteristic face paint, honoring the memory of the singer: “I dedicate tonight to the Divo de Juárez, the true Noa Noa. Your brilliance always in our minds. Viva Juárez!!!” Pagano wrote, paying homage to the singer-songwriter.
