Discover the rich history, titles, idol players and legendary coaches of Internacional de Porto Alegre, one of the giants of Brazilian football.
CRUZ AZUL – MEXICO, WHAT IS ITS HISTORY, ITS MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS? WHO WERE ITS STAR PLAYERS?
Cruz Azul is one of the most iconic and beloved clubs in Mexican soccer. Founded in 1927 by cement factory workers in Jasso, Hidalgo, the team grew to become a national powerhouse. With its iconic blue jersey and a style of play characterized by fighting spirit and talent, it has won championships, forged idols, and thrilled millions. Its history is marked by golden eras, painful droughts, and glorious resurrections, such as the Clausura 2021 title. In this article, we'll review its origins, its most impactful achievements, the players who defined generations, and the coaches who guided the club through its greatest moments. If you're a fan of La Máquina, this journey is for you.
From a Cement Factory to the Elite of Football
Cruz Azul was founded on May 22, 1927, in Jasso, Hidalgo, as part of an initiative by the workers of the Cemento Cruz Azul cement factory. Initially an amateur team, it quickly gained strength and professionalism. In 1964, it joined the Mexican First Division, and from then on, it never stopped growing.
In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, the club experienced its golden age. Having moved to Mexico City and adopting the Estadio Azteca as its home, Cruz Azul won championship after championship and earned the nickname "La Máquina" (The Machine) for its solid, powerful, and almost invincible style of play. It was the first club outside the capital to dominate Mexican football. A Sky Blue Identity and Loyal Fanbase: What distinguishes Cruz Azul is not only its history of triumphs, but its loyal fans. Despite lost finals and years without titles, the sky blue supporters never abandoned the team. Being a Cruz Azul fan is an act of faith, an inherited passion, and an eternal promise to return to the top. Founded in 1927 by cement workers. Entered the First Division in 1964. Golden era in the 70s with multiple titles. Nicknamed “La Máquina” (The Machine) for its devastating style. One of the most loyal fan bases in Mexico. Cruz Azul wasn't born great: it became a giant through sheer effort, a working-class heart, and high-flying football, writing golden pages in the history of the Mexican football.
Titles, falls and celestial resurrections
Cruz Azul has won 9 league titles (1968–69, Mexico 1970, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1978–79, 1979–80, Winter 1997 and Clausura 2021), 6 Copa MX titles and 6 Concacaf Champions League trophies. Furthermore, they were runners-up in the Copa Libertadores in 2001, a historic feat for Mexican football. After the 1997 title, the club went through a long drought filled with lost finals, which gave rise to the famous term "cruzazulear" (to Cruz Azul it). But in 2021, with Juan Reynoso as manager and stars like Jonathan Rodríguez, they broke the curse and lifted the cup again, unleashing a national celebration among their loyal fans. Managers who made history: Raúl Cárdenas was the architect of the Cruz Azul team of the 1970s. Enrique Meza led the club to the Libertadores final. And Juan Reynoso, a former player and champion in '97, returned as coach to end the drought in 2021. Luis Fernando Tena, Rubén Omar Romano, and Sergio Markarián also stood out in different stints. 9 league titles, including the Clausura 2021. 6 Copa MX titles and 6 Concacaf Champions League titles. Runner-up in the Copa Libertadores in 2001. Raúl Cárdenas, Meza, and Reynoso: key coaches. Breaking the curse in 2021 was historic. Titles tell part of the story, but the essence of the club lies in resilience, constant struggle, and the love of a fanbase that never gives up.
Idols Who Marked Generations of Cruz Azul Fans
Throughout its history, Cruz Azul has had true icons. Carlos Hermosillo is one of the most remembered: a relentless goalscorer, author of the penalty that gave them the title in 1997. Óscar “Conejo” Pérez was a symbol of security and leadership for years. Benjamín Galindo, Juan Reynoso, Pablo Larios, and Miguel Marín also made their mark.
In the modern era, figures like Christian “Chaco” Giménez, Jesús Corona, Jonathan “Cabecita” Rodríguez, and Julio César Domínguez stood out. All of them contributed not only football skills, but also identity, commitment, and a deep connection with the Cruz Azul fans. Some even went from players to eternal idols.
The most beloved by La Máquina
Carlos Hermosillo – ultimate idol and decisive goalscorer.
Óscar Pérez – goalkeeping legend and example of longevity.
Juan Reynoso – champion as a player and manager.
Christian Giménez – talent and a true blue heart.
Jonathan Rodríguez – key figure in the 2021 title.
Cruz Azul idols didn't just win matches: they won the hearts of a nation that follows them with passion. In every goal, save, or tackle, they left an indelible mark.
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