Adolfo “Adolfito” Cambiaso: Pain, Glory, and a Gold Cup Legend

The final of the prestigious British Open Polo Championship – Cowdray Gold Cup this past weekend had it all: drama, family triumph, and the sheer willpower of a living legend. But what turned it from remarkable into unforgettable was this — Adolfo Cambiaso, widely considered the greatest polo player of all time, won the Gold Cup with three broken fingers.

Yes, you read that right.

In the closing stages of the match, Cambiaso was involved in a fierce collision with Nicolás Pieres. He hit the ground hard. And although visibly in pain, he refused to leave the game immediately. Only two minutes before the final whistle did he step off the field, allowing a penalty shot that almost cost his team the match.

But they held on — La Dolfina/Scone edged out French team Kazak 9–8. And Cambiaso, in excruciating pain, became the heart of one of the most inspiring wins the sport has seen in years.

Gold Cup Glory: A Victory Written in History

1. Ninth Gold Cup Title – A New Record

At 50 years old, Cambiaso secured his ninth Gold Cup win, making him the most decorated Argentinian in the tournament's history.

2. Father & Daughter Make History

This wasn’t just another title for Cambiaso. It was the first-ever time a father and daughter won the Cowdray Gold Cup together. Mía Cambiaso, just in her early twenties, delivered a spectacular performance, earning the MVP award and the Best Playing Pony title for her mare, DS Altamira.

3. A Golden Family

Adolfo won his first Gold Cup back in 1991. Now, more than three decades later, he’s won it with both his children — Poroto in 2020, and now Mía in 2025. There’s no question: the Cambiasos are polo royalty.

Hero in Recovery – What’s Next?

Despite his injury, Adolfo is not done. He’s already in rehab and focused on returning for Argentina’s upcoming Triple Crown tournaments. It’s still unclear how long the recovery will take — three broken fingers on the hitting hand is no small thing — but if anyone can defy the odds, it’s Cambiaso.

Final Thoughts – Pain, Pride & Pure History

• Adolfo Cambiaso once again proved why he's a living legend: skill, grit, and heart in equal measure.

• Mía Cambiaso is writing her own legacy — and doing it on the world’s biggest stages.

• The team of La Dolfina/Scone gave us a story full of emotion, adrenaline, and family pride.

This was more than just a victory — it was a legacy moment. And with the Cambiasos, it seems that history is a family tradition.

picture : credit Adolfo Cambiaso