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.
Viggo Mortensen attends the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards at the Santa Monica Pier on February 25, 2017 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Film Independent)
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.
Viggo Mortensen attends a match at Estadio Pedro Bidegain, San Lorenzo’s home stadium
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.
U.S. actor Viggo Mortensen attends the ‘Alatriste’ photocall at St Regis Hotel on June 18, 2007 in Rome, Italy. He shows a flag of the Argentinan soccer team San Lorenzo de Almagro, which recently won the soccer campionship. (Photo by Elisabetta Villa /Getty Images)
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.
Actor Viggo Mortensen poses at the Governor’s Ball following the 80th Annual Academy Awards, held at The Highlands on February 24, 2008 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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.
Actor Viggo Mortensen arrives to the 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton on January 16, 2006 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Actor Viggo Mortensen attends the Goya Cinema Awards ceremony on January 28, 2007 at the Palacio de Congresos in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)
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.
Actor Viggo Mortensen and director Lisandro Alonso attend the “Jauja” photocall at the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2014 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
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.
Actors Esteban Bigliardi, Viggo Mortensen, Ghita Norby, Director Lisandro Alonso, actress Viilbjork Malling Agger and screenwriter Fabian Casas attend the “Jauja” Premiere at the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2014 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
