History of Club América in Timeline

Club América is a professional soccer team based in Mexico City, competing in Liga MX. Founded in 1916 and nicknamed Las Águilas, it is owned by Televisa since 1959. The team's home stadium is Estadio Azteca, one of the largest stadiums in the world.

October 1916: Club América Founded

In October 1916, college students from Colegio Mascarones and Colegio Marista de la Perpetua consolidated their football teams to form a more competitive squad. They named the team "América" and designed a crest featuring the map of the Americas.

1916: Club América Joins Primera Fuerza

In 1916, Club América had to prove itself to the Mexican Football League, then known as the Primera Fuerza. América won two games, tied the third and were accepted.

1916: Club América Founded

In 1916, Club América was founded and its initial crest featured the letters 'C' and 'A' for "Club" and "América," respectively.

1916: Florencio Domínguez First Club President

In 1916, Florencio Domínguez became Club América's first president, serving until 1920.

1918: Team Name Changed to Club Centro Unión

In 1918, the team changed its name to Club Centro Unión, though it would revert to using the name América only two years later.

1920: End of Florencio Domínguez's Term

In 1920, Florencio Domínguez finished his term as Club América's first president.

1924: First Primera Fuerza Title

In the 1924–25 season, América won their first Primera Fuerza title, defeating Asturias 1–0 in the deciding match, marking a significant achievement for the club.

1926: First Mexican Club to Play Outside Mexico

In 1926, América became the first Mexican club to play outside of Mexico. Aside from broadening their horizons, Club América, along with Atlante petitioned to reduce the number of foreign players in the league.

1928: Rafael Garza Gutiérrez Designated Head Coach of Mexico National Team

In 1928, Rafael Garza Gutiérrez was designated as the head coach of the Mexico national team. Most of the national team that participated in the 1928 Summer Olympics consisted of players from Club América.

1930: Club América Players Dominate National Team for World Cup

In 1930, most of the Mexico national team that participated in the 1930 World Cup consisted of players from Club América, highlighting the club's influence on Mexican football.

1940: Filiberto Zapata's Short Term

In 1940, Filiberto Zapata served the shortest term in the club's history, serving less than a year as president of Club América.

1942: Establishment of Liga Mayor

In 1942–43, the first National League was established and it was known as the Liga Mayor (Major League). During this time, Club América had declined from its prime.

1945: Rivalry with Guadalajara Born

During the 1945–1946 season, the rivalry with Guadalajara was born; especially when Guadalajara beat América by 6–4 and 4–2 scorelines.

1946: Guadalajara Beats América

During the 1945–1946 season Guadalajara beat América by 6–4 and 4–2 scorelines, contributing to the birth of the rivalry.

1951: Cantinflas Named Honorary President

In 1951, actor and comedian Cantinflas was named Honorary President of Club América.

1951: América Finishes 11th Place

The 1951–1952 season saw América finish in 11th place out of 12, with a 3-point-advantage over Veracruz, who were relegated.

1952: América Finishes 11th Place

The 1951–1952 season saw América finish in 11th place out of 12, with a 3-point-advantage over Veracruz, who were relegated.

1954: Copa México Victory

In 1954, América defeated rivals Guadalajara on penalties after a 0–0 draw in the Copa México final, thus winning their first league cup.

1954: National Cup Titles

In 1954, the new owner was trying to build upon the club's National Cup titles.

1955: National Cup Titles

In 1955, the new owner was trying to build upon the club's National Cup titles.

1956: Club Sold to Jarritos

In 1956, the club was sold to soft drink manufacturer Jarritos, signaling a change in ownership and management.

July 1959: Emilio Azcárraga Milmo Buys América

On July 22, 1959, Emilio Azcárraga Milmo, owner of Telesistema Mexicano, bought América from Isaac Bessudo, marking a new era for the club under Televisa's ownership.

1959: Acquisition by Emilio Azcárraga Milmo

In 1959, Club América was bought by media mogul Emilio Azcárraga Milmo, marking the beginning of the club's distinction as both one of the most popular and most hated teams.

1959: Club América Owned by Televisa

Since 1959, Club América has been owned by mass media company Televisa. This acquisition marked a significant shift in the club's management and direction.

1959: América Reaches Second Place in League

The 1959–1960 season saw América reach second place in the league, behind Guadalajara.

1960: América Reaches Second Place in League

The 1959–1960 season saw América reach second place in the league, behind Guadalajara.

1961: Guillermo Cañedo de la Bácerna President

In 1961, Guillermo Cañedo de la Bácerna began his term as president of Club América, serving until 1981.

July 1962: First Clásico Capitalino Match

On July 1, 1962, Club América and Club Universidad Nacional played their first match, known as the "Clásico Capitalino", with América hosting UNAM.

April 1964: Copa México Victory

On April 21, 1964, América defeated Monterrey 6–5 in the final match of the Copa México, securing another championship for the club.

May 1965: América Regains Mexican Copa Championship

On May 7, 1965, América regained the Mexican "Copa" championship after a 4–0 victory over Morelia at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

May 1966: Estadio Azteca Inauguration

On May 29, 1966, the Estadio Azteca was inaugurated with a match between Club América and Torino, ending in a 2–2 tie.

1966: Inaugural Match at Estadio Azteca

In 1966, Italian club Torino was Club América's first opponent at Estadio Azteca for the stadium's inaugural match.

1966: Shared Home Ground

Since 1966, the Estadio Azteca has been the shared home ground for Club América and the Mexico national football team.

1967: Universidad Nacional home ground at Estadio Azteca

From 1967-1969 Universidad Nacional shared Estadio Azteca as their home ground

1968: Hosted 1968 Summer Olympics

In 1968, the Estadio Azteca hosted the Summer Olympics.

1969: Universidad Nacional home ground at Estadio Azteca

From 1967-1969 Universidad Nacional shared Estadio Azteca as their home ground

1970: Change in League Tournament Format

After Mexico hosted the 1970 FIFA World Cup, the league tournament format was changed in response to the championship's disputed winners, hence the Liguilla (play-offs) format was started.

1970: Atletico Espanol home ground at Estadio Azteca

From 1970-1982 Atletico Espanol shared Estadio Azteca as their home ground

1970: Hosted 1970 FIFA World Cup

In 1970, the Estadio Azteca hosted the FIFA World Cup.

1971: Cruz Azul home ground at Estadio Azteca

From 1971-1996 and 2018-2023 Cruz Azul shared Estadio Azteca as their home ground

1971: Second League Title

In 1971, América obtained their second league title after winning the second-leg 2–0 at the Estadio Azteca against Toluca.

1972: Final Against Cruz Azul

In the 1988–89 season, América once again reached the league final and faced Cruz Azul, which was the first time the two clubs met in the final since 1972.

1973: Copa México Final Victory

In 1973, América defeated Cruz Azul in the Copa México final, adding another title to their achievements.

1975: Hosted 1975 Pan American Games

In 1975, the Estadio Azteca hosted the Pan American Games.

1975: Finished in First Place

In the 1975–1976 season, América finished in first place during the 1975–1976 season, and defeated Tecos UAG and Union de Curtidores in the quarter-finals and semi-finals to reach the final against Universidad de Guadalajara.

1976: Championship Title and Campeón de Campeones Title

In 1976, América won the championship after beating UDG in the Jalisco Stadium 3–0 and 1–0 at the Estadio Azteca. They also won the Campeón de Campeones title by beating Tigres UANL 2–0.

1977: Won CONCACAF Champions' Cup

In 1977, América also became the first confederation side to earn the "double" in a single year as it won the delayed 1977 CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

1978: Copa Interamericana Championship

In 1978, América won the Copa Interamericana against Boca Juniors. América became the first team from Mexico and from the CONCACAF region to win the competition.

1981: End of Guillermo Cañedo de la Bácerna's Term

In 1981, Guillermo Cañedo de la Bácerna finished his term as president of Club América.

1981: Águilas Nickname Introduced

In 1981, the Águilas (Eagles) nickname was introduced to Club América through a rebranding and media campaign undertaken by Televisa.

1982: Necaxa home ground at Estadio Azteca

From 1982 to 2003, Necaxa shared Estadio Azteca as their home ground

1982: Kit Colors Changed

In 1982, Club América's team colors shifted as the original cream color was replaced with a more vibrant yellow and blue, along with the addition of the inverted triangle design on the shirt.

1983: League Title

During the 1980s, América won the league title in the 1983–84 season, contributing to their "golden decade".

1983: Hosted 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship

In 1983, the Estadio Azteca hosted the FIFA World Youth Championship.

1983: Finals Against Guadalajara

In 1983-1984 season, América reached the top of the table and reach the finals, where they would face arch-rivals Guadalajara, Following a 2–2 draw at the Estadio Jalisco, América defeated Guadalajara in the Azteca Stadium 3–1, and a 5–3 aggregate score.

1984: League Title

During the 1980s, América won the league title in the 1984–85 season, contributing to their "golden decade".

1984: Championship Victory Against Pumas UNAM

In 1984-1985 season, América once again reached the finals against city-rivals Pumas UNAM. The last game was played in the Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro, where Daniel Brailovsky secured the championship for América by scoring two goals with the final score of 3–1.

1985: Previous Final

In the 1987–88 season, América met UNAM in the final, in a replay of the 1985 final.

1986: Prode-85 Tournament Victory

Due to Mexico hosting the 1986 World Cup, América clinched the top of their group in the Prode-85 and defeated Universidad de Guadalajara and Atlante to reach the final, where they faced Jaibos Tampico Madero and won the championship.

1986: Hosted 1986 FIFA World Cup

In 1986, the Estadio Azteca hosted the FIFA World Cup.

1987: CONCACAF Champions' Cup Win

As winners of the 1987 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, América was set to face Peñarol, winners of the 1987 Copa Libertadores, in the 1988 edition of the Copa Interamericana.

1987: Mexican Super Cup and CONCACAF Champions' Cup Wins

During the 1980s, América won the Mexican Super Cup in 1987–88 and the 1987 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, marking significant achievements.

1987: Victory Against UNAM

In the 1987–88 season, América defeated UNAM by an aggregate score of 4–2.

1988: League Title and Mexican Super Cup Wins

During the 1980s, América won the league title and the Mexican Super Cup in 1988–89, continuing their success.

1988: Copa Confraternidad Win and Suspension

In 1988, América won the Copa Confraternidad against Peñarol. América was subsequently fined and handed a two-year suspension from CONCACAF.

1989: Suspension from CONCACAF

In 1989, América could not participate in the 1989 Champions' Cup, for which they had qualified as winners of the 1988–89 Mexican league season due to suspension.

1990: CONCACAF Champions' Cup and Copa Interamericana Wins

During the 1990s, América won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1990 and the 1990 Copa Interamericana, adding to their international achievements.

1991: Reached playoffs

During the 1990–1991 season, América dominated its group and reached the playoffs to eliminate Universidad de Guadalajara in the quarter-final round and Guadalajara in the semi-final round, only to reach the final and lose to UNAM.

1992: CONCACAF Champions' Cup Win

During the 1990s, América won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1992.

1994: Hiring of Leo Beenhakker and signing of new players

In 1994, Club América president Emilio Diez Barroso announced the hiring of Dutch manager Leo Beenhakker. The club also signed Cameroon international François Omam-Biyik and Zambia national team captain Kalusha Bwalya, along with Mexican players such as Joaquín del Olmo and Raúl Gutiérrez. Despite a strong season, Beenhakker was fired before the end of the season and the team lost in the semi-finals.

1996: Atlante home ground at Estadio Azteca

From 1966-1982, 1996-2001, and 2004-2007 Atlante shared Estadio Azteca as their home ground

1998: Copa Libertadores Tournament Participation

In 1998, América participated in the Copa Libertadores tournament for the first time, along with Guadalajara. América advanced from the qualifying stage to Group 3, where they competed against Guadalajara, Grêmio, and Vasco da Gama. América qualified for the next round, but were eliminated by River Plate.

April 1999: Establishment of La Monumental

In April 1999, La Monumental was established as the first barra brava officially recognized by Club América.

1999: Hosted 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup

In 1999, the Estadio Azteca hosted the FIFA Confederations Cup.

October 2000: Creation of Disturbio

In October 2000, Disturbio was created as an affiliate group of La Monumental.

August 2001: CONCACAF Giants Cup Victory

In August 2001, América won the CONCACAF Giants Cup, defeating D.C. United 2–0.

2001: Atlante home ground at Estadio Azteca

From 1966-1982, 1996-2001, and 2004-2007 Atlante shared Estadio Azteca as their home ground

2001: Start of the Decade Recognized by IFFHS

In 2001, marked the beginning of the decade later recognized when América was named by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics as the best North American club for the period of 2001-2011.

2002: League Title under Manuel Lapuente

In 2002, Manuel Lapuente led Club América to a league title.

2003: End of Necaxa's run at Estadio Azteca

In 2003, Necaxa stopped using Estadio Azteca as their home ground

2004: Atlante home ground at Estadio Azteca

From 1966-1982, 1996-2001, and 2004-2007 Atlante shared Estadio Azteca as their home ground

2005: Clausura 2005 League Title

In 2005, América won the Clausura tournament, securing their tenth league title. They defeated Tecos UAG in the final with a 7–4 aggregate score.

April 2006: CONCACAF Champions' Cup Win and FIFA Club World Cup Participation

In April 2006, América won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup by defeating Toluca, qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup. At the tournament, América won against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors but lost to FC Barcelona and Al Ahly, finishing fourth.

2007: IFFHS Club World Ranking

In 2007, América was ranked tenth in the IFFHS's Club World Rankings, becoming the first Mexican club to reach the top ten.

2007: Atlante home ground at Estadio Azteca

In 2007, Atlante stopped using Estadio Azteca as their home ground

2007: Runners-up in Clausura 2007

In 2007, after the Club World Cup, América reached the final of the Clausura tournament, defeating Atlas and Guadalajara in the quarter and semi-finals. They finished as runners-up to Pachuca.

2007: Managerial Change and Elimination from Playoffs

In 2007, during the Apertura tournament, Luis Fernando Tena was sacked due to a poor start, replaced by Daniel Brailovsky. América failed to qualify for the playoffs after being beaten by Morelia.

2008: Qualification for the Copa Libertadores tournament

In 2008 Club América qualified for the Copa Libertadores tournament.

2008: InterLiga Tournament Victory

In 2008, América won the InterLiga tournament, defeating Cruz Azul 5–3 on penalties after a 3–3 draw, thus qualifying for the Copa Libertadores tournament.

2008: Poor Clausura Tournament and Copa Libertadores Performance

In 2008, during the Clausura tournament, América finished next-to-last in the general standings, marking their third-straight tournament without qualifying for the playoffs. However, they performed well in the Copa Libertadores, reaching the semi-finals before being eliminated by LDU Quito.

2010: Return of Manuel Lapuente and Playoff Qualification

For the Apertura 2010, América brought back manager Manuel Lapuente and signed Vicente Matías Vuoso and Vicente Sánchez. They finished fourth in the general standings, qualifying for the playoffs and the 2011 Copa Libertadores. They were eliminated in the semi-finals by Santos Laguna.

2010: Crest Modification

In 2010, Club América's crest underwent its most recent modification, featuring more vibrant yellow and blue colors, along with a darker outline and border.

September 2011: Sacking of Carlos Reinoso

On September 18, 2011, Carlos Reinoso was sacked as manager of Club América. Alfredo Tena took over as interim manager.

2011: End of the Decade Recognized by IFFHS

2011 marked the end of the decade later recognized when América was named by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics as the best North American club for the period of 2001-2011.

2011: 95th Anniversary Commemorative Jersey Unveiled

During the Apertura 2011 tournament, coinciding with Club América's 95th anniversary, a commemorative jersey was revealed as a tribute to the original uniform, alongside an altered crest.

2011: Qualification for the 2011 Copa Libertadores

In 2011, Club América automatically qualified for the 2011 Copa Libertadores.

2011: Hosted 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup Final

In 2011, the Estadio Azteca hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup Final.

April 2013: Source: Club América Archived

In April 2013, the Club América webpage was archived.

May 2013: Eleventh League Title

On May 26, 2013, América won their eleventh league title by defeating Cruz Azul in the Clausura final 4–2 on penalties.

December 2013: Most Popular Club in Mexico

In December 2013, a Reforma newspaper survey indicated that Club América was the most popular club in Mexico, with 25 percent support nationwide.

December 2013: Appointment of Antonio Mohamed as Manager

On December 17, 2013, Antonio Mohamed was announced as América's new manager for the Clausura 2014 tournament.

2014: Most Popular Mexican Club in Asia

A 2014 study by EuroAmericas Sports Marketing ranked Club América as the most popular Mexican club in Asia.

2014: Elimination in Quarter-Finals

In 2014, América finished fifth in the standings and was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Santos Laguna due to the away-goals rule.

2014: Record-Twelfth League Title

In 2014, América won their record-twelfth league title after defeating Tigres UANL 3–1 on aggregate in the final. Gustavo Matosas was announced as Mohamed's successor.

February 2015: Most Popular Club in Mexico

In February 2015, a poll by Consulta Mitofsky named Club América as the most popular club in Mexico, with 31.1 percent of the population as supporters.

April 2015: Sixth CONCACAF Champions League Title

In April 2015, Club América won its sixth CONCACAF Champions League title, defeating Montreal Impact in the finals by a 5–3 aggregate score.

April 2016: CONCACAF Champions League Title Defense

In April 2016, América successfully defended the CONCACAF Champions League title, defeating Tigres UANL 4–1 on aggregate in the finals, winning a record seventh continental title.

May 2016: Dark Red Away Kit Revealed

In May 2016, as part of Club América's centenary, a dark red away kit was revealed to honor Italian club Torino, who were Club América's first opponent at Estadio Azteca in the 1966 inaugural match.

2016: 'Historic Players' Selection

As part of Club América's centenary celebrations in 2016, a public vote via the club's website was taken to select 'Historic Players'.

2016: Most Supported Team

In 2016, Club América was the most supported team in the country.

2017: Most Supported Team

In 2017, Club América was the most supported team in the country.

2018: Cruz Azul home ground at Estadio Azteca

From 1971-1996 and 2018-2023 Cruz Azul shared Estadio Azteca as their home ground

2018: Thirteenth League Title

In 2018, América secured its record thirteenth league title following a 2–0 aggregate victory over Cruz Azul in the Apertura final.

2018: Second Most Supported Team

In 2018, Club América fell to second behind Guadalajara in terms of support in Mexico.

April 2019: Copa MX Title

In April 2019, América defeated FC Juárez to win the Copa MX, securing a record sixth title.

2019: Outright Record Winner

From 2019 to 2025, Club América held the distinction of being the outright record winner of its domestic league, cup competition, and confederation.

2019: Regained Top Spot

In 2019, Club América regained the top spot as Mexico's most supported team, doubling the amount of Guadalajara supporters for the first time.

2020: Ninth Most Popular Team in the U.S.

According to a 2020 survey by Gilt Edge Soccer Marketing, Club América is the ninth most popular team in the U.S.

2021: Elimination in Quarter-Finals against UNAM

In 2021, América led the table during the Apertura but faced elimination in the quarter-finals, losing 3–1 on aggregate to UNAM.

2021: América Named Best North American Club (2001-2011)

In 2021, América was named by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics as the best North American club of the first decade (2001–2011) of the 21st century, recognizing their performance and achievements.

2022: Semi-Final Elimination in the Clausura

From the 2022 Clausura onwards, América managed to qualify consecutively to the semi-finals, only to face eliminations against Pachuca.

2023: Cruz Azul home ground at Estadio Azteca

In 2023, Cruz Azul stopped using Estadio Azteca as their home ground

2023: 14th League Title

In 2023, under manager André Jardine, América won a record-extending 14th title by defeating Tigres UANL in the Apertura finals.

2023: Semi-Final Elimination in the Clausura

In the 2023 Clausura, América faced elimination in the semi-finals against Guadalajara.

2024: Back-to-Back Liga MX Titles

In 2024, América successfully defended the title after defeating Cruz Azul in the Clausura finals, winning back-to-back Liga MX titles.

2024: Club América Floated on Mexican Stock Exchange

In 2024, Club América became the first football club to be floated on the Mexican Stock Exchange (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores), marking a significant financial milestone.

2024: Formation of Ollamani

In 2024, Ollamani was formed after Televisa spun off their sports and gambling operations, including América.

May 2025: Club América Valued at US$770 Million

According to Sportico, as of May 2025, Club América is valued at US$770 million, making it one of the most valuable clubs in North America.

June 2025: Most Supported and Hated Team

As of June 2025, Club América is Mexico's most supported team with 21 percent and the most hated with 46.2 percent.

December 2025: Partnership between Ollamani and General Atlantic

On December 23, 2025, Ollamani announced a partnership with General Atlantic, forming Grupo Águilas to manage Club América. Ollamani retains a 51% stake, while General Atlantic holds 49%.

2025: Outright Record Winner

From 2019 to 2025, Club América held the distinction of being the outright record winner of its domestic league, cup competition, and confederation.

2025: Losses in Campeón de Campeones and FIFA Club World Cup Playoffs

In 2025 Club America lost to Toluca 1-3 in the Campeón de Campeones and would fail to qualify for 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, losing to LAFC 2-1 in the playoffs.