History of Cruz Azul in Timeline
Cruz Azul is a professional football club in Mexico City, competing in Liga MX. Founded in 1927 in Jasso, Hidalgo, it relocated to Mexico City in 1971. The club has undergone several name changes throughout its history, with its current name being Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V. As of 2026, they play their home matches at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla due to renovations at Estadio Azteca.
1923: Carlos Garcés López plays for Mexico
In 1923, Carlos Garcés López, who later was employed by Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, 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 instead.
March 1927: Referendum for Football
On 22 March 1927, the cooperative held a referendum in which football was selected as the company's official sport.
May 1927: Team Establishment
On 22 May 1927, the football team was formally established with Carlos Garcés López as its first manager.
1927: First Home Kit
From 1927 to 1932, Cruz Azul's first home kit consisted of a white shirt with blue vertical stripes.
1927: Club Foundation
In 1927, Club de Futbol Cruz Azul was founded in Jasso, Hidalgo, initially named Club Deportivo, Social y Cultural Cruz Azul, A.C.
1928: Carlos Garcés López in Olympic squad
In 1928, Carlos Garcés López, who later was employed by Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, was part of Mexico's Olympic squad.
March 1931: Acquisition by La Tolteca
On 1 March 1931, due to financial difficulties, Cooperativa La Cruz Azul was acquired by cement company La Tolteca for 1 million pesos.
October 1931: Workers Sue to Prevent Property Transfer
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 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: League Titles
Between 1932 and 1943, Cruz Azul won 15 consecutive league titles in a local amateur league in the state of Hidalgo.
January 1934: Reestablishment 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 Following
By 1937, Cruz Azul had garnered a considerable following both in Hidalgo and Mexico City, with Guillermo Álvarez Macías beginning to play as a midfielder for the team during this period.
November 1941: Debt Settlement and Celebration Match
On 2 November 1941, the debt to the state of Hidalgo was settled, and Cruz Azul organized a match against Real España, which ended in a 0–0 draw, to celebrate.
1943: League Titles
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 Adoption
Between 1943 and 1944, the club adopted a plain royal blue shirt with white shorts and blue socks.
1944: Royal Blue Kit Adoption
Between 1943 and 1944, the club adopted a plain royal blue shirt with white shorts and blue socks.
December 1953: Álvarez Macías Appointed General Manager
On 10 December 1953, Álvarez Macías was appointed general manager of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, initiating plans to transform the cooperative into a functioning town and investing 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 on the club's behalf, meeting with Paulino Sánchez, Joaquín Soria Terrazas, and Ignacio Trelles to discuss the matter.
1960: Invitation 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
In 1960, Lafayette, a club experiencing financial troubles, was purchased by Cruz Azul to serve as its reserve side.
1960: Stadium Plans Conceived
In 1960, plans to construct a club stadium that complied with the standards set by the Mexican Football Federation were conceived.
April 1961: Debut Game
On 2 April 1961, Cruz Azul's debut game was played in Jasso against Zamora, ending in a 2–1 victory, as part of the Copa de la Segunda División de México.
1961: Official Registration
In 1961, Cruz Azul was officially registered to compete in Mexico's second-tier professional league.
1961: 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.
1961: Renaming of Jasso
In the early 1960s, due to regulations by the Mexican Football Federation, the town of Jasso, Hidalgo, was renamed to Ciudad Cooperativa Cruz Azul to allow the club to retain the name "Cruz Azul".
1963: Estadio 10 de Diciembre Completed
In 1963, Estadio 10 de Diciembre was completed.
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 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 originally played at Estadio 10 de Diciembre in Jasso, Hidalgo.
1964: Crest Modified to Incorporate Club's 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 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, after Walter Ormeño served briefly as interim coach.
1967: First Top-Flight Encounter
In the 1967–68 season, Cruz Azul secured a 1–0 victory against Pachuca, marking the beginning of the Clásico Hidalguense on the national stage.
1968: Return to Full Royal Blue Kit
By 1968, Cruz Azul returned to a full royal blue kit.
1968: Continental Treble
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: First Major Title
In the 1968–69 season, Cruz Azul won the Mexican Primera División just five years after being promoted.
1968: First League Title at Estadio 10 de Diciembre
In the 1968–69 season, Cruz Azul won their first league title at Estadio 10 de Diciembre.
1969: Second Place in Primera División
In the 1969–70 Primera División season, Cruz Azul finished second on the general standings.
1970: Era of Dominance
Between 1970 and 1980, Cruz Azul established an era of dominance by winning six league titles.
1970: Second League Title at Estadio 10 de Diciembre
In the 1970 season, Cruz Azul won their second league title at Estadio 10 de Diciembre.
1970: México 1970 Tournament Victory
In the México 1970 tournament, Cruz Azul defeated Pachuca 2–0 to secure their second championship.
1970: CONCACAF Champions' Cup Title
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
Although Cruz Azul left Estadio 10 de Diciembre in 1971, it remained an alternate venue for Copa México, CONCACAF Champions' Cup, and some league matches.
1971: Relocation to Mexico City
Cruz Azul's relocation to Mexico City in 1971 diminished the local intensity of the Clásico Hidalguense.
1971: Move to Estadio Azteca
In 1971, Cruz Azul moved to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
1971: Crest Changed to Square Shape
In 1971, the design of the crest became a square shape.
1971: Beginning of Clásico Joven
The Cruz Azul-América rivalry, known as the Clásico Joven, began in the early 1970s.
1973: Pachuca's Relegation
Pachuca's relegation in 1973 began a long hiatus in the Clásico Hidalguense, lasting nearly two decades.
December 1976: Death of Guillermo Álvarez Macías
On 18 December 1976, Guillermo Álvarez Macías died of a heart attack at the age of 56.
1980: Era of Dominance
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 Cruz Azul in a testimonial match against Guadalajara.
1988: Guillermo Héctor Álvarez Cuevas Appointed General Manager
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 later became a leading figure in the team.
1993: Carlos Hermosillo Top Scorer
In the 1993–94 season, Carlos Hermosillo finished as the league's top scorer with 27 goals.
1994: Carlos Hermosillo Top Scorer
In the 1994–95 season, Carlos Hermosillo finished as the league's top scorer with 35 goals.
1994: League Final
In the 1994–95 season, the club finished third in the league's overall standings and reached their first league final in six years.
1995: Carlos Hermosillo Top Scorer
In the 1995–96 season, Carlos Hermosillo finished as the league's top scorer with 26 goals.
July 1996: CONCACAF Champions' Cup Victory
On 20 July 1996, Cruz Azul ended a 16-year title drought by winning the 1996 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, held in Guatemala City.
1996: Move to Estadio Azul
From 1996 to 2018, the Estadio Azul served as Cruz Azul's home.
December 1997: Cruz Azul wins Invierno 1997 league title
In December 1997, Cruz Azul defeated León in the final of the Invierno 1997 tournament through a golden goal, ending a 17-year league title drought. Carlos Hermosillo converted a penalty in extra time after being fouled, securing the victory for Cruz Azul.
1997: Crest Redesign
In 1997, the Cruz Azul crest underwent a significant redesign, becoming a fully circular emblem for the first time, and the word "Mexico" was added at the bottom of the outer ring.
1997: Beginning of Title Drought
In 1997, the club began its infamous failure to win a league title, a drought that would last until 2021.
1997: Invierno 1997 Title
In Invierno 1997, Cruz Azul added another league title in the short tournament era.
1997: Cruz Azul Wins Invierno 1997 league title
In the Invierno 1997 tournament, Juan Reynoso was part of the Cruz Azul team.
1999: Invierno 1999 Tournament
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, Cruz Azul's primary organised supporters' group, La Sangre 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.
2004: Incorporation of Las Celestes
In 2004, Cruz Azul officially included its cheerleading club, Las Celestes, as part of its club activities.
April 2012: Cruz Azul Officially Changes Name
In April 2012, the club officially changed their name to Cruz Azul Fútbol Club, A.C.
2012: Name Change
In 2012, the club changed its name to Cruz Azul Fútbol Club, A.C.
2013: Clausura 2013 Finals
During the Clausura 2013 finals, América defeated Cruz Azul on penalties after a dramatic comeback, marking a memorable match in Liga MX history.
2013: Cruz Azul Wins Copa MX but Loses Liga MX Final
In 2013, Cruz Azul initially struggled but gained momentum after defeating América in the Copa MX semi-finals, later winning the tournament. They reached the final of the Clausura 2013 tournament against América, losing in a penalty shootout after América scored two late goals to equalize.
2013: Cruz Azul Loses Liga MX Final Against America
In 2018, Cruz Azul reached the Liga MX final and faced América, a rematch of the Clausura 2013 final which they also lost.
April 2014: Cruz Azul Wins CONCACAF Champions League
On 23 April 2014, Cruz Azul won its sixth CONCACAF Champions League title after defeating Toluca, securing the club's first trophy in 17 years. The victory qualified Cruz Azul for the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup.
2014: Cruz Azul fails to qualify for 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
Following violent incidents, including one in March 2015, La Sangre Azul lost access to official club support and faced sanctions from league authorities.
November 2017: Paco Jémez Leaves Cruz Azul
On 27 November 2017, it was announced that manager Paco Jémez would not renew his contract for the following season.
May 2018: Eduardo de la Torre Leaves Cruz Azul
On 7 May 2018, sporting director Eduardo de la Torre left Cruz Azul and was replaced by Ricardo Peláez.
2018: Departure from Estadio Azul
From 1996 to 2018, the Estadio Azul served as Cruz Azul's home.
2019: Cruz Azul ties Liga MX record
Following the Guardianes 2020 tournament, Cruz Azul won 12 consecutive matches, tying the Liga MX record set by León in the Clausura 2019
May 2020: Guillermo Álvarez Indicted on Multiple Charges
In May 2020, club president Guillermo Álvarez Cuevas was indicted on multiple 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 Cruz Azul club president after more than three decades, following an arrest warrant issued in July.
December 2020: Cruz Azul Loses Semi-final Match Despite Winning First Leg
On 6 December 2020, Cruz Azul played Pumas UNAM in the Guardianes 2020 semi-finals. Despite winning the first-leg 4–0, Cruz Azul lost the second-leg by the same scoreline and was eliminated due to Pumas UNAM's higher seeding.
2020: Juan Reynoso Appointed as Head Coach
Following the Guardianes 2020 tournament, Juan Reynoso was appointed as head coach.
May 2021: Cruz Azul Wins 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.
May 2021: End of Title Drought
On 30 May 2021, Cruz Azul broke their title drought with a 2–1 aggregate victory against Santos Laguna in the Guardianes 2021 final.
July 2021: Cruz Azul Defeats León in Campeón de Campeones
On 18 July 2021, Cruz Azul defeated León 2-1 in the Campeón de Campeones match.
2021: Ninth League Title at Estadio Azteca
In 2021, Cruz Azul won their ninth league title while playing at the Estadio Azteca.
2021: Ninth League Title Commemoration
In 2021, the Cruz Azul crest was modified to commemorate the club's ninth league title, adding a ninth star around the emblem.
2021: Guardianes 2021 Title
In Guardianes 2021, Cruz Azul won another league title ending a 23-year title drought.
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: Fan Base Ranking
The most recent survey from 2021 ranked Cruz Azul as having the third-largest fan base in Mexico, behind Guadalajara and América and ahead of Pumas UNAM, with approximately 10.9% of national support—or around 14 million fans.
May 2022: Diego Aguirre Named 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 as head coach on 18 May.
2022: Supercopa de la Liga MX Win
In 2022, Cruz Azul won the Supercopa de la Liga MX.
2022: Name Change
In 2022, the club changed its name to Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V.
2022: Name Change and Star Removal
In 2022, the club changed their name to Club de Futbol Cruz Azul, and all surrounding stars were removed from the crest.
February 2023: Raúl Gutiérrez Dismissed as Head Coach
In February 2023, Raúl Gutiérrez was let go on 13 February 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: América wins title
In 2024, América won the title against Cruz Azul, following a penalty awarded in the second-leg.
2024: Temporary Return to Estadio Azul
In 2024, Cruz Azul announced a temporary return to the Estadio Azul, now known as the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, due to renovations at the Azteca for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
January 2025: Anselmi departs for Portuguese club Porto
On 24 January 2025, Anselmi departed for Portuguese club Porto without prior notice to the club, leading to controversy and the threat of legal action over alleged breach of contract.
May 2025: Clásico Joven Match Statistics
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: Sánchez departs by mutual agreement
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: Move to Estadio Olímpico Universitario
From 2025, Cruz Azul moved to the Estadio Olímpico Universitario due to logistical issues at the Colonia Nápoles stadium.
2025: Updated Crest Introduction
In 2025, the club introduced a slightly updated version of its crest, featuring subtle adjustments to the typography and proportions of the emblem.
2025: Club Ranking by IFFHS
In the calendar year 2025, Cruz Azul was ranked as the 71st-best club in the world and the highest-ranked club in CONCACAF by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, with the ranking being announced in 2026.
January 2026: Contract Non-Renewal
On 6 January 2026, UNAM notified Cruz Azul that the contract would not be renewed, citing logistical reasons including academic commitments and the stadium's use for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
January 2026: Relocation to Estadio Cuauhtémoc
On 8 January 2026, Liga MX authorized Cruz Azul to relocate to the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla for the Clausura 2026 tournament.
2026: Azteca Renovations
In 2024, Cruz Azul announced a temporary return to the Estadio Azul, now known as the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, due to renovations at the Azteca for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2026: Home matches at Estadio Cuauhtémoc
In 2026, Cruz Azul began playing their home matches at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla due to renovations at the Estadio Azteca.
2026: Club Ranking
In 2026, Cruz Azul was named the 71st-best club in the world and the highest-ranked club in CONCACAF by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics for the 2025 calendar year.
2029: Cruz Azul secures qualification for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup
In 2025, Cruz Azul won record-equalling seventh CONCACAF Champions Cup title, a victory that also secured their qualification for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Mentioned in this timeline
Football encompasses a variety of team sports centered around advancing...
Seattle is the most populous city in Washington and the...
FIFA the F d ration Internationale de Football Association is...
Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico...
Interpol the International Criminal Police Organization is the world's largest...
Mexico officially the United Mexican States is a North American...
Trending
37 minutes ago Chicago's iconic flag adoption, city employee's debt, and Illinois quick hits revealed.
2 hours ago Courtney Love urges Dave Grohl to end 30-year feud, stop fan harassment.
2 hours ago Illinois Lottery Results: Mega Millions, Pick 3, Pick 4 on April 3, 2026
2 days ago Alaska Airlines reveals new International Business Class Suites for long-haul flights.
3 hours ago Microsoft's $10 Billion AI Investment Plan in Japan Fuels Stock Jump and Cloud Growth
2 days ago League of Legends: Patch 26.7 Notes, New PROJECT Skins Leaked, KT Aiming's Statement.
Popular
William Franklin Graham III commonly known as Franklin Graham is...
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
George Soros is a Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist with a...
Sir David Attenborough is a highly influential British broadcaster biologist...
Walter Elias Disney was a highly influential American animator film...