As fans jump to their feet and Tito Villalba thrusts his fist in the air after a scorching strike, it’s impossible to ignore the forward’s elaborate sleeve of tattoo art. But the ink that decorates his right arm is more than skin-deep.
On his tricep lies the Saint Benedict Medal, a Christian sacramental symbol reminding Villalba of his close relationship with God. He made the decision to get the tattoo in 2013 after he and his San Lorenzo team were crowned Champions of the Argentine Primera División – a feat he says was faith-driven.
Next to the medallion on Villalba’s upper arm is another religious illustration – the face of Jesus Christ and his heart. Highly valuing his faith and officially getting it in 2015, he claims this is his favorite of all his tattoos.
However, on the back of his forearm lies something just as important – the name of his Mother, Juana, and her birth date inscribed in Roman numerals.
Angels, doves, stars and roses adorn the remainder of his forearm – a continuation of his Jesus tattoo from 2015. As a whole, it’s taken 16 hours already but with some open space still left, the masterpiece isn’t quite finished yet.
He’s had all his tattoo work done by the same artist back home at a local shop called Mandiga Tattoos – a place renowned in all of Argentina. As Villalba returns to his native country for offseason, there’s no doubt he’ll be stopping by that same shop in Buenos Aires to complete his sleeve of inspiration.
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