The Oscar-nominated actor, known globally for his intense dedication to his craft, is a true cultural hybrid, possessing American and Danish citizenships, fluency in multiple languages, and a deep passion for the arts.
However, what sets him apart from most Hollywood elite is his singular, fervent devotion to Argentine football—specifically, the Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro. His love for “El Ciclón” is an enduring part of his identity, perfectly blending his artistic complexity with an authentic, working-class loyalty.
Childhood in Argentina
Mortensen’s lifelong allegiance to San Lorenzo is rooted in his childhood. Due to his Danish father’s business, he spent a significant portion of his youth living in Argentina, where he attended school and became fluent in Spanish. He lived in the country from the age of three until he was eleven. It was during this formative period that he was swept up in Argentina’s intense football culture, choosing San Lorenzo as his team for life.
San Lorenzo in Hollywood
The actor’s fanatism for “El Cuervo”, San Lorenzo’s nickname, is not a quiet affair. Mortensen is famous for incorporating subtle and not-so-subtle nods to the club into his highly visible Hollywood life. He has often been seen wearing the team’s shield or a jersey on red carpets and at major international film festivals, including the Oscars. For San Lorenzo fans, this passionate display has made him arguably one of the club’s most famous and far-reaching supporter.
One of the most famous anecdotes about his dedication occurred during the 2008 Academy Awards, where he was nominated for Eastern Promises. Mortensen reportedly had a San Lorenzo flag concealed beneath his tuxedo. , planning to dramatically unfurl it on stage had he won. Though he did not win the award that night, the story became a legend, showcasing the depth of his devotion to the team over Hollywood protocol.
The actor frequently incorporates subtle references to San Lorenzo, including red and blue elements in his attire and discreet gestures that reflect his support for the club.
Mortensen has often found ingenious ways to pay homage to his beloved club through his art. In a famous scene from the Oscar-winning film Green Book (2018), which earned him a Best Actor nomination, attentive fans spotted a subtle but clear tribute: the initials C.A.S.L.A. (Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro) were discreetly carved into a wall behind his character in a hotel room, a quiet Easter egg for his fellow Cuervo.
In May 2014, Viggo Mortensen attended the Cannes Film Festival and proudly displayed a San Lorenzo flag in celebration of the team’s championship victory in the 2013 Argentine Primera División.
At that same event, he also convinced his co-stars to hold up a sign that read “Queremos la Copa” (“We want the Cup”), referencing San Lorenzo’s campaign to win the Copa Libertadores — South America’s most prestigious club tournament. San Lorenzo went on to win the title later that year.