History of Cruz Azul in Timeline

Cruz Azul is a professional football club based in Mexico City, Mexico, competing in Liga MX. Founded in 1927 in Jasso, Hidalgo, it relocated to Mexico City in 1971. The club has undergone several name changes, most recently in 2022, becoming Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V. Currently, they play their home matches at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario since 2025 due to renovations at their usual home, Estadio Azteca, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their headquarters are located in La Noria, Xochimilco.

1923: Carlos Garcés López played for Mexico's national team

In 1923, Carlos Garcés López, who later played a crucial role in Cruz Azul's formation, played for Mexico's national team in its first official matches.

1925: Initial Plan for a Baseball Team

In 1925, the cooperative initially planned to form a baseball team, but Carlos Garcés López advocated for football.

March 1927: Referendum selects Football

On March 22, 1927, a referendum was held in which football was selected as the company's official sport, leading to the establishment of Cruz Azul.

May 1927: Cruz Azul Formally Established

On May 22, 1927, Cruz Azul was formally established with Carlos Garcés López as its first manager, marking the official beginning of the football club.

1927: Cruz Azul Founded

In 1927, Club de Futbol Cruz Azul was founded in Jasso, Hidalgo, marking the beginning of the professional football club.

1927: Club Founding and Symbolism

In 1927, Cruz Azul was founded, and its crest reflected the club's core identity. The blue cross, white circle, and red square symbolized the club's heritage and connection to Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, representing unity, resilience, and teamwork.

1928: Carlos Garcés López in the Olympic squad

In 1928, Carlos Garcés López was part of Mexico's Olympic squad.

March 1931: Acquired by La Tolteca

On March 1, 1931, the cooperative faced bankruptcy and was acquired by cement company La Tolteca for 1 million pesos.

October 1931: Workers Prevent Transfer of Property

On October 15, 1931, workers unionized and sued to prevent the transfer of the property to La Tolteca, anticipating the liquidation of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul.

May 1932: Workers Become Collective Owners

On May 21, 1932, the governor of Hidalgo decreed the 192 workers of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul as collective owners of the plant.

1932: Cruz Azul Wins League Titles

From 1932 to 1943, Cruz Azul won 15 consecutive league titles in a local amateur league in the state of Hidalgo.

January 1934: Company Reestablishes as a Cooperative

On January 29, 1934, the company changed its name to Cooperativa Manufacturera de Cemento Portland La Cruz Azul, S.C.L., reestablishing itself as a cooperative.

1937: Cruz Azul Gains Following in Hidalgo and Mexico City

By 1937, Cruz Azul had garnered a considerable following both in Hidalgo and Mexico City, during which Guillermo Álvarez Macías began playing as a midfielder for the team.

November 1941: Debt Settled, Match Against Real España

On November 2, 1941, the debt was settled 10 years after workers took ownership, and Cruz Azul organized a match against Real España to celebrate, ending in a 0–0 draw.

1943: Cruz Azul Wins League Titles

From 1932 to 1943, Cruz Azul won 15 consecutive league titles in a local amateur league in the state of Hidalgo.

December 1953: Álvarez Macías Appointed General Manager

On December 10, 1953, Guillermo Álvarez Macías was appointed general manager of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, aiming to transform it into a functioning town and invest in cultural and recreational activities, including the football club.

1958: Lobbying for Federation Membership

In 1958, club captain Luis Velázquez Hernández lobbied the Mexican Football Federation for official membership, meeting with Paulino Sánchez, Joaquín Soria Terrazas, and Ignacio Trelles, despite reservations from Álvarez Macías.

1960: Acquisition of Lafayette and Stadium Plans

In 1960, Lafayette was purchased by Cruz Azul to serve as its reserve side and plans were conceived to construct a club stadium.

1960: Invited to Compete in Copa de la Segunda División

In the 1960-61 edition, Cruz Azul was invited to compete in the Copa de la Segunda División de México, despite not possessing federation membership.

April 1961: Debut Game in Copa de la Segunda División

On April 2, 1961, Cruz Azul played its debut game in Jasso against Zamora in the Copa de la Segunda División de México, winning 2–1, followed by a 3-3 draw on April 9.

1961: Registered to Compete in Second-Tier League

In 1961, Cruz Azul was officially registered to compete in Mexico's second-tier professional league for the 1961–62 season and the town of Jasso, Hidalgo, was renamed to Ciudad Cooperativa Cruz Azul.

1961: Jorge Marik Appointed Head Coach

In 1961, Jorge Marik was appointed as head coach of Cruz Azul.

1961: Construction of Estadio 10 de Diciembre Begins

In 1961, construction began on Estadio 10 de Diciembre to comply with the standards set by the Mexican Football Federation.

1963: Estadio 10 de Diciembre Completed

In 1963, Estadio 10 de Diciembre was completed, meeting the standards set by the Mexican Football Federation.

1963: Cruz Azul Earned Promotion

In the 1963-64 season, Cruz Azul earned direct promotion to the Primera División by finishing first in the Segunda División season.

March 1964: Estadio 10 de Diciembre Undergoes Renovations

On March 6, 1964, Estadio 10 de Diciembre underwent renovations, including rebuilding the wooden stands and dressing rooms, to comply with top-flight regulations.

1964: Move to Estadio 10 de Diciembre

In 1964, Cruz Azul moved to Estadio 10 de Diciembre in Jasso, Hidalgo, which served as the club's home stadium.

1964: Emblem Refinement

In 1964, Cruz Azul refined its emblem, adopting a rounder design that included the full name, Club Deportivo Cruz Azul. This change presented a more formal image while keeping the iconic cross as its focal point.

1965: Debut in Mexican Primera División

In the 1964-65 season, Cruz Azul debuted in the Mexican Primera División and finished in 8th place.

October 1966: Raúl Cárdenas Appointed Head Coach

On October 20, 1966, Raúl Cárdenas was appointed as head coach of Cruz Azul.

1968: Cruz Azul Wins First Titles

During the 1968-69 season, Cruz Azul won its first Copa México title, first Primera División championship, and first CONCACAF Champions' Cup under Raúl Cárdenas.

1968: Continental Treble

In the 1968-69 season, Cruz Azul won the Primera División, Copa México, and CONCACAF Champions' Cup, achieving a continental treble.

1968: First Major Title

In the 1968–69 season, Cruz Azul won its first major title, the Mexican Primera División.

1968: First League Title at Estadio 10 de Diciembre

In the 1968–69 season, Cruz Azul won their first league title while playing at Estadio 10 de Diciembre.

1969: Finished Second in Primera División

In the 1969-70 Primera División season, Cruz Azul finished second on the general standings.

1970: Era of Dominance Begins

Between 1970 and 1980, Cruz Azul established an era of dominance by winning six league titles, becoming one of the most successful Mexican clubs of the decade.

1970: League Title at Estadio 10 de Diciembre

In 1970, Cruz Azul won another league title while playing at Estadio 10 de Diciembre.

1970: Awarded CONCACAF Champions' Cup

On December 15, 1970, Cruz Azul was awarded the 1970 CONCACAF Champions' Cup after Saprissa and Transvaal withdrew from the tournament.

1971: Departure from Estadio 10 de Diciembre

In 1971, Cruz Azul left Estadio 10 de Diciembre.

1971: Move to Estadio Azteca

In 1971, Cruz Azul moved to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

1971: Cruz Azul Moves to Mexico City

In 1971, Cruz Azul officially moved to Mexico City, establishing a stronger presence after its founding in Jasso, Hidalgo.

1971: Beginning of Clásico Joven Rivalry

In the early 1970s, the rivalry between Cruz Azul and América, known as the Clásico Joven, began.

1973: Addition of Stars to Crest

In 1973, following Cruz Azul's first league title, stars were added above the cross on the crest to represent the team's growing success in the Primera División.

December 1976: Death of Guillermo Álvarez Macías

On December 18, 1976, long-serving club president Guillermo Álvarez Macías died of a heart attack at the age of 56.

1980: Era of Dominance Ends

Between 1970 and 1980, Cruz Azul established an era of dominance by winning six league titles, becoming one of the most successful Mexican clubs of the decade.

1980: Crest Standardization

By 1980, Cruz Azul standardized the stars on its crest and streamlined the design to enhance brand consistency across various media and merchandise.

June 1981: Miguel Marín's Testimonial Match

In June 1981, legendary goalkeeper Miguel Marín made his final appearance for Cruz Azul in a testimonial match against Guadalajara.

1988: Guillermo Héctor Álvarez Cuevas Appointed

In 1988, Guillermo Héctor Álvarez Cuevas became general manager of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul and president of the club.

1991: Signing of Carlos Hermosillo

In 1991, Cruz Azul signed striker Carlos Hermosillo, who became a leading figure in the team despite initial skepticism.

1992: Reserve Team in Primera División 'A'

In 1992, Cruz Azul's reserve team began playing in the Primera División 'A'.

1993: Hermosillo Top Scorer

In the 1993-94 season, Carlos Hermosillo finished as the league's top scorer with 27 goals.

1994: Hermosillo Top Scorer

In the 1994-95 season, Carlos Hermosillo finished as the league's top scorer with 35 goals, and the club reached their first league final in six years.

1995: Hermosillo Top Scorer and League Final

In the 1994-95 season, Carlos Hermosillo finished as the league's top scorer with 35 goals, and the club reached their first league final in six years, where they were defeated by Necaxa.

1996: Move to Estadio Azul

In 1996, Cruz Azul moved to Estadio Azul, located in Mexico City's Colonia Nápoles.

1997: Start of League Title Drought

In 1997, Cruz Azul began a long period without winning a league title, which would last until 2021, leading to the association of the "Cruz Azul curse".

1997: Crest Redesign

In 1997, Cruz Azul introduced a significant redesign of its crest, updating it to a circular shape and adding the word "Mexico" around the outer ring to reinforce the club's identity as a symbol of Mexican football.

1997: Liga MX Title Drought

In 1997, Cruz Azul won its last Liga MX title before a 23-year drought.

1997: Invierno 1997 League Title

In Invierno 1997, Cruz Azul won another league title in the short tournament era.

January 2001: Establishment of La Sangre Azul

In January 2001, La Sangre Azul, the official supporters' group (barra brava) of Cruz Azul, was established.

2001: Copa Libertadores Final Appearance

In 2001, Cruz Azul became the first Mexican and CONCACAF team to reach the final of the Copa Libertadores, narrowly losing to Boca Juniors on penalties.

2001: Runner-up in Copa Libertadores

In 2001, Cruz Azul reached the final of the Copa Libertadores, a first for a CONCACAF team, but lost to Boca Juniors on penalties.

2003: Reserve Team Exits Primera División 'A'

In 2003, Cruz Azul's reserve team stopped playing in the Primera División 'A'.

2004: Official Cheerleading Club Inclusion

In 2004, Cruz Azul included its official cheerleading club, Las Celestes, as part of the institution, with performances pre-match and during halftime.

2006: Reserve Team Returns to Primera División 'A'

In 2006, Cruz Azul's reserve team returned to the Primera División 'A'.

2006: Reserve team no longer played in the Primera División "A"

In 2006, the reserve team of Cruz Azul no longer played in the Primera División "A".

2006: Reserve team in Segunda División

In 2006, the reserve team of Cruz Azul played in the Segunda División.

2012: Name change to Cruz Azul Fútbol Club, A.C.

In 2012, the team changed its name to Cruz Azul Fútbol Club, A.C.

2013: Clausura 2013 Finals

In the Clausura 2013 finals, América staged a dramatic comeback to equalize on aggregate in stoppage time before defeating Cruz Azul on penalties, marking a memorable moment in Liga MX history.

2014: Reserve Team Exits Primera División 'A' and Moves to Liga Premier

In 2014, Cruz Azul's reserve team stopped playing in the Primera División 'A' and moved to the Liga Premier.

2014: Club World Ranking

In its 2014 Club World Ranking, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics placed Cruz Azul as the 99th-best club in the world and the third-best club in CONCACAF.

March 2015: Loss of Support for La Sangre Azul

In March 2015, La Sangre Azul lost the support of Cruz Azul's board due to violent incidents.

2015: Reserve team no longer played in the Segunda División

In 2015, the reserve team of Cruz Azul no longer played in the Segunda División.

2015: Reserve team in Segunda División/Liga Premier

In 2015, the reserve team of Cruz Azul played in the Segunda División/Liga Premier.

2018: Return to Estadio Azteca

In 2018, Cruz Azul left Estadio Azul and returned to the Azteca after a contract renewal issue.

2018: Reserve team no longer played in the Segunda División/Liga Premier

In 2018, the reserve team of Cruz Azul no longer played in the Segunda División/Liga Premier.

2019: Supercopa MX Win

In 2019, Cruz Azul won the Supercopa MX.

May 2021: Victory in Guardianes 2021 Final

On 30 May 2021, Cruz Azul broke its league title drought by winning the Guardianes 2021 final against Santos Laguna, winning 2–1 on aggregate.

2021: Fan Base Ranking

In 2021, Cruz Azul was ranked as having the third-largest fan base in Mexico, with approximately 10.9% of national support, or around 14 million fans.

2021: Ninth Liga MX Title and Crest Modification

In 2021, Cruz Azul won its ninth Liga MX title, ending a 23-year drought. The club modified its crest by adding a ninth star, and "Club de Futbol" replaced "Deportivo" around the outer ring. The stars were later removed to streamline the design.

2021: Liga MX Title at Estadio Azteca

In 2021, Cruz Azul won their ninth league title at Estadio Azteca.

2021: Reserve Team Exits Liga Premier

In 2021, Cruz Azul's reserve team stopped playing in the Liga Premier.

2021: Guardianes 2021 League Title

In Guardianes 2021, Cruz Azul won another league title, ending a 23-year title drought.

2022: Supercopa de la Liga MX Win

In 2022, Cruz Azul won the Supercopa de la Liga MX.

2022: Name change to Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V.

In 2022, the team changed its name to Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V.

2024: Temporary Return to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes

In 2024, Cruz Azul announced a temporary return to Estadio Azul, now known as the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, due to renovations at the Azteca for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

May 2025: Total Matches Played Between América and Cruz Azul

As of May 2025, América and Cruz Azul have met 203 times in total matches, with América holding 74 wins, Cruz Azul 61 victories, and 68 matches ending in draws.

2025: Most Finals Contested in Clásico Joven

As of 2025, the Clásico Joven is the fixture with the most finals contested between two clubs in Mexican football, totaling seven championship matchups.

2025: Move to Estadio Olímpico Universitario

In 2025, Cruz Azul moved to Estadio Olímpico Universitario due to logistical issues at the Colonia Nápoles stadium after a year at Ciudad de los Deportes.