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 moved to Mexico City in 1971. They played at Estadio Azteca until 1996, then at Estadio Azul until returning to Estadio Azteca after the 2017-18 season. Their headquarters are in La Noria, Xochimilco. The club was initially named Club Deportivo, Social y Cultural Cruz Azul A.C., changing to Cruz Azul Fútbol Club, A.C. in 2012, and finally to Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V. in 2022.

1923: Carlos Garces López in debut series of matches against Guatemala

In 1923, Carlos Garces López was included in the debut Mexico national football team, playing in Mexico's debut series of official international matches against Guatemala.

1924: Carlos Garces López in Mexico national team

In 1924, Carlos Garces López, a footballer and athlete, was included in the Mexico national team for athletics and football.

1925: Baseball Team Establishment

In 1925, Cooperativa La Cruz Azul voted to establish a company baseball team, however Carlos Garces López lobbied for football.

March 1927: Election favors Football

On 22 March 1927, an election favored football, leading Cooperativa La Cruz Azul to replace the company baseball diamond with a football pitch.

1927: Club Foundation

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

1927: Cruz Azul's Founding

Since its founding in 1927, Cruz Azul's crest has consistently reflected the club's core identity, featuring a blue cross within a white circle and framed by a red square, symbolizing heritage and connection to Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, S.C.L.

1928: Carlos Garces López in Mexico national team

In 1928, Carlos Garces López, a footballer and athlete, was included in the Mexico national team for athletics and football.

March 1931: Sale to La Tolteca

On 1 March 1931, Cooperativa La Cruz Azul was bought by cement company La Tolteca for 1 million pesos due to economic troubles.

October 1931: Workers prevent property transfer

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

1931: Guillermo Álvarez Macías employed at the cooperative

In 1931, at the age of 12, Guillermo Álvarez Macías began working at the cooperative as an automotive mechanic.

May 1932: Workers become collective owners

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

1932: League titles in Hidalgo

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

January 1934: Company name change

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 Following

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

November 1941: Debt Settlement

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

1943: League titles in Hidalgo

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

December 1953: Guillermo 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, Luis Velázquez Hernández lobbied the Mexican Football Federation for official membership on the club's behalf.

1960: Invitation to Copa de la Segunda División de México

In the 1960–61 edition, Cruz Azul was invited to compete in Copa de la Segunda División de México.

1960: Purchase of Lafayette team

Sometime in 1960, Cruz Azul purchased the Lafayette team under the recommendation of Sánchez, who had many talented players that could potentially be Cruz Azul's reserves. Plans to construct a club stadium were conceived in 1960.

April 1961: Debut game in Copa de la Segunda División de México

On 2 April 1961, Cruz Azul played their debut game in Jasso against Zamora, ending in 2–1 in favor of Cruz Azul. The second leg was played on 9 April 1961, ending in a 3–3 draw.

1961: Registration in Second Tier League

For the 1961–62 season, the club was officially registered to compete in the nation's second tier professional league.

1961: Jorge Marik signed on

In 1961, Jorge Marik signed on to manage the club.

1961: Construction of Estadio 10 de Diciembre

In 1961, ground broke to construct Estadio 10 de Diciembre.

1963: Estadio 10 de Diciembre completed

In 1963, construction of Estadio 10 de Diciembre was completed.

1963: Promotion to Primera División

In the 1963–64 Mexican Segunda División season, Jorge Marik led Cruz Azul to 1st position on the general table with 45 points to win a direct promotion to Primera División.

March 1964: Estadio 10 de Diciembre renovations

On 6 March 1964, Estadio 10 de Diciembre underwent renovations.

1964: First Stadium

From 1964 to 1971, Cruz Azul played at Estadio 10 de Diciembre in Jasso, Hidalgo.

1964: Emblem Refinement

In 1964, as Cruz Azul grew in prominence, the club refined its emblem, adopting a rounder design that included the full name, Club Deportivo Cruz Azul.

1965: First season in top flight

In the 1964–65 Mexican Primera División season, Cruz Azul finished their first season in the top flight in 8th place.

October 1966: Raúl Cárdenas signed as coach

On 20 October 1966, Raúl Cárdenas signed as Cruz Azul's coach.

1968: Treble Win

During the 1968–69 season, under the direction of Cárdenas, Cruz Azul won their first Copa México title, their first Primera División title, and their first CONCACAF Champions' Cup, completing a treble.

1968: Cruz Azul won the Mexican Primera División

In 1968, Cruz Azul won its first major title, the Mexican Primera División, just five years after being promoted.

1968: First league title

In the 1968–69 season, Cruz Azul played at Estadio 10 de Diciembre in Jasso, Hidalgo, and won their first league title.

1968: Continental Treble

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

1969: Finished Second on the general table

In the 1969–70 Primera División season, Cruz Azul finished second on the general table.

December 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 second phase of the competition.

1970: Start of Dominance Era

Between 1970 and 1980, Cruz Azul established an era of dominance by winning six league titles, leading to the nickname La Máquina Celeste.

1970: Second league title

In the 1970 season, Cruz Azul played at Estadio 10 de Diciembre in Jasso, Hidalgo, and won their second league title.

1971: Leaving first stadium

In 1971, Cruz Azul left Estadio 10 de Diciembre in Jasso, Hidalgo and moved to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City

1971: Move to Estadio Azteca

In 1971, Cruz Azul moved to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where they experienced significant achievements, including multiple league titles and cup victories.

1973: Addition of Stars to the Crest

In 1973, following Cruz Azul's first league title, stars were added above the cross to represent these achievements; the crest displayed three stars, celebrating the team's growing success in the Primera División.

1974: Previous Campeón de Campeones Title

In 1974, Cruz Azul won their second Campeón de Campeones title, and on July 18, 2021, they won their third title, the first since 1974.

December 1976: Death of Guillermo Álvarez Macías

On 18 December 1976, club president Guillermo Álvarez Macías passed away from a heart attack.

1980: End of Dominance Era

Between 1970 and 1980, Cruz Azul established an era of dominance by winning six league titles, leading to the nickname La Máquina Celeste.

1980: Standardization of the Crest

By 1980, the stars in Cruz Azul's crest were standardized, and the design streamlined to enhance brand consistency, allowing it to adapt more easily across various media and merchandise.

1988: Guillermo Héctor Álvarez Cuevas assumes position

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

1991: Signing of Carlos Hermosillo

In 1991, Cruz Azul signed Carlos Hermosillo from América. Despite initial skepticism, Hermosillo became a key player.

1992: Reserve team plays in Primera División "A"

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

1993: Hermosillo becomes top scorer

In 1993, Carlos Hermosillo started his streak as Primera División top scorer, marking the beginning of three consecutive seasons of outstanding performance.

1994: Falling short in the final

In 1994, Cruz Azul fell short in the final.

1994: League Final Appearance

In 1994, Cruz Azul finished third in the league and reached the league final for the first time in six years.

1995: Hermosillo continues to score

In 1995, Carlos Hermosillo continued his run as top scorer.

July 1996: Cruz Azul Wins 1996 CONCACAF Champions' Cup

On July 20, 1996, Cruz Azul, managed by Víctor Manuel Vucetich, won the 1996 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, ending a 16-year title drought. They defeated Seattle Sounders 11–0.

1996: Move to Estadio Azul

From 1996 to 2018, the Estadio Azul served as Cruz Azul's home stadium.

1996: Brief Departure from Estadio Azteca

In 1996, Cruz Azul briefly left the Estadio Azteca for the Estadio Azul, where they played until 2018.

1996: Move to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes

In 1996, Cruz Azul moved from Estadio Azteca to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, later renamed Estadio Azul.

August 1997: Cruz Azul Wins 1997 CONCACAF Champions' Cup

On August 24, 1997, managed by Luis Fernando Tena, Cruz Azul won the 1997 CONCACAF Champions' Cup for the second consecutive year, defeating LA Galaxy 5–3 in the final.

December 1997: Cruz Azul Wins Invierno 1997 League Tournament

On December 7, 1997, Cruz Azul won the Invierno 1997 league tournament against León via golden goal, ending a 17-year league title drought and achieving their second continental treble.

1997: Beginning of the Curse

From 1997 until May 30, 2021, the club became infamous in Mexico for not having won a Mexican league title, giving rise to the "Cruz Azul curse".

1997: Crest Redesign

In 1997, Cruz Azul introduced a significant redesign of its crest, updating the emblem to a circular shape and adding the word “Mexico” around the outer ring.

1997: Cruz Azul wins Invierno title

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

1997: Reynoso's prior league title

In 1997, Juan Reynoso was part of the Cruz Azul squad that won their previous league title in the Invierno tournament. He was later appointed as head coach in 2021.

January 2001: Establishment of La Sangre Azul

In January 2001, La Sangre Azul, Cruz Azul's only official supporters' group, was established and recognized by the club. They became known for their unwavering support and vibrant atmosphere at games.

2001: Cruz Azul reached the final of the Copa Libertadores

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: Cruz Azul Qualifies for Copa Libertadores

In 2001, Cruz Azul qualified for the Copa Libertadores through the Copa Pre-Libertadores, advancing to Group 7 and finishing top of the group. They overcame Cerro Porteño in the round of 16.

2001: Copa Libertadores Final

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

2003: Reserve team plays in Primera División "A"

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

2004: Las Celestes included as part of the institution

In 2004, Las Celestes, Cruz Azul's official cheerleading club, were included as part of the institution. They performed pre-match and during halftime for years, becoming a valued tradition. Cruz Azul was the only Mexican team to officially include cheerleaders as part of its club activities.

July 2005: Rubén Omar Romano Abducted

On July 16, 2005, manager Rubén Omar Romano was abducted after a pre-season practice. A ransom note demanded $500,000. He was rescued unharmed after 65 days.

2005: Mizrahi Offered Manager Position

In 2005, while Romano was in captivity, Cruz Azul decided not to renew Romano's contract and offered the manager position to Isaac Mizrahi, which Mizrahi accepted, leading to a severed friendship with Romano.

2006: Reserve team plays in Segunda División

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

2008: 2008-09 CONCACAF Champions League

Cruz Azul qualified for the 2008–09 CONCACAF Champions League and reached the final, losing to Atlante on aggregate.

2008: Clausura 2008 Season

During the Clausura 2008 season, Cruz Azul finished second, with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses. They reached the final against Santos Laguna, losing 3–2 on aggregate.

2008: Apertura 2008 Season and Final Loss

In the Apertura 2008 season, Cruz Azul finished 5th and reached the final against Toluca, tying 2-2 on aggregate but losing 7-6 in a penalty shootout after a dramatic match with injuries and controversial calls.

2009: Qualification for 2009-10 CONCACAF

In 2009, Cruz Azul qualified for the 2009-10 CONCACAF Champions League.

2009: Apertura 2009 Season

In the Apertura 2009, Cruz Azul signed Enrique Meza as manager and several new players. They finished second in the regular season, with Emanuel Villa as top scorer. They lost to Monterrey in the final.

2009: Worst Tournament in Club History

In the Clausura 2009, Cruz Azul had the worst tournament in club history, finishing last with only 13 points. Benjamín Galindo was sacked.

2010: 2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League

In 2010, Cruz Azul had a good tournament in the 2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League, reaching the final but losing to Pachuca on away goals.

April 2012: Name Change

In April 2012, Cruz Azul changed their official name from Club Deportivo, Social y Cultural Cruz Azul, A.C. to simply Cruz Azul Fútbol Club, A.C..

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: Copa MX Win and Liga MX Final Loss

During the 2013 season, Cruz Azul won the Copa MX against Atlante and reached the Liga MX final against América, losing after a comeback and penalty shootout.

2013: Previous Clausura Final

In 2013, Cruz Azul had faced America in the Clausura final.

2013: Previous Copa MX Trophy

In 2013, Cruz Azul had won their previous Copa MX Trophy

2013: Emergence of Cruzazulear

Sometime in 2013, the term cruzazulear, meaning losing a game after victory is practically assured, began to be used to describe Cruz Azul's tendency to lose matches in that manner, contributing to a negative reputation.

April 2014: Cruz Azul wins CONCACAF Champions League

On April 23, 2014, Cruz Azul defeated Toluca and won their sixth CONCACAF Champions League, earning a spot at the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup.

2014: Start of Liguilla Drought

From the Clausura 2014, Cruz Azul was unable to qualify to the liguilla playoffs for six consecutive tournaments.

2014: Reserve team plays in Primera División "A" and Liga Premier

In 2014, Cruz Azul's reserve team played in the Primera División "A" and 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: La Sangre Azul loses support of the club

In March 2015, La Sangre Azul lost the support of the club's board due to violent incidents, straining the relationship between the supporters' group and Cruz Azul.

2015: Reserve team plays in Segunda División/Liga Premier

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

2015: Reserve team plays in Segunda División

In 2015, Cruz Azul's reserve team stopped playing in the Segunda División.

November 2017: Paco Jémez Leaves Cruz Azul

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

2017: Return to Estadio Azteca

Following the conclusion of the 2017–18 Liga MX season, Cruz Azul returned to Estadio Azteca.

May 2018: Ricardo Peláez Replaces Eduardo de la Torre

On May 7, 2018, Ricardo Peláez replaced Eduardo de la Torre as director of football for Cruz Azul.

December 2018: Apertura 2018 Final Loss

In December 2018, Cruz Azul faced América in the Apertura 2018 final, losing 2–0 and extending their 21-year league championship drought.

2018: Return to Azteca

In 2018, Cruz Azul returned to the Azteca due to a contract renewal issue.

2018: Apertura 2018 Copa MX Win

In 2018, Cruz Azul won the Apertura 2018 Copa MX final against Monterrey 2–0, securing their first trophy in the tournament since 2013.

2018: End of reserve team in Segunda División/Liga Premier

In 2018, Cruz Azul's reserve team stopped playing in the Segunda División/Liga Premier.

2019: Cruz Azul won the Supercopa MX

In 2019, Cruz Azul won the Supercopa MX.

2019: Tying León's record

In 2019, León set a Liga MX record of 12-match winning streak in the Clausura. Cruz Azul tied this record in 2021 during the Guardianes tournament.

May 2020: Indictment of Guillermo Alvarez Cuevas

In May 2020, Guillermo Alvarez Cuevas, then president of the club, was indicted by Mexican authorities on multiple accounts of fraud and other crimes.

August 2020: Resignation of Guillermo Alvarez Cuevas

In August 2020, Guillermo Alvarez resigned from his position as president of Cruz Azul after 32 years.

December 2020: Guardianes 2020 Semi-Final Loss

On December 6, 2020, Cruz Azul lost the Guardianes 2020 Liga MX semi-final second leg against Pumas UNAM 0–4, tying in aggregate and being eliminated due to Pumas' week 17 win.

2020: Disappointing end to the year

In 2020, Cruz Azul had a disappointing end to the year, leading to significant changes within the club, including the appointment of a new head coach for the Guardianes 2021 tournament.

2020: Cruzazulear recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy

In 2020, the term cruzazulear was officially recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy, highlighting the term's prevalence to describe Cruz Azul losing in a certain manner.

May 2021: Cruz Azul wins Liga MX Title

On May 30, 2021, Cruz Azul ended its 23-year Primera División championship drought by beating Santos Laguna 2–1 on aggregate at Estadio Azteca, earning its ninth league title.

May 30, 2021: End of the "Cruz Azul Curse"

On May 30, 2021, Cruz Azul broke the "Cruz Azul curse" by winning the Guardianes 2021 final match versus Santos Laguna, scoring 2–1, after a title drought since 1997.

July 2021: Cruz Azul Wins Campeón de Campeones

On July 18, 2021, Cruz Azul faced León in the 2021 Campeón de Campeones match, triumphing 2–1 with goals from Jonathan Rodríguez, earning their third title and first since 1974.

2021: Crest Modification to Celebrate Liga MX Title

In 2021, Cruz Azul modified its crest to celebrate its ninth Liga MX title, adding a ninth star around the emblem. This modification occurred after the club's previous league title in 1997.

2021: Cruz Azul wins Guardianes title

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

2021: Ninth league title in Estadio Azteca

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

2021: End of reserve team in Liga Premier

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

2021: Third Largest Fan Base

In 2021, a survey placed Cruz Azul as the 3rd largest fan base in Mexico, with 10,9% or 14 million supporters.

2021: Juan Reynoso Appointed as Head Coach

In 2021, following a disappointing end to 2020, Cruz Azul appointed Juan Reynoso as the new head coach and Álvaro Dávila as the club's executive president. Reynoso, a former player, had been part of the Cruz Azul squad that won their previous league title in the Invierno 1997 tournament.

2021: First Leg of Guardianes 2021 Final

In 2021, the first leg of the Guardianes 2021 final saw Cruz Azul face Santos Laguna at Estadio Corona. Cruz Azul won 1–0 due to Luis Romo's goal, giving them a lead heading into the second leg.

May 2022: Dismissal of Reynoso

On May 18, 2022, Cruz Azul announced the dismissal of head coach Juan Reynoso following their elimination in the Clausura 2022 quarterfinals.

May 2022: Diego Aguirre Appointed as Head Coach

On May 30, 2022, Diego Aguirre was appointed as the new head coach of Cruz Azul.

August 2022: Sacking of Diego Aguirre and Appointing Raul Gutierrez

In August 2022, Diego Aguirre was sacked on August 21, following a 7-0 defeat to América. Raúl Gutiérrez took over the managerial position on August 24.

2022: Cruz Azul won the Supercopa de la Liga MX

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 club changed its name to Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S.A. de C.V.

February 2023: Dismissal of Raúl Gutiérrez and Appointing Ricardo Ferretti

In February 2023, Raúl Gutiérrez was dismissed on February 13, following a string of poor performances. Ricardo Ferretti was appointed as the head coach on February 22.

December 2023: Martín Anselmi Appointed Head Coach

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

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 2026 FIFA World Cup.

2024: Cruz Azul Breaks League Record

In 2024, Cruz Azul concluded the season with a 1-1 draw against Tigres UANL, leading them to break the league record with 42 points, setting the highest points total in a short tournament of 17 matchday games.

2024: Cruz Azul's Performance Under Anselmi

In 2024, Martín Anselmi guided Cruz Azul to a 2nd-place finish in the regular season with 33 points, earning them a spot in the Liguilla.

January 2025: Arrest of Guillermo Alvarez Cuevas

On January 16, 2025, Guillermo Alvarez Cuevas was arrested in Mexico City and taken to the Penal del Altiplano federal maximum security prison.

2025: Cruz Azul moves to Estadio Olímpico Universitario

Before the start of the Clausura 2025, it was announced that Cruz Azul would be playing their home games at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

2025: Move to the Estadio Olímpico Universitario

In 2025, Cruz Azul moved to the Estadio Olímpico Universitario due to logistical issues at the Colonia Nápoles stadium, concluding their second stint at Ciudad de los Deportes.

2026: Azteca Stadium Renovations for World Cup

In 2026, renovations at the Azteca for the FIFA World Cup led to Cruz Azul's temporary return to the Estadio Azul (Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes) in 2024.