Simone Biles—gymnastics legend, mental health advocate, inspiration to millions—recently visited Buenos Aires. But this wasn’t just another stop on a celebrity tour. Her presence in Argentina carries deeper meaning: sport, healing, inspiration, and connection. And yes, she had a very special moment with Edinson Cavani that people are still talking about. Let’s dive into all the reasons why this visit matters—and what made the Cavani encounter so memorable.
Why Simone Biles Chose Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires – Capital Mundial del Deporte 2027
One big reason Simone came to Argentina is tied to Buenos Aires being named Capital Mundial del Deporte 2027.
This title isn’t just symbolic: it’s a promise. A promise of inclusion, of youth development, of leveraging sport to bring people together. Simone’s role in this is to help bring that promise to life.
Motive #1 – “El Poder de Creer” (The Power of Believing)
Simone gave a motivational talk titled “El poder de creer” (“The Power of Believing”) in Buenos Aires. It wasn’t about medals or perfection—it was about what it means to believe in yourself, especially when everything else seems stacked against you.
She shared her journey, her mental health struggles (including the infamous twisties in Tokyo 2020), and how aligning physical and mental health became critical for her successes, especially in Paris 2024.
Motive #2 – Inspiring Young Athletes
Part of her agenda was a gymnastics clinic for young talents at Villa Soldati, Park Olímpico, Estadio Mary Terán de Weiss.
This wasn’t a photo-op. It was hands-on. Teens and young gymnasts had the chance to see Simone in action, to learn, to ask questions, to be inspired. That’s exactly the sort of legacy investment Buenos Aires seems to want from its status as World Sports Capital.
Motive #3 – Mental Health & Resilience
Simone’s voice outside gymnastics—her openness about mental health struggles—is part of what made her arrival so important. In Tokyo she withdrew from events when things became psychologically dangerous. She’s been very clear: athletes are human.
Her message in Buenos Aires reinforced that. That setbacks are part of the journey. That vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s strength. That lesson connects with everyone, not just elite athletes.
Key Events of Her Argentine Agenda
Day 1 – Official Welcome & Honor
When Simone arrived, she was declared “Huésped de Honor” (Honorary Guest) by the Government of Buenos Aires. Jorge Macri, head of government, received her with official honors in Parque Patricios.
That same day she delivered her motivational speech, surrounded by sports figures, government officials, coaches, and young athletes.
Day 2 – Gymnastics Clinic for Youth
The next day, Simone and her coach Laurent Landi held a gymnastics clinic for local young talent. The clinic was free, open via prior registration, and held in a historic sports venue.
It was a hands-on opportunity: techniques, drills, mindset. Local gymnasts could see how a champion operates—not just the routines, but the work, the breakdowns, the fears.
Cultural & Social Engagements
Simone also toured the city’s highlights—La Boca, the Obelisco, more. She didn’t come just for sport: she came to connect, explore, and share.
Her talk touched on her childhood, being adopted, her relationships with adversity, tattoos, personal reminders, etc., which made her more relatable.
The Meeting with Edinson Cavani
Who Is Edinson Cavani Here
Edinson Cavani, famous Uruguayan footballer playing for Boca Juniors, is a star in Argentina. Wearing the iconic Boca colors, #10, he carries weight in sport and community.
His presence at Simone’s event added a cross-sport dimension to the moment. It showed how sport can unite: gymnastics and football, USA and Argentina, individual struggle and team pride.
The Gift – Boca #10 Jersey
At the end of Simone’s motivational talk, Cavani presented her with a signed, dedicated Boca Juniors jersey bearing the number 10. A symbolic gift. Not just a souvenir but a gesture of respect, union, and local culture.
Simone reportedly received it with warmth and gratitude. It wasn’t forced or staged—it felt authentic.
Symbolism of the Encounter
What does it mean? Several things:
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Cross-discipline respect: A world-class gymnast being honoured by a legendary footballer. Two different sports, same values of discipline, sacrifice, excellence.
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Cultural bridge: Boca Juniors is a global brand. Cavani bringing the Boca jersey to Simone is like sharing a piece of what sport means in Argentina.
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Inspiration & humility: Simone, despite her enormous achievements, connects with the crowd. Cavani, despite his fame, sees value in recognizing her story. It sends the message: greatness respects greatness—and compassion.
Broader Implications
For Argentina’s Sports Culture
Simone’s visit amplifies awareness around mental health in sports and the necessity of nurturing athletes not just physically but emotionally.
It helps young athletes believe that vulnerability isn’t the enemy, that they can seek help, that mental breaks aren’t a sign of failure. That’s a shift in mindset with long-term power.
For Simone Biles
This trip reinforces Simone’s role beyond gymnastics: she is a messenger. Her journey, her advocacy, her resilience—it’s part of her legacy now. This visit shows she wants impact, not just trophies.
It may also inform her future, including potential participation in Los Angeles 2028—though she hasn’t confirmed competition yet.
For Fans & the Public
For regular people and fans, seeing this synergy of sport, culture, humility, and passion is inspiring. Simone tells her story. Cavani gives a gift. The city gives honor. Youth see real presence. It’s more than spectacle—it’s substance.
Key Takeaways
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Simone Biles visited Buenos Aires primarily as part of Buenos Aires Capital Mundial del Deporte 2027, to give motivational talk, lead clinic for youth, and promote mental health.She spoke of her vulnerabilities, career highs and lows, especially Tokyo’s twisties, and mental health journey.
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Edinson Cavani’s encounter and jersey gift: symbolic, heartfelt, bridging sport and country.
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The visit had official recognition: “Huésped de Honor,” government welcome, large public engagement.
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For many, this visit isn’t just a moment. It’s a message: belief, resilience, mental health, youth empowerment matter as much as medals.
Conclusion
Simone Biles’s visit to Argentina transcended the usual celebrity stop. She came as an icon, yes—but also as a human being who has navigated darkness to reclaim her story. She came to share, to teach, to connect. For Buenos Aires, her presence bolsters a city that has mapped out sport as a path to inclusion, pride, and global relevance. And in the moment with Edinson Cavani—the gift of the Boca jersey—we saw how gestures can tie worlds together: sport, identity, admiration. At the end of the day, believing in yourself—and others—still might be the greatest power we have.
FAQs
Q1: When did Simone Biles arrive in Buenos Aires and how long is her visit?
A: She arrived around October 6, 2025, and her official agenda spans a few days (roughly mid-October 6 to 10) during which she is giving talks, holding clinics, and touring the city.
Q2: What is the significance of “El Poder de Creer”?
A: It’s the title of her motivational speech in Buenos Aires. In English, “The Power of Believing”. The phrase encapsulates her message: self-belief, mental health, overcoming adversity. Not just for athletes, but for anyone facing challenges.
Q3: What is a “clinica de gimnasia” and who is it for?
A: A gymnastics clinic is a hands-on training session. In this case, Simone and her coach are working with young gymnasts in Buenos Aires—teaching technique, mindset, skills. It’s aimed at local youth interested in gymnastics.
Q4: Why did Edinson Cavani give Simone Biles a Boca Juniors jersey, and why #10?
A: Cavani gave her a signed Boca #10 jersey as a gesture of respect and connection. The number 10 is iconic both in Boca Juniors and in football more broadly. It’s a symbol of leadership and importance. The act signified recognition from local football culture to a visiting global sports icon.
Q5: Is Simone Biles planning to compete in the 2028 Olympics?
A: As of her visit to Argentina, she has not confirmed whether she will compete in Los Angeles 2028. She mentioned she might participate in some way, whether competing or being part of the movement, but made it clear that her decisions will involve mental and physical readiness.
