History of Cruz Azul in Timeline

Cruz Azul is a Mexican professional football club based in Mexico City, competing in Liga MX. Founded in 1927 in Jasso, Hidalgo, it relocated to Mexico City in 1971. The club's official name has changed over time, now known as Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V. They are one of only seven teams to never have been relegated from the top division of Mexican football and play home games at Estadio Azteca.

1923: Garcés López Played for Mexico National Team

In 1923, Carlos Garcés López, who later became involved with Cruz Azul, played for Mexico's national team in its first official matches.

1925: Initial Plan to Form a Baseball Team

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

March 1927: Football Selected as Official Sport

In March 1927, following sustained lobbying from Carlos Garcés López, the cooperative held a referendum where football was selected as the company's official sport.

May 1927: Team Establishment

In May 1927, two months after football was selected as the company's official sport, the team was formally established, with Carlos Garcés López as its first manager.

1927: Club Foundation

In 1927, Club de Futbol Cruz Azul was founded in Jasso, Hidalgo, as Club Deportivo, Social y Cultural Cruz Azul, A.C.

1927: First Home Kit

In 1927, Cruz Azul's first home kit consisted of a white shirt with blue vertical stripes.

1928: Garcés López in Olympic Squad

In 1928, Carlos Garcés López, who later became involved with Cruz Azul, was part of Mexico's Olympic squad.

March 1931: Acquisition by La Tolteca

In March 1931, facing financial difficulties during the Great Depression, Cooperativa La Cruz Azul was acquired by cement company La Tolteca for 1 million pesos.

October 1931: Workers Prevent Transfer of Property

On 15 October 1931, 192 workers of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul unionized and sued the executives of the company to prevent the transfer of the property.

May 1932: Workers Become Collective Owners

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

1932: League Titles Won

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

1932: Full White Kit

In 1932, Cruz Azul wore a full white kit with a dark blue collar.

January 1934: Company Reestablishes as Cooperative

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

1937: Growing Popularity

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

November 1941: Debt Settled, Match Against Real España

On 2 November 1941, 10 years after workers took ownership of the plant, the debt was settled. In celebration, Cruz Azul organized a match against Real España, that ended in a 0–0 draw.

1943: League Titles Won

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

1943: Royal Blue Kit

In 1943, Cruz Azul adopted a plain royal blue shirt with white shorts and blue socks.

1944: Royal Blue Kit

In 1944, Cruz Azul wore a plain royal blue shirt with white shorts and blue socks, maintaining the kit from 1943.

December 1953: Álvarez Macías Appointed General Manager

On 10 December 1953, Guillermo Álvarez Macías was appointed general manager of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul.

1958: Lobbying for Federation Membership

In 1958, club captain Luis Velázquez Hernández lobbied the Mexican Football Federation for official membership on the club's behalf.

1960: Reserve Team and Stadium Plans

In 1960, Lafayette, a club experiencing financial troubles, was purchased by Cruz Azul to serve as its reserve side. Also in 1960, plans to construct a club stadium were conceived.

1960: Copa de la Segunda División de México

In the 1960–61 edition, Cruz Azul was invited to compete in the Copa de la Segunda División de México, a competition sanctioned by the Mexican Football Federation.

April 1961: Debut Game and Draw

On 2 April 1961, the club's debut game was played in Jasso against Zamora, and ended in a 2–1 victory. On 9 April 1961, the second-leg resulted in a 3–3 draw.

1961: Registration to Second-Tier League

Cruz Azul was officially registered to compete in Mexico's second-tier professional league for the 1961–62 season. Also in 1961, Álvarez Macías requested the renaming of the town of Jasso, Hidalgo, to Ciudad Cooperativa Cruz Azul.

1961: Jorge Marik Appointed Head Coach

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

1961: Stadium Construction Begins

In 1961, construction began on Estadio 10 de Diciembre, the club's stadium.

1963: Estadio 10 de Diciembre Completed

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

1963: Promotion to Primera División

In the 1963–64 Segunda División season, under the management of Jorge Marik, Cruz Azul earned direct promotion to the Primera División.

March 1964: Estadio Renovation

On 6 March 1964, Estadio 10 de Diciembre underwent renovations, rebuilding the wooden stands and dressing rooms.

1964: Move to Estadio 10 de Diciembre

In 1964, Cruz Azul began playing at Estadio 10 de Diciembre in Jasso, Hidalgo.

1964: Crest Modified to Incorporate Full Name

In 1964, the crest was modified to incorporate the club's full name, Club Deportivo Cruz Azul, within a new shield outline.

1965: Debut in Mexican Primera División

During the 1964–65 season, Cruz Azul debuted in the Mexican Primera División.

October 1966: Raúl Cárdenas Appointed Head Coach

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

1967: First Top-Flight Encounter

In the 1967–68 season, Cruz Azul secured a 1–0 victory against Pachuca as the away team, marking the beginning of the Clásico Hidalguense rivalry on the national stage.

1968: Continental Treble

During the 1968–69 season, under the direction of Cárdenas, Cruz Azul won its first Copa México title, first Primera División championship, and first CONCACAF Champions' Cup. Making the club the first team in both Mexico and the CONCACAF region to win all three major titles within five years of joining the top division.

1968: Return to Royal Blue Kit

In 1968, Cruz Azul returned to a full royal blue kit.

1968: League Title Campaign at Estadio 10 de Diciembre

In the 1968–69 season, Cruz Azul played at Estadio 10 de Diciembre during its first league title campaign.

1968: First Major Title

In the 1968–69 season, Cruz Azul won the Mexican Primera División, securing the club's first major title just five years after being promoted.

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.

1970: League Title Campaign at Estadio 10 de Diciembre

In the 1970 season, Cruz Azul played at Estadio 10 de Diciembre during its second league title campaign.

1970: League Title Secured Against Pachuca

In the México 1970 tournament, Cruz Azul defeated Pachuca 2–0 to secure their second league championship.

1970: Awarded CONCACAF Champions' Cup

On 15 December 1970, Cruz Azul was awarded the 1970 CONCACAF Champions' Cup after Saprissa and Transvaal withdrew from the tournament's second phase due to financial constraints.

1971: Departure from Estadio 10 de Diciembre

In 1971, Cruz Azul departed from Estadio 10 de Diciembre.

1971: Relocation to Estadio Azteca

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

1971: Relocation to Mexico City Diminishes Hidalgo Classic Intensity

In 1971, Cruz Azul's relocation to Mexico City diminished the local intensity of the Clásico Hidalguense rivalry with Pachuca.

1971: Crest Design Changed to Square Shape

In 1971, the crest design became a square shape.

1971: Beginning of Clásico Joven

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

1973: Pachuca's Relegation

In 1973, Pachuca's relegation began a long hiatus in the Clásico Hidalguense rivalry, lasting nearly two decades.

December 1976: Death of Guillermo Álvarez Macías

On 18 December 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.

June 1981: Miguel Marín's Testimonial Match

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

1988: Guillermo Héctor Álvarez Cuevas Becomes General Manager

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

1991: Carlos Hermosillo Joins Cruz Azul

In 1991, Cruz Azul signed striker Carlos Hermosillo.

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.

1995: Hermosillo Top Scorer and League Final Appearance

In the 1995–96 season, Carlos Hermosillo finished as the league's top scorer with 26 goals. In the 1994–95 season, the club reached their first league final in six years.

July 1996: 1996 CONCACAF Champions' Cup Victory

On 20 July 1996, Cruz Azul won the 1996 CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

1996: Move to Estadio Azul

In 1996, Cruz Azul departed Estadio Azteca for Estadio Azul, located in Mexico City's Colonia Nápoles.

December 1997: Cruz Azul Wins Invierno 1997 League Title

In December 1997, Cruz Azul, managed by Luis Fernando Tena, defeated León in the final through a golden goal to claim the Invierno 1997 league title, ending a 17-year league title drought.

1997: Invierno 1997 Title

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

1997: Beginning of League Title Drought

In 1997, Cruz Azul began a long period without winning a league title that would last until 2021.

1997: Crest Redesign

In 1997, the Cruz Azul crest was redesigned into a fully circular emblem, and the word "Mexico" was added at the bottom of the outer ring.

1999: Pachuca's First League Championship

In the Invierno 1999 tournament, Pachuca defeated Cruz Azul with a golden goal in extra-time to claim their first-ever league championship.

January 2001: Establishment of La Sangre Azul

In January 2001, La Sangre Azul, Cruz Azul's primary organised supporters' group, was established, adopting the South American model of fan organisation.

2001: Copa Libertadores Final

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.

2004: Official Cheerleading Club

In 2004, Cruz Azul included Las Celestes as part of the club, making them the only Mexican team to officially include cheerleaders as part of its club activities.

July 2005: Rubén Omar Romano Abducted

On 16 July 2005, Cruz Azul manager Rubén Omar Romano was abducted after a training session and held for ransom. Assistant coach Isaac Mizrahi took over coaching responsibilities during Romano's 65-day captivity.

2008: Cruz Azul Lost Clausura 2008 and Apertura 2008 Finals

In 2008, Cruz Azul lost the Clausura 2008 final to Santos Laguna 3–2 on aggregate. Later in the year, they lost the Apertura 2008 final to Toluca in a penalty shootout after leveling the aggregate score.

2008: Cruz Azul lost the CONCACAF Champions League final against Atlante

In 2008, Cruz Azul participation in the CONCACAF Champions League ended in the final, where they lost 2–0 on aggregate to Atlante.

2008: Cruzazulear term gains popularity

In 2008, Cruz Azul was considered a title contender but failed to secure a major title, leading to narratives about the club's inability to close matches. The term cruzazulear, describing losing with an advantage, began to gain traction.

2009: Cruz Azul advanced to the knockout stage of the CONCACAF Champions League

In 2009, Cruz Azul finished first in Group C in the CONCACAF Champions League and advanced to the knockout stage.

2009: Cruz Azul Finished Last in Clausura 2009

In 2009, Cruz Azul finished last in the Clausura tournament with only 13 points, leading to the dismissal of manager Benjamín Galindo. Robert Dante Siboldi was appointed as interim manager.

2009: Cruz Azul Lost Apertura 2009 Final to Monterrey

In 2009, Cruz Azul, coached by Enrique Meza and reinforced with signings like José de Jesús Corona and Emanuel Villa, lost the Apertura final to Monterrey 6–4 on aggregate, despite Villa being the league's top scorer.

2010: Cruz Azul lost the CONCACAF Champions League Final against Pachuca

In 2010, Cruz Azul lost the CONCACAF Champions League final against Pachuca on away goals rule, with the aggregate tied 2–2. Cruz Azul won the first leg 2-1 but lost the second leg 1-0.

April 2012: Club name changed to Cruz Azul Fútbol Club, A.C.

In April 2012, the club officially changed their name to Cruz Azul Fútbol Club, A.C.

2012: Name Change

In 2012, the club was renamed Cruz Azul Fútbol Club, A.C.

2013: Cruzazulear term gains popularity

Around 2013, the term cruzazulear, describing losing with an advantage, gained traction due to Cruz Azul's repeated losses in finals despite having advantages.

2013: Cruz Azul Lost Clausura 2013 Final to América

In 2013, Cruz Azul initially struggled in league play but gained momentum after winning the Copa MX. Cruz Azul lost the Clausura 2013 final against América in a penalty shootout after América equalized with late goals.

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.

April 2014: Cruz Azul Won CONCACAF Champions League

On 23 April 2014, Cruz Azul won its sixth CONCACAF Champions League title, defeating Toluca, and qualifying for the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup.

2014: Cruz Azul Failed to Qualify for Liguilla Playoffs

Between the Apertura 2014 and Clausura 2017 tournaments, Cruz Azul failed to qualify for the liguilla playoffs for six consecutive seasons.

March 2015: Sanctions Against La Sangre Azul

In March 2015, following violent incidents, La Sangre Azul lost access to official club support and faced sanctions from league authorities.

November 2017: Paco Jémez Contract Not Renewed

On 27 November 2017, Cruz Azul announced that manager Paco Jémez would not renew his contract for the following season.

May 2018: Eduardo de la Torre Leaves, Ricardo Peláez Appointed Sporting Director

On 7 May 2018, sporting director Eduardo de la Torre left Cruz Azul and was replaced by Ricardo Peláez.

2018: Return to Estadio Azteca

In 2018, Cruz Azul returned to Estadio Azteca.

2019: Supercopa MX Title

In 2019, Cruz Azul won the Supercopa MX.

May 2020: Guillermo Álvarez Cuevas Indicted

In May 2020, club president Guillermo Álvarez Cuevas was indicted on charges including tax fraud, racketeering, and money laundering.

August 2020: Guillermo Álvarez Cuevas Resigned

In August 2020, Guillermo Álvarez Cuevas resigned from his position as club president after more than three decades, following an arrest warrant issued for alleged ties to organized crime.

December 2020: Cruz Azul Lost Semifinal Against Pumas UNAM Despite First-Leg Victory

On 6 December 2020, Cruz Azul lost the Guardianes 2020 semi-final second-leg to Pumas UNAM 4–0, despite winning the first-leg 4–0. Pumas UNAM advanced to the final due to their higher seeding.

2020: Cruzazulear term recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy

In 2020, the term cruzazulear, meaning to lose a match despite having a clear advantage, which had gained traction over the years, was formally recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy.

May 2021: Cruz Azul Won Ninth League Title

In May 2021, Cruz Azul secured a 2–1 aggregate victory against Santos Laguna to win their ninth league title, ending a 23-year championship drought. The second leg was played on May 30, 2021.

May 2021: Victory in Guardianes 2021 Final

On May 30, 2021, Cruz Azul won the Guardianes 2021 final against Santos Laguna, ending a 23-year league title drought.

July 2021: Cruz Azul Won Campeón de Campeones

In July 2021, Cruz Azul defeated León 2–1 in the Campeón de Campeones match on 18 July 2021.

2021: Fan Base Ranking

A survey from 2021 ranked Cruz Azul as having the third-largest fan base in Mexico, with approximately 10.9% of national support.

2021: Guardianes 2021 Title

Cruz Azul won the Guardianes 2021 title, ending a 23-year title drought.

2021: Ninth League Title at Estadio Azteca

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

2021: Ninth League Title Commemoration

In 2021, the Cruz Azul crest was modified to commemorate the club's ninth league title, with the addition of a ninth star around the emblem.

2021: Royal Blue Kit with Navy Blue Stripes

In the 2021–22 season, Cruz Azul used a royal blue kit with navy blue stripes, replacing the traditional white.

2021: Cruz Azul Advances to Final

In the semi-finals of the Guardianes 2021 tournament, a 1–0 aggregate victory for Cruz Azul against Pachuca propelled them to the final.

May 2022: Diego Aguirre Appointed Head Coach

In May 2022, Diego Aguirre was named head coach of Cruz Azul.

May 2022: Juan Reynoso Dismissed as Head Coach

In May 2022, following elimination in the Clausura 2022 quarter-finals, Juan Reynoso was dismissed on 18 May 2022.

2022: Name Change and Crest Modification

In 2022, Cruz Azul changed their name to Club de Futbol Cruz Azul, and all surrounding stars were removed from the crest.

2022: Supercopa de la Liga MX Title

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

2022: Name Change

In 2022, the club adopted its current name: Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V.

February 2023: Raúl Gutiérrez Let Go as Head Coach

In February 2023, Raúl Gutiérrez was let go on 13 February 2023 after a poor run of results.

December 2023: Martin Anselmi Appointed Head Coach

On 20 December 2023, Cruz Azul appointed Martín Anselmi as head coach.

2024: Cruz Azul Lost the Final Against América

In 2024, Cruz Azul reached the Liga MX final against América but lost 2–1 on aggregate following a penalty awarded in the second-leg.

2024: Temporary Relocation to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes

In 2024, Cruz Azul temporarily relocated to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes due to renovations at Estadio Azteca.

2024: Cruz Azul Achieves Liga MX Record Points in Short Tournament

In the Apertura 2024, Cruz Azul secured a record 42 points in a Liga MX short tournament, finishing the regular season strong.

January 2025: Anselmi Departs for Porto, Vicente Sánchez Appointed Interim Manager

On 24 January 2025, Anselmi departed for Portuguese club Porto, leading to controversy. Vicente Sánchez was appointed interim manager the next day.

May 2025: Total Clásico Joven Matches

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

June 2025: Nicolás Larcamón Announced as New Head Coach

On 16 June 2025, Cruz Azul announced Nicolás Larcamón as their new head coach, signing a two-year contract with an option for one more.

June 2025: Cruz Azul Announces Sánchez's Departure

On 6 June 2025, Cruz Azul announced Sánchez's departure by mutual agreement.

2025: Most Finals Contested

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

2025: Club Ranking

Cruz Azul was recognized as the highest-ranked club in CONCACAF by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics for the 2025 calendar year.

January 2026: Move to Estadio Cuauhtémoc Authorized

On January 6, 2026, UNAM notified Cruz Azul that its contract would not be renewed, and Liga MX authorized the club to play at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla for the Clausura 2026 tournament.

2026: Club Ranking

In 2026, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics ranked Cruz Azul as the 71st-best club in the world and the highest-ranked club in CONCACAF for the 2025 calendar year.

2029: Cruz Azul Qualifies for the FIFA Club World Cup

In 2025, Cruz Azul won a record-equalling seventh CONCACAF Champions Cup title, securing qualification for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.