History of Club América in Timeline

Club América, a professional football club based in Mexico City, is a prominent team in Liga MX. Founded in 1916 and nicknamed Las Águilas, it's owned by Televisa since 1959. América plays its home games at the Estadio Azteca, one of the world's largest stadiums.

October 1916: Club América Name and Crest Designed

On 12 October 1916, the football squads Récord and Colón consolidated to form a more competitive team, named "América", suggested by Pedro Quintanilla. The crest, featuring a map of the Americas with 'C' and 'A', and the team's colors, navy blue and yellow, were also designed.

1916: Club América accepted into the Mexican Football League

In 1916, Club América proved itself to the Mexican Football League, then known as the Primera Fuerza, winning two of three required games and tying the third to gain acceptance as the only club in Mexico City with Mexican-born players.

1916: Club América Founded

In 1916, Club América was founded as a professional football club based in Mexico City, later nicknamed Las Águilas (The Eagles).

1916: First Club President

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

1916: Club América's Founding and Original Crest

In 1916, when Club América was founded, the crest consisted of an overlapped 'C' and 'A' for "Club" and "América".

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 Presidency

In 1920, Florencio Domínguez ended his term as the first club president of Club América, having served since 1916.

1924: Club América wins their first Primera Fuerza title

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

1926: Club América becomes the 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 as the head coach of the Mexico national team

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: Club América players represent Mexico 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 in the club's history, serving less than a year as president.

1942: Establishment of the Liga Mayor

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

1945: Rivalry with Guadalajara intensifies

During the 1945–1946 season, the rivalry with Guadalajara intensified as Guadalajara beat América by 6–4 and 4–2 scorelines.

1946: Rivalry with Guadalajara intensifies

During the 1945–1946 season, the rivalry with Guadalajara intensified as Guadalajara beat América by 6–4 and 4–2 scorelines.

1951: América finishes in 11th place

During the 1951–1952 season, América finished in 11th place out of 12, with a 3-point-advantage over Veracruz.

1951: Cantinflas Named Honorary President

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

1952: América finishes in 11th place

During the 1951–1952 season, América finished in 11th place out of 12, with a 3-point-advantage over Veracruz.

1954: América defeats Guadalajara in Copa México final

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: América wins National Cup titles

In 1956, the new owner was trying to build upon the club's National Cup titles in 1954 and 1955 against Guadalajara.

1955: América wins National Cup titles

In 1956, the new owner was trying to build upon the club's National Cup titles in 1954 and 1955 against Guadalajara.

1956: Club América sold to Jarritos

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

July 1959: Emilio Azcárraga Milmo buys Club América

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

1959: Club América acquired by Televisa

In 1959, Club América was acquired by mass media company Televisa.

1959: Acquisition by Emilio Azcárraga Milmo

In 1959, media mogul Emilio Azcárraga Milmo bought Club América from Issac Bessudo, marking a shift that would contribute to the club's dual reputation as both one of the most popular and most hated teams.

1959: América reached second place in the league

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

1960: América reached second place in the league

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

1961: Guillermo Cañedo de la Bácerna Becomes President

In 1961, Guillermo Cañedo de la Bácerna became the club's longest-serving president.

July 1962: First Clásico Capitalino

On July 1, 1962, Club América hosted UNAM in the first match of the "Clásico Capitalino". UNAM had recently been promoted from the second division. This match is often seen as a representation of the struggle between the establishment/wealthy (América) and the intellectuals/middle-class (UNAM).

April 1964: América wins Copa México

On 21 April 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: América wins Mexican Copa championship

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

May 1966: Inauguration of Estadio Azteca

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

1966: Shared Home Ground

In 1966, Club América began sharing Estadio Azteca as its home ground with the Mexico national football team. Other clubs like Necaxa and Atlante also used the stadium as their home at times, starting in 1966.

1966: Inaugural match at Estadio Azteca

In 1966, Italian club Torino served as Club América's first opponent at the Estadio Azteca.

1967: Universidad Nacional Uses Estadio Azteca

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

1968: Estadio Azteca hosts the Summer Olympics

In 1968, Estadio Azteca hosted the Summer Olympics.

1969: Universidad Nacional stops using Estadio Azteca

In 1969, Universidad Nacional stopped using Estadio Azteca as their home ground after having used it since 1967.

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: Atlético Español Uses Estadio Azteca

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

1970: Estadio Azteca hosts the FIFA World Cup

In 1970, Estadio Azteca hosted the FIFA World Cup.

1971: América wins second league title

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

1971: Cruz Azul Uses Estadio Azteca

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

1972: América faced Cruz Azul in the final

For 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: América defeats Cruz Azul in Copa México final

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

1975: América finishes in first place during 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.

1975: Estadio Azteca hosts the Pan American Games

In 1975, Estadio Azteca hosted the Pan American Games.

1976: América wins championship against Universidad de Guadalajara

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: América wins CONCACAF Champions' Cup

In 1978, 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: América wins Copa Interamericana

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

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

In 1981, Guillermo Cañedo de la Bácerna ended his term as the club's longest-serving president, having served since 1961.

1981: The Águilas Nickname

In 1981, Televisa undertook a rebranding and media campaign that led to Club América being nicknamed the Águilas (Eagles).

1982: Change in Team Colors

In 1982, Club América's team colors changed, with the cream color being replaced by a more vibrant yellow and blue. The inverted triangle design was also introduced on the shirt.

1982: Necaxa and Atlante Use Estadio Azteca

In 1982, both Necaxa and Atlante were using Estadio Azteca as their home ground. Necaxa had been using the stadium since 1966 and would continue to do so until 2003, while Atlante had also been using it since 1966 and would continue to do so until 1982.

1983: América wins league title

During the 1980s, América won the league title five times, including three consecutive titles; the 1983–84 season, the 1984–85 season, the Prode-85 tournament, the 1987–88 and 1988–89 seasons.

1983: Estadio Azteca hosts the FIFA World Youth Championship

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

1983: América reaches the finals against Guadalajara

In the 1983–1984 season, América reached the top of the table and reached the finals, where they would face arch-rivals Guadalajara, who the previous season had eliminated América in the semi-finals.

1984: América wins league title

1984: América defeats Guadalajara in the finals

Following a 2–2 draw at the Estadio Jalisco in the 1983-1984 season, América defeated Guadalajara in the Azteca Stadium 3–1, and a 5–3 aggregate score to win the championship. The series has since been dubbed the "Final del Siglo".

1985: América meets UNAM in the final

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: América wins Prode-85 tournament

Due to Mexico hosting the 1986 World Cup, the tournament was split in two short tournaments: Prode-85 and Mexico-86. América clinched the top of their group in the Prode-85 and defeated Jaibos Tampico Madero to win the championship.

1986: Estadio Azteca hosts the FIFA World Cup

In 1986, Estadio Azteca hosted the FIFA World Cup.

1987: América wins Mexican Super Cup and CONCACAF Champions' Cup

During the 1980s, América won the Mexican Super Cup twice, in 1987–88 and 1988–89, as well as the 1987 CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

1987: América defeats UNAM in the final

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.

1988: América wins Mexican Super Cup

During the 1980s, América won the Mexican Super Cup twice, in 1987–88 and 1988–89, as well as the 1987 CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

1990: América wins CONCACAF Champions' Cup and Copa Interamericana

During the 1990s, América won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup and the Copa Interamericana in 1990.

1991: América loses to UNAM in the final

During the 1990–1991 season, América reached the playoffs and eliminated Universidad de Guadalajara and Guadalajara to reach the final, only to lose to UNAM.

1992: América wins CONCACAF Champions' Cup

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

1994: Leo Beenhakker hired as manager

In 1994, club president Emilio Diez Barroso announced the hiring of Dutch manager Leo Beenhakker. The club also signed François Omam-Biyik and Kalusha Bwalya, among other players.

1996: Atlante and Cruz Azul Use Estadio Azteca

In 1996, Atlante and Cruz Azul were using Estadio Azteca as their home ground. Atlante had been using the stadium since 1966, while Cruz Azul had been using it since 1971.

1998: América participates in the Copa Libertadores tournament

In 1998 América, along with Guadalajara, became the first Mexican club to participate in the Copa Libertadores tournament. América qualified to the next round finishing in third place, being eliminated by Argentine club 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: Estadio Azteca hosts the FIFA Confederations Cup and Pope John Paul II

In 1999, 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: América wins CONCACAF Giants Cup

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 their home ground after having used it since 1966, 1982 and 1996.

2001: Named Best North American Club of the Decade

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.

2002: Manuel Lapuente's 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 their home ground after having used it since 1966 and 1982.

2004: Atlante Returns to Estadio Azteca

In 2004, Atlante started using Estadio Azteca again as their home ground, after having used it from 1966 to 1982, and then again from 1996 to 2001.

2005: América wins tenth league title

During the Clausura 2005 tournament, América secured their tenth league title by defeating Tecos UAG in the final with a 7–4 aggregate score.

April 2006: CONCACAF Champions' Cup Victory

In April 2006, Club América defeated Toluca to win the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, qualifying for the FIFA Club World Cup. At the Club World Cup, América won against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, lost to FC Barcelona, and lost the third-place match to Al Ahly.

2007: IFFHS Club World Ranking

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

2007: Atlante leaves Estadio Azteca again

In 2007, Atlante stopped using Estadio Azteca as their home ground, after having used it from 1966 to 1982, from 1996 to 2001 and then again from 2004 to 2007.

2007: Clausura Runners-up

In 2007, Club América qualified for the Clausura playoffs, defeating Atlas and Guadalajara to reach the final, where they finished as runners-up against Pachuca.

2007: Apertura Elimination

In the Apertura of 2007, América had a poor start, leading to Luis Fernando Tena being replaced by Daniel Brailovsky as manager. After finishing sixth in the general standings, América was eliminated from the playoffs by Morelia.

2008: Qualification for Copa Libertadores

Club América had qualified for the Copa Libertadores for the first time since 2008.

2008: Poor Clausura Performance and Copa Libertadores Run

During the Clausura tournament in 2008, América finished next-to-last in the general standings. However, they performed well in the Copa Libertadores, reaching the semi-finals before being eliminated by LDU Quito.

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.

2010: Apertura 2010

For the Apertura in 2010, Manuel Lapuente returned as manager, and with the signings of Vicente Matías Vuoso and Vicente Sánchez, América finished first in their group and fourth overall, qualifying for the playoffs and the 2011 Copa Libertadores. They were eliminated in the semi-finals by Santos Laguna.

2010: Crest Modification

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

September 2011: Carlos Reinoso Sacked

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

2011: Copa Libertadores Qualification

In 2011, América automatically qualified for Copa Libertadores.

2011: Estadio Azteca hosts the FIFA U-17 World Cup Final

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

2011: Named Best North American Club of the Decade

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.

April 2013: Club América Website Archived

In April 2013, the Club América website was archived at the Wayback Machine.

May 2013: Eleventh League Title

On May 26, 2013, América won their eleventh league title, defeating Cruz Azul in the Clausura final. They tied Guadalajara for the most league titles.

December 2013: Most Popular Club

In December 2013, according to a survey by the newspaper Reforma, América was the country's most popular club with 25 percent in a nationwide survey, and the most popular in Mexico City.

December 2013: Antonio Mohamed Announced as New Manager

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

2014: Most Popular Mexican Club in Asia

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

2014: Clausura Elimination

In 2014, América finished fifth in the standings and was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Santos Laguna.

2014: Record Twelfth League Title

In 2014, América won a record-twelfth league title, defeating Tigres UANL in the final. Shortly after, Gustavo Matosas was announced as the new manager.

February 2015: Most Popular Club

In February 2015, a poll by Consulta Mitofsky named América as the most popular club with 31.1 percent of the population being supporters, more than rivals Guadalajara (17.9) and Cruz Azul (12.7) combined.

April 2015: CONCACAF Champions League Title

In April 2015, Club América won its sixth CONCACAF Champions League title, defeating Montreal Impact in the finals.

April 2016: CONCACAF Champions League Title Defense

In April 2016, América successfully defended the CONCACAF Champions League title, defeating Tigres UANL to win a record seventh continental title.

May 2016: Dark Red Away Kit

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

2016: Most Supported Team

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

2016: 'Historic Players' Chosen for Centenary Celebrations

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

2017: Most Supported Team

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

2018: Thirteenth League Title

In 2018, América won its record thirteenth league title with a victory over Cruz Azul in the Apertura final.

2018: Second Most Supported Team

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

2018: Cruz Azul returns to Estadio Azteca

In 2018, Cruz Azul started using Estadio Azteca again as their home ground, after having used it from 1971 to 1996.

April 2019: Copa MX Title

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

2019: Outright Record Winner

From 2019, 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 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, Club América is the ninth most popular team in the U.S., the only non-European in the top ten, and the only one from Latin America.

2021: Apertura 2021

During the 2021 Apertura, Club América led the table, but faced elimination, losing 3-1 on aggregate to UNAM.

2021: Named Best North American Club of the Decade

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.

2022: Consecutive semi-finals Qualification

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: Consecutive semi-finals Qualification

During the 2023 Clausura, América managed to qualify consecutively to the semi-finals, only to face elimination against Guadalajara.

2023: Fourteenth League Title

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

2023: Cruz Azul stops using Estadio Azteca again

In 2023, Cruz Azul stopped using Estadio Azteca as their home ground, after having used it from 1971 to 1996 and then again from 2018 to 2023.

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 for the first time in the club's history.

June 2025: Most Supported and Most Hated Team

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

2025: Losses in Playoffs

In 2025, after a previous defeat Club América would also fail to qualify for 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, losing to LAFC. Later they would lose again to Toluca in the 2025 Campeón de Campeones.