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 changed its name a couple of times and since 2025, Cruz Azul plays its home matches at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, while Estadio Azteca is being renovated for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The club's headquarters are located in La Noria, Xochimilco.

1923: Carlos Garces López in National Team

In 1923, Carlos Garces López, later associated with Cruz Azul, was part of Mexico's national team in its first official matches.

1925: Initial Plans for Baseball Team

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

March 1927: Football Selected as Official Sport

On 22 March 1927, after lobbying by Carlos Garces López, the cooperative held a referendum and selected football to become the company's official sport.

May 1927: Team Formally Established

On 22 May 1927, the Cruz Azul football team was formally established, with Carlos Garces López as its first manager.

1927: Cruz Azul Founded

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

1928: Carlos Garces López in Olympic Squad

In 1928, Carlos Garces López, who later became a key figure in Cruz Azul's early history, was part of Mexico's Olympic squad.

March 1931: Acquisition by La Tolteca

On 1 March 1931, cement company La Tolteca acquired Cooperativa La Cruz Azul due to financial difficulties during the Great Depression.

October 1931: Workers Prevent Property Transfer

On 15 October 1931, 192 workers unionized and sued executives to prevent the transfer of the property to La Tolteca.

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: Start of League Title Streak

From 1932, Cruz Azul began winning 15 consecutive league titles in a local amateur league in the state of Hidalgo.

January 1934: Company Re-established as Cooperative

On 29 January 1934, the company changed its 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. Guillermo Álvarez Macías also began playing as a midfielder for the team during this period.

November 1941: Debt Settled and Celebration Match

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

1943: End of League Title Streak

Until 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 10 December 1953, Guillermo Álvarez Macías was appointed general manager of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, aiming to modernize the cooperative and improve living standards.

1958: Lobbying for Federation Membership

In 1958, Luis Velázquez Hernández, served as the club's ambassador to the Mexican Football Federation to lobby for official membership on the club's behalf.

1960: Invited to Copa de la Segunda División de México

Despite not possessing federation membership, in 1960, Cruz Azul was invited to compete in the 1960–61 edition of the Copa de la Segunda División de México.

1960: Reserve Team Acquisition and Stadium Plans

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

April 1961: Debut Game in Copa de la Segunda División

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

1961: Official Registration and Town Renaming

In 1961, Cruz Azul was officially registered to compete in Mexico's second-tier professional league. Also in the early 1960s, 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: Stadium Construction Begins

In 1961, construction began on Estadio 10 de Diciembre, in compliance 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: Promotion to Primera División

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 Renovations

On 6 March 1964, Estadio 10 de Diciembre underwent renovations to comply with top-flight regulations.

1964: Move to Estadio 10 de Diciembre

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

1965: Debut in Mexican Primera División

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

1968: First Titles

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

1968: Continental Treble

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

1969: Second Place Finish

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

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

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.

1971: Departure from Estadio 10 de Diciembre

In 1971, Cruz Azul left Estadio 10 de Diciembre, though it remained an alternate venue for some matches.

1971: Move to Estadio Azteca

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

1971: Beginning of the Clásico Joven Rivalry

In the early 1970s, the rivalry between Cruz Azul and América began, a period during which both clubs were dominant in Mexican football.

1973: Three Stars on the Crest

In 1973, the Cruz Azul crest displayed three stars to celebrate the team's success in the Primera División. This marked the beginning of a tradition where stars were added to commemorate each league title.

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: End of Dominance Era

Between 1970 and 1980, Cruz Azul established an era of dominance by winning six league titles.

1980: Standardized Stars and Streamlined Design

By 1980, Cruz Azul standardized the stars on their crest and streamlined the design to enhance brand consistency. This allowed the crest to adapt more easily across various media and merchandise.

June 1981: Miguel Marín's Final Appearance

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 Becomes General Manager

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

1991: Carlos Hermosillo Joins Cruz Azul

In 1991, striker Carlos Hermosillo, joined Cruz Azul.

1992: Cruz Azul's reserve team debut

In 1992, Cruz Azul's reserve team debuted 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 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.

1995: League Final Defeat

In the 1994-95 season, Cruz Azul reached the league final but were defeated 3-1 on aggregate by Necaxa.

July 1996: CONCACAF Champions' Cup Victory

On 20 July 1996, Cruz Azul won the 1996 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, held in Guatemala City, ending a 16-year title drought.

1996: Move to Estadio Azul

In 1996, Cruz Azul briefly left the Estadio Azteca for the Estadio Azul.

December 1997: Cruz Azul Wins Invierno 1997 League Title

In December 1997, Cruz Azul, managed by Luis Fernando Tena, defeated León in the final with a golden goal, thereby clinching the Invierno 1997 league title. This victory ended a 17-year league title drought for the club. During extra time, León's goalkeeper Ángel Comizzo fouled Carlos Hermosillo, leading to Hermosillo converting the penalty and securing the title for Cruz Azul.

1997: 23-year Title Drought since Previous Title

In 1997 was Cruz Azul's previous league title, beginning a 23-year drought.

1997: Start of the Title Drought

In 1997, Cruz Azul began a period infamous for failing to win a league title until 2021.

1997: Crest Redesign

In 1997, Cruz Azul introduced a significant redesign of its crest. The emblem was updated to a circular shape and the word “Mexico” was added around the outer ring to reinforce the club's identity.

1997: Invierno Title

In Invierno 1997, Cruz Azul won a league title.

1997: Juan Reynoso part of Cruz Azul's Title-Winning Team

Juan Reynoso, who was later appointed as head coach, had been part of Cruz Azul's most recent league title in the Invierno 1997 season.

January 2001: Establishment of La Sangre Azul

In January 2001, La Sangre Azul, Cruz Azul's only official supporters' group, was established.

2001: Copa Libertadores Final

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

2001: First Mexican Team to Reach 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.

2003: Cruz Azul's reserve team debut

In 2003, Cruz Azul's reserve team debuted in the Primera División "A".

2003: End of the first run of the reserve team

In 2003, Cruz Azul's reserve team ended its first run in the Primera División "A".

2004: Establishment of Las Celestes

In 2004, Cruz Azul included Las Celestes, an official cheerleading club, as part of the institution.

July 2005: Cruz Azul Manager Rubén Omar Romano Abducted

On 16 July 2005, Cruz Azul's manager Rubén Omar Romano was abducted by five men after a pre-season training session. The assailants used stolen vehicles, and a $500,000 ransom note was delivered to his family. Assistant coach Isaac Mizrahi took over coaching responsibilities during Romano's absence.

2006: Cruz Azul's reserve team debut

In 2006, Cruz Azul's reserve team debuted in the Segunda División.

2006: End of the first run of the reserve team

In 2006, Cruz Azul's reserve team ended its run in the Primera División "A".

2006: Return of the reserve team

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

2012: Name Change

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.

2013: Cruz Azul lost in Clausura Final against America

In the Clausura 2013, Cruz Azul faced América in a rematch of the Clausura 2013 final where América won.

2014: Cruz Azul Fails 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.

2014: Relocation of the reserve team

In 2014, Cruz Azul's reserve team relocated to Liga Premier.

2014: Club World Ranking

In the 2014 Club World Ranking, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics ranked Cruz Azul as the 99th-best club in the world and the third-best 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: Cruz Azul's reserve team debut

In 2015, Cruz Azul's reserve team debuted in the Segunda División/Liga Premier.

2015: End of the first run of the reserve team

In 2015, Cruz Azul's reserve team ended its run in the Segunda División.

November 2017: Paco Jémez's 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 Cruz Azul; Ricardo Peláez Appointed

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

2018: Return to Estadio Azteca

In 2018, Cruz Azul returned to Estadio Azteca after a contract renewal issue at Estadio Azul.

2018: End of the first run of the reserve team

In 2018, Cruz Azul's reserve team ended its run in the Segunda División/Liga Premier.

2019: Cruz Azul Ties Liga MX Record

After two opening defeats, Cruz Azul won 12 consecutive matches, tying the Liga MX record set by León in the Clausura 2019.

2019: Supercopa MX

In 2019, Cruz Azul won the Supercopa MX.

May 2020: Guillermo Álvarez Cuevas Indicted on Multiple Charges

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

August 2020: Guillermo Álvarez Resigns as Club President

In August 2020, Guillermo Álvarez resigned from his position as president of Cruz Azul after serving for over three decades.

December 2020: Cruz Azul Eliminated by Pumas UNAM in Guardianes 2020 Semi-Finals

On 6 December 2020, Cruz Azul was eliminated by Pumas UNAM in the Guardianes 2020 semi-finals, despite winning the first-leg 4–0. Pumas UNAM won the second-leg 4–0 as well, advancing to the final due to their higher placement in the regular season standings.

2020: Cruz Azul Appoints Juan Reynoso as Head Coach

Following the Guardianes 2020 tournament, Cruz Azul appointed Juan Reynoso as head coach in preparation for the Guardianes 2021 season. Álvaro Dávila also joined as executive president.

May 2021: Cruz Azul Wins Ninth League Title

In May 2021, Cruz Azul secured a 2–1 aggregate victory against Santos Laguna, winning their ninth league title and ending a 23-year championship drought.

May 2021: Victory in Guardianes 2021 Final

On 30 May 2021, Cruz Azul broke their title drought by winning the Guardianes 2021 final against Santos Laguna, with a 2–1 aggregate score.

July 2021: Cruz Azul Defeats León in Campeón de Campeones Match

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

2021: Ninth Liga MX Title and Crest Modification

In 2021, Cruz Azul modified its crest to celebrate its ninth Liga MX title, adding a ninth star to the emblem. "Club de Futbol" replaced “Deportivo” around the outer ring, signaling a subtle shift in branding.

2021: Ninth League Title at Estadio Azteca

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

2021: End of the reserve team

In 2021, Cruz Azul's reserve team ended.

2021: Third-Largest Fan Base in Mexico

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

2021: Guardianes Title

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

May 2022: Juan Reynoso Dismissed as Head Coach

On 18 May 2022, Juan Reynoso was dismissed as head coach of Cruz Azul after elimination in the Clausura 2022 quarter-finals.

May 2022: Diego Aguirre Named Head Coach

On 30 May 2022, Diego Aguirre was named head coach of Cruz Azul.

2022: Supercopa de la Liga MX

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

2022: Name Change

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

February 2023: Raúl Gutiérrez Let Go as Head Coach

On 13 February 2023, Raúl Gutiérrez was let go as head coach of Cruz Azul after a poor run of results.

December 2023: Martín Anselmi Appointed as Head Coach

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

2024: Cruz Azul lost in the final against America

Cruz Azul eliminated Pumas UNAM and Monterrey to reach the final against América—the sixth final between the two clubs, making it the most contested final in Liga MX history where América won the title 2–1 on aggregate following a penalty awarded in the second-leg.

2024: Temporary Return to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes

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

January 2025: Anselmi Departs Cruz Azul; Vicente Sánchez Appointed Interim Manager

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

January 2025: Guillermo Álvarez Arrested in Mexico City

On January 16, 2025, Guillermo Álvarez was arrested in Mexico City after being a fugitive for over four years, and then transferred to the Penal del Altiplano federal prison.

May 2025: Matches Played Between Clubs

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

2025: Most Finals Contested in Mexican Football

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