History of Club América in Timeline

Club América is a professional football club based in Mexico City, Mexico, competing in Liga MX. Founded in 1916, it is nicknamed Las Águilas. Since 1959, it has been owned by Televisa, a mass media company. They play their home games at Estadio Banorte, one of the largest stadiums in Latin America.

October 1916: Team Consolidation and Naming

On October 12, 1916, two football squads, Récord and Colón, made up of college students from Colegio Mascarones and Colegio Marista de la Perpetua decided to consolidate to make a more competitive squad, and formed the Club América, a name suggested by Pedro "Cheto" Quintanilla.

1916: Acceptance into the Mexican Football League

In 1916, Club América, the only club in Mexico City with Mexican-born players, had to prove itself to the Mexican Football League by winning three games to be accepted.

1916: Club América Founded

In 1916, Club de Fútbol América, also known as Club América, was founded in Mexico City and competes in Liga MX, the top tier of Mexican football.

1916: First Club President

In 1916, Florencio Domínguez became the first club president of Club América, serving until 1920.

1916: Club América Crest Creation

In 1916, when Club América was founded, the crest consisted of the letter 'C', standing for "Club", overlapped by an 'A', which stood for "América".

1918: Name Change to Club Centro Unión

In 1918, the team temporarily changed its name to Club Centro Unión.

1920: End of Florencio Domínguez's Presidency

In 1920, Florencio Domínguez's presidency of Club América ended.

1924: First Primera Fuerza Title

In the 1924–25 season, Club América won their first Primera Fuerza title, defeating Asturias 1–0 in the deciding match.

1926: First Mexican Club to Play Outside of Mexico

In 1926, Club América became the first Mexican club to play outside of Mexico.

1928: Rafael Garza Gutiérrez Designated Mexico National Team Coach

Shortly after the Mexican Football Federation was formed in 1928, Rafael Garza Gutiérrez was designated as the head coach of the Mexico national team.

1930: Players in the World Cup

In 1930, most of the Mexico national team that participated in the 1930 World Cup consisted of players from Club América.

1940: Filiberto Zapata's Short Term

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

1942: Liga Mayor Establishment

In 1942–43, the first National League, known as the Liga Mayor (Major League), was established in Mexico.

1945: Rivalry with Guadalajara Intensified

In the 1945–1946 season, the rivalry between Club América and Guadalajara intensified, marked by Guadalajara winning with scorelines of 6–4 and 4–2.

1946: Rivalry with Guadalajara Intensified

In the 1945–1946 season, the rivalry between Club América and Guadalajara intensified, marked by Guadalajara winning with scorelines of 6–4 and 4–2.

1951: 11th Place Finish

During the 1951–1952 season, América finished in 11th place out of 12 teams.

1951: Cantinflas Named Honorary President

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

1952: 11th Place Finish

During the 1951–1952 season, América finished in 11th place out of 12 teams.

1954: Campeón de Campeones Championship

During the 1954–55 season, América won their first Campeón de Campeones championship, defeating Zacatepec 3–2.

1954: Copa México Victory

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

1955: Campeón de Campeones Championship

During the 1954–55 season, América won their first Campeón de Campeones championship, defeating Zacatepec 3–2.

1956: Club Sold to Jarritos

In 1956, Club América was sold to soft drink manufacturer Jarritos.

July 1959: Acquisition by Emilio Azcárraga Milmo

On July 22, 1959, Emilio Azcárraga Milmo, owner of Telesistema Mexicano, bought Club América from Isaac Bessudo.

1959: Acquisition by Emilio Azcárraga Milmo

In 1959, media mogul Emilio Azcárraga Milmo bought Club América from Issac Bessudo. This acquisition led to the club becoming one of the most popular and most hated teams in Mexico.

1959: Second Place in the League

In the 1959–1960 season, América reached second place in the league, behind Guadalajara.

1959: Televisa Ownership

Since 1959, Club América has been owned by mass media company Televisa.

1960: Second Place in the League

In the 1959–1960 season, América reached second place in the league, behind Guadalajara.

1961: Guillermo Cañedo de la Bácerna's Presidency Begins

In 1961, Guillermo Cañedo de la Bácerna began his term as club president, the longest in Club América's history, serving until 1981.

July 1962: First Clásico Capitalino

On July 1, 1962, the first match between Club América and Club Universidad Nacional, known as the "Clásico Capitalino", took place. América hosted UNAM, who had recently been promoted from the second division.

April 1964: Copa México Victory

On April 21, 1964, América, coached by Alejandro Scopelli, defeated Monterrey 6–5 in the final match of the Copa México at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

May 1965: 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 1966, the Estadio Azteca was inaugurated with a match between América and Torino, ending in a 2–2 draw. Arlindo Dos Santos scored the first goal, followed by José Alves. The President of Mexico, Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, made the initial kick, witnessed by FIFA President Sir Stanley Rous.

1966: Estadio Azteca Shared Home Ground

In 1966, Club América began sharing the Estadio Azteca as its home ground with the Mexico national football team, and Necaxa and Atlante also started using the stadium as their home at different times.

1966: Estadio Azteca Inaugural Match

In 1966, the Italian club Torino functioned as the club's first opponent at the Estadio Azteca inaugural match.

1967: Universidad Nacional Uses Estadio Azteca

In 1967, Universidad Nacional started using Estadio Azteca as home ground.

1968: 1968 Summer Olympics

In 1968, the Estadio Azteca hosted the Summer Olympics.

1969: Universidad Nacional Leaves Estadio Azteca

In 1969, Universidad Nacional stopped using Estadio Azteca as home ground.

1970: League Tournament Format Changed

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

1970: Atlético Español Uses Estadio Azteca

In 1970, Atlético Español started using Estadio Azteca as home ground.

1970: 1970 FIFA World Cup

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

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.

1971: Cruz Azul Uses Estadio Azteca

In 1971, Cruz Azul started using Estadio Azteca as home ground.

1972: League Final Against Cruz Azul

For the 1988-89 season, América faced Cruz Azul in the league final, for the first time since 1972, winning the championship by a 5–4 aggregate score.

1973: Copa México Victory

In 1973, América defeated Cruz Azul in the Copa México final.

1975: First Place Finish

During the 1975–1976 season, América finished in first place and reached the final against Universidad de Guadalajara.

1975: 1975 Pan American Games

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

1976: Championship and Campeón de Campeones Title

In 1976, América won the championship against UDG in the Jalisco Stadium and also won the Campeón de Campeones title by beating Tigres UANL 2–0.

1977: CONCACAF Champions' Cup Win

In 1978, América won the delayed 1977 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, earning the "double" in a single year.

1978: Copa Interamericana Win

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

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

In 1981, Guillermo Cañedo de la Bácerna's term as club president of Club América ended.

1981: Águilas Nickname Introduced

In 1981, The Águilas (Eagles) nickname was the result of a rebranding and media campaign undertaken by Televisa. Along with a new kit and color scheme, the Águilas nickname was introduced at a press conference held by the club at the Estadio Azteca.

1982: Necaxa and Atlante Use Estadio Azteca

In 1982, Necaxa continued using Estadio Azteca as home ground, Atlante stopped using Estadio Azteca as home ground.

1982: Team Colors Changed

In 1982, the team colors changed, with the cream color replaced with a more vibrant yellow and blue, along with the introduction of the inverted triangle design on the shirt.

1983: League Title

During the 1983–84 season, América won the league title.

1983: 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship

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

1983: Finals Against Guadalajara

In the 1983–1984 season, América reached the finals and faced arch-rivals Guadalajara, defeating them 3–1 in the Azteca Stadium with a 5–3 aggregate score, in what has been dubbed the "Final del Siglo" ("Final of the Century").

1984: League Title

During the 1983–84 season, América won the league title.

1984: Finals Against Guadalajara

1985: Final Against UNAM

For the 1987–88 season, América met UNAM in the final, in a replay of the 1985 final. They defeated UNAM by an aggregate score of 4–2.

1986: Prode-85 Championship

Due to Mexico hosting the 1986 World Cup, América clinched the top of their group in the Prode-85 and defeated Jaibos Tampico Madero 4-0 at the Azteca Stadium to win the championship.

1986: 1986 FIFA World Cup

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

1987: Victory Over UNAM

For the 1987–88 season, América met UNAM in the final, in a replay of the 1985 final. They defeated UNAM by an aggregate score of 4–2.

1987: Mexican Super Cup & CONCACAF Champions' Cup

In 1987-88, Club América won the Mexican Super Cup as well as the 1987 CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

1988: Mexican Super Cup Title

In 1987–88 and 1988–89, América won the Mexican Super Cup twice.

1990: CONCACAF Champions' Cup & Copa Interamericana

In 1990, América won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup and the Copa Interamericana.

1991: Lost to UNAM

During the 1990–1991 season, América lost in the final to UNAM.

1992: CONCACAF Champions' Cup

In 1992, América won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

1994: Hiring and Signing of New Players

In 1994, Emilio Diez Barroso announced the hiring of Dutch manager Leo Beenhakker as well as the signing of François Omam-Biyik, Kalusha Bwalya, Joaquín del Olmo, and Raúl Gutiérrez.

1996: Atlante and Cruz Azul Use Estadio Azteca

In 1996, Atlante and Cruz Azul continued using Estadio Azteca as home ground.

1998: Copa Libertadores Tournament Participation

In 1998, América, along with Guadalajara, became the first Mexican club to participate in the Copa Libertadores tournament.

April 1999: Establishment of La Monumental

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

1999: 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup and Papal Visit

In 1999, the Estadio Azteca hosted the FIFA Confederations Cup and welcomed Pope John Paul II.

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 after defeating MLS club D.C. United 2–0.

2001: Atlante Leaves Estadio Azteca

In 2001, Atlante stopped using Estadio Azteca as home ground.

2001: Best North American Club of the Decade

In 2021, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics recognized Club América as the best North American club for the decade spanning from 2001 to 2011.

2002: Manuel Lapuente Led the Club to the League Title

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

2003: Necaxa Leaves Estadio Azteca

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

2004: Atlante Returns to Estadio Azteca

In 2004, Atlante returned to using Estadio Azteca as home ground.

2005: Tenth League Title

During the Clausura 2005 tournament, América won their tenth league title, defeating Tecos UAG 7–4 on aggregate.

April 2006: CONCACAF Champions' Cup Victory

In April 2006, Club América won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup by defeating Toluca, a fellow Mexican team. This victory qualified them for the FIFA Club World Cup later that year.

2007: Apertura Tournament

For the Apertura 2007, after starting off the season on a poor run, Luis Fernando Tena was sacked, and was replaced by Daniel Brailovsky. After finishing third in their group and sixth in the general standings, América played Morelia for the last spot in the playoffs, being beaten 3–0 in the first-leg, and winning 1–0 in the second-leg. With this, América was eliminated from the competition.

2007: IFFHS Club World Rankings

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

2007: Clausura Runners-Up

In 2007, América qualified for the playoffs of the Clausura, defeating Atlas and Guadalajara in the quarter and semi-finals, before ultimately finishing as runners-up in the final against Pachuca.

2007: Atlante Leaves Estadio Azteca Again

In 2007, Atlante stopped using Estadio Azteca as home ground again.

2008: Clausura Tournament Performance

In 2008, América ended the Clausura tournament in next-to-last place in the general standings, marking their worst performance since the mid-1950s. Despite poor domestic form, América fared well in the Copa Libertadores, defeating Flamengo 3–0 in the round-of-16 and reaching the semi-finals.

2008: Copa Libertadores Qualification

In 2008, Club América qualified for the 2011 Copa Libertadores.

2008: InterLiga Tournament Victory

In 2008, Club América won the InterLiga tournament by defeating Cruz Azul 5–3 on penalties in the final, assuring qualification to the Copa Libertadores tournament that year.

2010: Apertura Tournament Performance

For the Apertura 2010, América finished the tournament in first place of Group 2, fourth in the general standings, with 27 points. With this, they would advance to the playoffs, and automatically qualify for the first time since 2008 for the 2011 Copa Libertadores.

2010: Crest Modification

In 2010, the crest of Club América underwent its most recent modification, featuring more vibrant yellow and blue colors and a darker outline and border.

September 2011: Reinoso Sacked as Manager

On September 18, 2011, Carlos Reinoso was sacked as manager of América. Alfredo Tena was named as the interim manager after Reinoso's departure.

2011: Commemorative Jersey Unveiled

During the Apertura 2011 tournament – the club's 95th anniversary – a commemorative jersey was unveiled paying homage to the original uniform, as well as an altered crest. The uniform was used during the Súper Clásico match against Guadalajara.

2011: Copa Libertadores Qualification

In 2011, Club América qualified for the Copa Libertadores.

2011: 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup Final

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

2011: Best North American Club of the Decade

In 2021, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics recognized Club América as the best North American club for the decade spanning from 2001 to 2011.

April 2013: Club América Archived Source

Club América's official website was archived on April 20, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.

May 2013: Eleventh League Title Victory

On May 26, 2013, Club América won their eleventh league title by defeating Cruz Azul in the Clausura final with a score of 4–2 on penalties, after a dramatic comeback from a 0–1 first-leg loss to win 2–1 in the second-leg, tying 2–2 on aggregate.

December 2013: Most Popular Club in Mexico

In December 2013, newspaper Reforma reported that América was the most popular club in Mexico with 25 percent in a nationwide survey, also being the most popular in Mexico City.

December 2013: Mohamed Announced as New Manager

On December 17, 2013, Antonio Mohamed was announced as the new manager of Club América for the Clausura 2014 tournament, replacing Miguel Herrera after two years in charge.

2014: Most Popular Mexican Club in Asia

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

2014: Record-Twelfth League Title Victory

In 2014, Club América finished at the top of the general standings in the Apertura tournament. On December 14, América won a record-twelfth league title after defeating Tigres UANL 3–1 on aggregate in the final. Three days later, Gustavo Matosas was announced as Mohamed's successor, signing a two-year contract.

2014: Quarter-Final Elimination

In 2014, Club América finished fifth in the standings and was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Santos Laguna due to the away-goals rule after drawing 6–6 on aggregate.

February 2015: Most Popular Club

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

April 2015: Sixth CONCACAF Champions League Title

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

April 2016: CONCACAF Champions League Title

In April 2016, Club América successfully defended the CONCACAF Champions League title after 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 the club's centenary, a dark red away kit was revealed honouring Italian club Torino.

2016: Centenary Celebrations and Historic Players Vote

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

2016: Most Supported Team

In 2016, America was the country's most supported team.

2017: Most Supported Team

In 2017, America was the country's most supported team.

2018: Second Most Supported Team

In 2018, America fell to second behind Guadalajara as the country's most supported team.

2018: Apertura Title Victory

In 2018, América secured their thirteenth league title after defeating Cruz Azul with a 2–0 aggregate score in the Apertura final.

2018: Cruz Azul Returns to Estadio Azteca

In 2018, Cruz Azul returned to using Estadio Azteca as home ground.

April 2019: Copa MX Title

In April 2019, Club América won the Copa MX Clausura edition, defeating FC Juárez, an Ascenso MX side, in the final. With this win, América reached a record of six titles and became the outright record holders of the Liga MX, Copa MX, and CONCACAF Champions League.

2019: Outright Record Winner

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

2019: Regained Top Spot

In 2019, América regained the top spot as the most supported team with 32 percent, 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, América is the ninth most popular team in the U.S., the only non-European and Latin American team in the top ten.

2021: Apertura Elimination

During the 2021 Apertura, América led the table but faced elimination in the same phase again, losing 3–1 on aggregate to UNAM.

2021: Best North American Club

In 2021, Club 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.

2022: Semi-Final Eliminations

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

2023: Cruz Azul Leaves Estadio Azteca

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

2023: Apertura Title Victory

In 2023, under new manager André Jardine, Club América finished first in the Apertura standings. They defeated Tigres UANL 4–1 on aggregate in the finals to win their 14th title, ending a five-year league drought for the club.

2023: Semi-Final Elimination

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

2024: Clausura Title Victory and Finals Appearance

In 2024, América successfully defended their title by defeating Cruz Azul in the Clausura finals, achieving back-to-back Liga MX titles for the first time since the introduction of the playoff format, and becoming the fourth club to do so under the format. They also became the first team to achieve this feat after topping the standings of both Apertura and Clausura championships. Later in December, América defeated Monterrey 3–2 on aggregate in the Apertura finals to win their 16th league title, and become the first side to win three Liga MX titles in a row in the short-tournament era. The following Clausura saw América make an unprecedented fourth consecutive appearance in the finals, though they lost to Toluca 2–0 on aggregate.