New England Revolution forward Gustavo Bou quickly won the hearts of supporters after joining the squad in July 2019. With only the latter half of last year under his belt, he captured the attention of MLS by finishing fifth in 2019 MLS Newcomer of the Year voting. Here are five fast facts about the Argentine that you may not know.
1) La Pantera
Bou is nicknamed “La Pantera,” which translates to “The Panther” in English. Bou gained this nickname long before his time with the Revs, but his fierce skills on the field live up to the “La Pantera” name. In an interview with the Revs in 2019, Bou compared his play on the pitch directly to a panther because he's always ready to pounce on any opportunity.
“The panther does not leave, it hides.” – Gustavo Bou, La Pantera
Not to mention, Bou has a giant panther tattoo on his arm to add to the intrigue.
2) Lasting First Impression
The Argentine forward made his debut on July 17, 2019 at Gillette Stadium against the Vancouver Whitecaps. It was only 45 minutes into Bou's first start that he notched his inaugural goal with the Revs.
It was a purely magical moment. Carles Gil lobbed his corner to the top of the box, perfectly placed for Bou to run onto it. As Bou met Gil’s service on the full volley, he launched his effort past powerless Vancouver goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The jaw-dropping strike left the Gillette Stadium crowd in awe.
3) Lethal Legs
Bou scored nine goals in just 14 appearances after joining the Revs midway through the 2019 season. What’s even more impressive than La Pantera’s sheer numbers, is the versatility in the types of ways he hits the back off the net.
Whether it’s long distance, close range, with his right foot, left foot, or his head, Bou puts himself in positions to be lethal and convert scoring opportunities.
Head coach Bruce Arena joked after Bou intercepted a pass from Fire defender Francisco Calvo and unleashed a left-footed rocket into the upper corner from 20 yards, "that was his bad foot.”
4) Best Buds
Bou and Diego Fagundez have truly become best friends since Bou’s arrival. The duo rooms together on road trips, which is in part how they developed such a close friendship. Fagundez mentioned on the Far Post Podcast just how close they have become, and that they are looking to do a fishing trip soon.
5) Broadcaster Bou
Bou may already have another career lined up once his professional soccer journey has come to an end. While away on preseason in Portland, La Pantera went wild grabbing the Revs mic to interview his pal Fagundez.
It was a high quality interview too!
