Cruz Azul

File:Carlos Garcés López.jpg, key figure in Cruz Azul's early connection to football during the 1920s.]]

Cruz Azul was founded in the late 1920s in Jasso, Hidalgo, where cement company Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, S.C.L. fostered a connection with football. At the time, football in Mexico was not a professionalized or lucrative activity, and many athletes worked full-time jobs alongside their sporting pursuits. Carlos Garces López, a footballer, athlete and dentist, employed by the cooperative, had previously played for América and was part of Mexico's national team in its first official matches in 1923,{{cite web|url = https://www.excelsior.com.mx/adrenalina/hace-95-anos-se-estreno-el-tricolor/1283646|title = Hace 95 años se estrenó el Tricolor| work=Excélsior |date = 9 December 2018|access-date = 23 June 2021|archive-date = 24 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624210523/https://www.excelsior.com.mx/adrenalina/hace-95-anos-se-estreno-el-tricolor/1283646|url-status = live | last1=Aldana | first1=Omar Flores }} as well as in the 1928 Olympic squad.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex-intres2039.html|title=Mexico - International Results Details 1920-1939|website=RSSSF|access-date=2023-02-02|archive-date=2022-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721202734/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex-intres2039.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/opinion/carlos-calderon/columna-carlos-calderon/america-cruz-azul-carlos-garces-anecdota-compartida|title=América y Cruz Azul. Carlos Garcés: Una anécdota compartida|work=Mediotiempo |access-date=2021-06-23|archive-date=2021-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624210457/https://www.mediotiempo.com/opinion/carlos-calderon/columna-carlos-calderon/america-cruz-azul-carlos-garces-anecdota-compartida|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/26541|title=Olympedia – Carlos Garcés|access-date=2021-06-23|archive-date=2021-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625022307/https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/26541|url-status=live}}

In 1925, the cooperative initially planned to form a baseball team, reflecting the sport's popularity in the area.{{cite web|url=https://www.milenio.com/futbol/club-cruz-azul/cruz-azul-equipo-originalmente-beisbol-transformo|title=Cruz Azul, el equipo que originalmente era de beisbol y se transformó|date=22 May 2020|access-date=24 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624212245/https://www.milenio.com/futbol/club-cruz-azul/cruz-azul-equipo-originalmente-beisbol-transformo|url-status=live}} However, Garces López advocated for football to become the company's official sport. After sustained lobbying, the cooperative held a referendum on 22 March 1927, in which football was selected.{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Cual-es-la-fecha-correcta-de-la-fundacion-de-Cruz-Azul-20190522-0001.html|title = ¿Cuál es la fecha correcta de la fundación de Cruz Azul?| date=22 May 2019 }} A football pitch replaced the baseball diamond, and the team was formally established two months later on 22 May 1927, with Garces López as its first manager. For the following decades, Cruz Azul competed in regional tournaments, composed exclusively of company workers. The club achieved notable success in amateur competitions during the 1930s and 1940s.

In 1931, the cooperative faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression. Due to the loss of demand and production of cement and other construction materials, the company faced bankruptcy and was acquired by cement company La Tolteca on 1 March 1931, for 1 million pesos. However, the liquidation of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul was anticipated by 192 workers of the company who unionized and sued the executives of the company to prevent the transfer of the property which was set for 15 October 1931.{{cite web|url = https://isranosoychema.com/2021/01/11/historia-del-cruz-azul/|title = Historia del Cruz Azul|date = 11 January 2021|access-date = 25 June 2021|archive-date = 25 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210625004637/https://isranosoychema.com/2021/01/11/historia-del-cruz-azul/|url-status = dead}} The government of Hidalgo ruled in favor of the workers after it was shown La Tolteca had premeditated intentions of liquidation. The workers assumed control of the industrial facilities on 2 November. 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, exercising eminent domain. Part of the agreement, all 192 workers who assumed responsibility of the plant agreed to pay the state of Hidalgo 1.3 million pesos over the course of 10 years. The company changed its name to Cooperativa Manufacturera de Cemento Portland La Cruz Azul, S.C.L., reestablishing itself as a cooperative on 29 January 1934.{{Cite web|url=http://www.profmex.org/mexicoandtheworld/volume10/4fall05/La%20Cruz%20Azul.html|title=PROFMEX-Consorcio Mundial para la Investigación sobre México|access-date=2021-06-25|archive-date=2021-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625004637/http://www.profmex.org/mexicoandtheworld/volume10/4fall05/La%20Cruz%20Azul.html|url-status=live}} The debt was settled on 2 November 1941, 10 years after workers took ownership of the plant. In celebration, Cruz Azul organized a match against Real España, that ended in a 0–0 draw.{{cite web|url = https://lopezdoriga.com/deportes/el-ultimo-testigo-de-la-fundacion-de-cruz-azul/|title = El último testigo de la fundación de Cruz Azul|date = 4 December 2015|access-date = 25 June 2021|archive-date = 25 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210625004636/https://lopezdoriga.com/deportes/el-ultimo-testigo-de-la-fundacion-de-cruz-azul/|url-status = live}}{{cite web|url=https://realestatemarket.com.mx/articulos/materiales-de-la-industria/12882-cooperativa-la-cruz-azul-s-c-l|title=Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, S.C.L.|website=Real Estate Market & Lifestyle|access-date=2021-06-25|archive-date=2021-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625004638/https://realestatemarket.com.mx/articulos/materiales-de-la-industria/12882-cooperativa-la-cruz-azul-s-c-l|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-y-sus-90-anos|title = Cruz Azul y sus 90 años}} This scenario of the club's formation encourages its working-class facade.{{cite web|url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2015/11/04/a-tale-of-one-city-mexico-city/|title=A Tale of One City: Mexico City|date=4 November 2015}}{{cite news|author=Archibold, Randal C.|date=25 October 2013|title=Mexican Writer Mines the Soccer Field for Metaphors|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/26/world/americas/mexican-writer-mines-the-soccer-field-for-metaphors.html?_r=0:|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220093542/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/26/world/americas/mexican-writer-mines-the-soccer-field-for-metaphors.html?_r=0:|url-status=live}}

Between 1932 to 1943, Cruz Azul won 15 consecutive league titles in a local amateur league in the state of Hidalgo and on eight different occasions, the club represented the state of Hidalgo in national amateur tournaments. From the mid-1930s to the late 1940s, the club regularly traveled to Mexico City to face the reserve teams of Atlante, Necaxa, Marte, and Real España, playing at Parque Necaxa to great success.{{cite web|url = https://www.record.com.mx/futbol-futbol-nacional-liga-mx-cruz-azul/cruz-azul-un-equipo-que-nacio-para-brillar|title = Cruz Azul, un equipo que nació para brillar|date = 14 May 2017|access-date = 23 June 2021|archive-date = 24 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204209/https://www.record.com.mx/futbol-futbol-nacional-liga-mx-cruz-azul/cruz-azul-un-equipo-que-nacio-para-brillar|url-status = live}}{{cite web|url=http://cruz-azul-y-la-charla-por-el-titulo.html/|title=Cruz Azul y la charla por el título|first=Shorthand-Edgar|last=Rivas|website=Shorthand}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} By 1937, Cruz Azul had garnered a considerable following both in Hidalgo and Mexico City.{{cite web|url=http://www.infodeportes.com/futbol/equipo/cruzazul|title=Cruz Azul|access-date=2021-06-25|archive-date=2021-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625004637/http://www.infodeportes.com/futbol/equipo/cruzazul|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/cruz-azul.html|title=Así nació el Club Deportivo Cruz Azul, "La Maquina Cementera"|date=31 May 2021|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625004637/https://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/cruz-azul.html|url-status=live}} During this period, Guillermo Álvarez Macías began playing as a midfielder for the team.{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Cruz-Azul-94-anos-La-historia-del-equipo-que-nacio-grande-en-Jasso--Origen--Ascenso--Titulos--Liga-MX-20210522-0001.html|title = Es la historia de un amor como no hay otra igual: Cruz Azul cumple 94 años de gloria y grandeza| date=22 May 2021 }}

On 10 December 1953, Álvarez Macías, who had been employed by the cooperative since childhood, was appointed general manager of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul. Initially employed as an automotive mechanic, Álvarez Macías spent over two decades at the company, rising through the ranks.{{cite web|url=https://docplayer.es/14480631-Guillermo-alvarez-macias.html|title = Guillermo Álvarez Macías - PDF Descargar libre}} A self-proclaimed socialist, Álvarez Macías laid plans to transform the cooperative into a functioning town, in hope to modernize and "share social and economic progress, to raise the standard of living of the worker and his family."{{cite web|url = https://apuntesderabona.com/cruz-azul-democracia-corinthiana/|title = Cooperativa la Cruz Azul y la Democracia Corinthiana|date = 22 August 2019|access-date = 9 June 2021|archive-date = 9 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210609083937/https://apuntesderabona.com/cruz-azul-democracia-corinthiana/|url-status = live}} In his goal to promote social well-being among members of the cooperative, Álvarez Macías invested into cultural and recreational activities. This included investing much more into the football club whose proceeds were used to provide the worker-players with better living conditions.

In 1958, club captain and machinist Luis Velázquez Hernández, served as the club's ambassador to the Mexican Football Federation to lobby for official membership on the club's behalf.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/es-mx/deportes/futbol/fallece-luis-vel%C3%A1zquez-%C3%BAltimo-testigo-del-nacimiento-profesional-de-cruz-azul/ar-BB18RYHt|title=Fallece Luis Velázquez, último testigo del nacimiento profesional de Cruz Azul|website=www.msn.com|access-date=2021-06-25|archive-date=2021-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625105126/https://www.msn.com/es-mx/deportes/futbol/fallece-luis-vel%C3%A1zquez-%C3%BAltimo-testigo-del-nacimiento-profesional-de-cruz-azul/ar-BB18RYHt|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://juanfutbol.com/articulo/cperez/fallece-luis-velazquez-ultimo-testigo-del-nacimiento-profesional-de-cruz-azul|title=Fallece Luis Velázquez, último testigo del nacimiento profesional de Cruz Azul|date=9 September 2020|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625105128/https://juanfutbol.com/articulo/cperez/fallece-luis-velazquez-ultimo-testigo-del-nacimiento-profesional-de-cruz-azul|url-status=live}} Velázquez Hernández met Paulino Sánchez in Mexico City, who had ties to prominent football executives. They met with Joaquín Soria Terrazas and Ignacio Trelles to discuss membership in the federation for the club.{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Cruz-Azul-Muere-Luis-Velazquez-El-Toro-el-hombre-que-llevo-al-equipo-al-profesionalismo-20200909-0004.html|title=Murió el hombre que cambió la historia: Luis Velázquez 'El Toro', quien llevó a Cruz Azul al profesionalismo|date=10 September 2020|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609083937/https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Cruz-Azul-Muere-Luis-Velazquez-El-Toro-el-hombre-que-llevo-al-equipo-al-profesionalismo-20200909-0004.html|url-status=live}} Sánchez vouched in favor of Cruz Azul, citing their continual success in the amateur and reserve tournaments. Much to the displeasure of Álvarez Macías who asserted the club was not ready for professional football.{{cite web|url=https://elsiglo.mx/noticia/1744416.recuerdos-del-ayer.html|title=Recuerdos del ayer|access-date=2021-06-25|archive-date=2021-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625054334/https://elsiglo.mx/noticia/1744416.recuerdos-del-ayer.html|url-status=dead}}

In preparation for federation membership, Paulino Sánchez assumed the position as head manager of the club. Due to regulations, teams were required to have a reserve team. Lafayette, a club experiencing financial troubles located in Colonia Moctezuma, was purchased by Cruz Azul to serve as its reserve side and the acquisition was completed in 1960.{{cite web|url=https://lopezdoriga.com/deportes/la-fusion-de-equipos-que-origino-a-cruz-azul/|title=La fusión de equipos que originó a Cruz Azul|date=28 November 2015|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625105128/https://lopezdoriga.com/deportes/la-fusion-de-equipos-que-origino-a-cruz-azul/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/el-hombre-que-no-ascendio-con-cruz-azul-pero-siempre-estuvo-ahi|title=El hombre que no ascendió con Cruz Azul pero siempre estuvo ahí|work=Mediotiempo |date=19 April 2018|access-date=25 June 2021|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625105127/https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/el-hombre-que-no-ascendio-con-cruz-azul-pero-siempre-estuvo-ahi|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url = https://elguapodelfutbol.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/cruz-azul-el-camino-a-segunda-division/|title = Cruz Azul: El camino a Segunda División|date = 17 January 2014|access-date = 25 June 2021|archive-date = 25 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210625105128/https://elguapodelfutbol.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/cruz-azul-el-camino-a-segunda-division/|url-status = live}} Plans to construct a club stadium that complied to the standards set by the Mexican Football Federation were conceived in 1960,{{cite web|url=http://www.fmf.com.mx/cruz_azul.htm|title=Cruz Azul|website=www.fmf.com.mx}} and with construction beginning in 1961, Estadio 10 de Diciembre was completed in 1963.{{cite web|url=https://www.cruzazulfc.com.mx/sedes/estadio-10-de-diciembre/#1550080188511-7d462c51-9629|title=Estadio 10 de Diciembre Primer Estadio de Cruz Azul|access-date=2021-06-25|archive-date=2020-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625083427/https://www.cruzazulfc.com.mx/sedes/estadio-10-de-diciembre/#1550080188511-7d462c51-9629|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cruzazul.com.mx/2008/lacruzazul/1953reestructuracionSocioeconomica.aspx|title=CA - Nuestras Raíces - 1953 Reestructuración Socioeconómica|date=January 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130040244/http://www.cruzazul.com.mx/2008/lacruzazul/1953reestructuracionSocioeconomica.aspx|archive-date=2016-01-30}}

Despite not possessing federation membership, the club was invited to compete in the 1960–61 edition of the Copa de la Segunda División de México, a competition sanctioned by the Mexican Football Federation. The club's debut game was played on 2 April 1961, in Jasso against Zamora, and ended in a 2–1 victory. The second-leg, played on 9 April, resulted in a 3–3 draw. After advancing past Querétaro, winning the tie 1–0 on aggregate and being eliminated by Pumas UNAM, the team's performance prompted the Mexican Football Federation to grant Cruz Azul official registration as a professional club.{{cite web|url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-festejar-aniversario-94-pase-octava-torneos-cortos|title=Cruz Azul quiere festejar aniversario 94 con el pase a su octava Final|work=Mediotiempo |date=22 May 2021|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609213751/https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-festejar-aniversario-94-pase-octava-torneos-cortos|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url = https://elguapodelfutbol.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/cruz-azul-los-origenes/|title = Cruz Azul: Los orígenes|date = 10 January 2014|access-date = 25 June 2021|archive-date = 25 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210625105127/https://elguapodelfutbol.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/cruz-azul-los-origenes/|url-status = live}}

Cruz Azul was officially registered to compete in Mexico's second-tier professional league for the 1961–62 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/mexico/el-universal/20130525/282428461720583|title=Álvarez, el apellido que se pinta de azul|via=PressReader|access-date=2021-06-09|archive-date=2021-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609083936/https://www.pressreader.com/mexico/el-universal/20130525/282428461720583|url-status=live}} In the early 1960s, due to regulations by the Mexican Football Federation prohibiting the use of company names in club titles, Álvarez Macías requested the renaming of the town of Jasso, Hidalgo, to Ciudad Cooperativa Cruz Azul. This allowed the club to retain the name "Cruz Azul" without directly referencing a commercial brand, as it now referred to a geographic location.{{cite web|url=https://bolavip.com/mx/cruzazul/Cruz-Azul--Honor-y-lealtad-a-nuestra-patria-valor-y-nobleza-en-el-deporte-frase-de-Guillermo-Alvarez-Macias-20210523-0028.html|title="Honor y lealtad a nuestra patria, valor y nobleza en el deporte", la frase de Guillermo Álvarez Macías que se convirtió en el lema de Cruz Azul|date=23 May 2021|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524234223/https://bolavip.com/mx/cruzazul/Cruz-Azul--Honor-y-lealtad-a-nuestra-patria-valor-y-nobleza-en-el-deporte-frase-de-Guillermo-Alvarez-Macias-20210523-0028.html|url-status=live}}File:Alvarez-trophy.jpg (right) holding the second division trophy in 1964.]]

In 1961, Hungarian coach Jorge Marik, who had previously managed Atlas and Atlante, was appointed as head coach.{{cite web|url = https://isranosoychema.com/2020/12/12/jorge-marik-el-tecnico-hungaro-que-ascendio-a-cruz-azul-en-el-ano-1964/|title = Jorge Marik, el técnico húngaro que ascendió a Cruz Azul en el año 1964|date = 12 December 2020|access-date = 10 June 2021|archive-date = 10 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210610000943/https://isranosoychema.com/2020/12/12/jorge-marik-el-tecnico-hungaro-que-ascendio-a-cruz-azul-en-el-ano-1964/|url-status = dead}} Under his management, Cruz Azul earned direct promotion to the Primera División by finishing first in the 1963–64 Segunda División season, recording 19 wins, 7 draws, and 4 losses for a total of 45 points.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex64.html|title=Mexico 1963/64|website=RSSSF}}

Following promotion, Estadio 10 de Diciembre underwent renovations on 6 March 1964, rebuilding the wooden stands and dressing rooms in compliance with top-flight regulations. Cruz Azul debuted in the Mexican Primera División during the 1964–65 season and finished in 8th place, with a record of 10 wins, 9 draws, and 11 losses.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mexhist.html|title=México - List of Final Tables|access-date=2023-02-02|archive-date=2015-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402011950/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesm/mexhist.html|url-status=live}} After a less successful campaign in the 1965–66 season, where the team finished 13th out of 16 clubs, Marik departed.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex66.html|title=Mexico 1965/66|website=RSSSF|access-date=2023-02-02|archive-date=2022-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206212608/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex66.html|url-status=live}} Walter Ormeño served briefly as interim coach, managing three games before the club appointed Raúl Cárdenas as head coach on 20 October 1966.{{cite web|url=https://www.livefutbol.com/equipos/cruz-azul/1966/2/|title=Cruz Azul - Plantilla 1965/1966|date=30 September 2023|access-date=10 June 2021|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610000942/https://www.livefutbol.com/equipos/cruz-azul/1966/2/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/ligamx/El-ex-entrenador-de-la-Maquina-Walter-Ormeno-fallecio-a-los-93-anos.--20200104-0008.html|title=El ex entrenador de la Máquina, Walter Ormeño falleció a los 93 años.|first=Vamos|last=Azul|website=Vamos Cruz Azul|date=4 January 2020|access-date=10 June 2021|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610000941/https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/ligamx/El-ex-entrenador-de-la-Maquina-Walter-Ormeno-fallecio-a-los-93-anos.--20200104-0008.html|url-status=live}}

File:Despedida de Miguel Marín.jpg at his farewell match on 6 June 1981, held at the Estadio Azteca against Guadalajara. Regarded as one of Cruz Azul's greatest icons of the 1970s, Marín was instrumental in the club's golden era success.]]

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.{{cite web|url=https://mexico.as.com/mexico/2018/03/06/futbol/1520295108_196896.html|title=¿Quién fue Raúl Cárdenas? El gran entrenador del Cruz Azul|date=5 March 2018|access-date=10 June 2021|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610000948/https://mexico.as.com/mexico/2018/03/06/futbol/1520295108_196896.html|url-status=live}} This achievement made the club the first team in both Mexico and the CONCACAF region to win all three major titles—commonly referred to as a continental treble—within four years of joining the top division.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2013/04/11/3896920/tom-marshall-what-now-for-copa-mx-winner-cruz-azul|title=Tom Marshall: What now for Copa MX winner Cruz Azul? | Goal.com|website=www.goal.com|access-date=2021-06-06|archive-date=2021-02-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201173507/https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2013/04/11/3896920/tom-marshall-what-now-for-copa-mx-winner-cruz-azul|url-status=live}}

In the 1969–70 Primera División season, Cruz Azul finished second on the general standings.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex6970.html|title=Mexico 1969/70|access-date=2023-02-02|archive-date=2023-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923135705/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex6970.html|url-status=live}}

Later that year, on 15 December, the club was awarded the 1970 CONCACAF Champions' Cup after Saprissa and Transvaal withdrew from the tournament's second phase due to financial constraints.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/cacups70.html|title=Central American Club Competitions 1970|website=RSSSF|access-date=2023-02-02|archive-date=2023-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207125710/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/cacups70.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Cruz-Azul-fue-campeon-de-la-Concacaf-en-1970-sin-jugar-20200319-0001.html|title=Cruz Azul fue campeón de la Concacaf en 1970… ¡sin jugar!|date=19 March 2020|access-date=23 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203002/https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Cruz-Azul-fue-campeon-de-la-Concacaf-en-1970-sin-jugar-20200319-0001.html|url-status=live}}

Between 1970 and 1980, Cruz Azul established an era of dominance by winning six league titles—four under Cárdenas and two under Ignacio Trelles—becoming one of the most successful Mexican clubs of the decade. Led by legendary goalkeeper Miguel Marín, who made his final appearance for the club in a testimonial match against Guadalajara in June 1981,{{Cite web |title=La despedida de Miguel Marín {{!}} TUDN Fútbol {{!}} TUDN |url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/la-despedida-de-miguel-marin-video |access-date=25 May 2025 |website=www.tudn.com |language=es}} the team earned the nickname La Máquina ("The Machine") in reference to its consistent performances and playing style.{{Cite web |last=Spindola |first=Ana Patricia |date=28 April 2022 |title=¿Por qué le dicen la Máquina a Cruz Azul y desde cuándo surgió el apodo? |url=https://www.debate.com.mx/deportes/Por-que-le-dicen-la-Maquina-a-Cruz-Azul-y-desde-cuando-surgio-el-apodo-20220428-0182.html |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=debate |language=es}}

On 18 December 1976, long-serving club president Guillermo Álvarez Macías died of a heart attack at the age of 56 while awaiting a meeting with President José López Portillo.{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Recuerdo-de-Guillermo-Alvarez-Macias-a-42-anos-de-su-fallecimiento-20181218-0006.html|title = Recuerdo de Guillermo Álvarez Macías a 42 años de su fallecimiento| date=18 December 2018 }}

File: Cruz azul.jpg squad.]]

Throughout the 1980s, Cruz Azul consistently qualified for the league playoffs but did not win another league championship, beginning a 17-year title drought despite continued investment and a strong squad. In 1988, Guillermo Héctor Álvarez Cuevas, the son of the late Guillermo Álvarez Macías, became general manager of Cooperativa La Cruz Azul and president of the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/universal-deportes/futbol/guillermo-alvarez-cuevas-y-su-gestion-en-cruz-azul|title = Guillermo Álvarez Cuevas y su gestión en Cruz Azul|date = August 2020}} Under his leadership, Cruz Azul pursued high-profile signings, including striker Carlos Hermosillo, who had come through América’s youth system and played for the senior team earlier in his career before joining Cruz Azul in 1991.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/news/hermosillo-alongside-tri-best-1210013|title=Welcome to FIFA.com News - Hermosillo alongside El Tri's best |date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609055027/https://www.fifa.com/news/hermosillo-alongside-tri-best-1210013 |archive-date=2021-06-09 }} Initially met with skepticism, Hermosillo became a leading figure in the team, finishing as the league's top scorer in three consecutive seasons: 1993–94 (27 goals), 1994–95 (35 goals), and 1995–96 (26 goals).{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Soccer-Star-Carlos-Hermosillo-Joins-DEPORTES-TELEMUNDO-20140306|title=Soccer Star Carlos Hermosillo Joins DEPORTES TELEMUNDO|access-date=2021-06-09|archive-date=2021-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609055028/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Soccer-Star-Carlos-Hermosillo-Joins-DEPORTES-TELEMUNDO-20140306|url-status=live}} In the 1994–95 season, the club finished third in the league's overall standings and reached their first league final in six years, where they were defeated 3–1 on aggregate by Necaxa.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex95.html|title=Mexico 1994/95|website=RSSSF|access-date=2023-02-02|archive-date=2022-07-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717065402/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex95.html|url-status=live}}

On 20 July 1996, Cruz Azul ended a 16-year title drought by winning the 1996 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, held in Guatemala City.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/cacups96.html|title=Central American Club Competitions 1996|website=RSSSF}} Under manager Víctor Manuel Vucetich, the team finished first in the round-robin tournament, including an 11–0 victory over Seattle Sounders.{{cite web|url=https://www.sounderatheart.com/2018/3/14/17118592/when-the-sounders-lost-eleven-zero|title=View to a Kill|date=14 March 2018|access-date=6 June 2021|archive-date=6 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606075329/https://www.sounderatheart.com/2018/3/14/17118592/when-the-sounders-lost-eleven-zero|url-status=dead}} That same season, Cruz Azul also won the 1996–97 Copa México, defeating Toros Neza 2–0 at Estadio 10 de Diciembre.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex97.html|title=Mexico 1996/97|website=RSSSF|access-date=2023-02-02|archive-date=2022-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209062725/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/mex97.html|url-status=live}}

File:Cruz azul 1997.jpg in the second-leg of the Invierno 1997 final on 7 December 1997.|left]]

In 1997, now managed by Luis Fernando Tena, the club won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup for a second consecutive year, defeating LA Galaxy in the final on 24 August.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/cacups97.html|title=Central American Club Competitions 1997|website=RSSSF|access-date=2023-02-02|archive-date=2022-07-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717065246/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/cacups97.html|url-status=live}}

On 7 December 1997, Cruz Azul claimed the Invierno 1997 league title, defeating León in the final through a golden goal, ending a 17-year league title drought and securing the club's second continental treble. The decisive moment came during extra time in the second-leg, when León goalkeeper Ángel Comizzo fouled striker Carlos Hermosillo inside the penalty area in the 15th minute.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/es-mx/noticias/por-que-pateo-comizzo-hermosillo-que-fue/a7khzcng1euf1jl6af1e7k9ps|title=¿Por qué pateó Comizzo a Hermosillo y qué fue de él después de eso? | Goal.com|website=www.goal.com|access-date=2021-06-28|archive-date=2021-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628095216/https://www.goal.com/es-mx/noticias/por-que-pateo-comizzo-hermosillo-que-fue/a7khzcng1euf1jl6af1e7k9ps|url-status=live}} Referee Arturo Brizio awarded a penalty kick to Cruz Azul, though Comizzo remained on the field. Hermosillo, visibly injured from the incident, converted the penalty, securing the title for Cruz Azul under the golden goal rule.{{cite web|url = https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/futbol/liga-mx/2020/11/30/5fc5754d46163f90578b460d.html|title = ¿Cómo fue la final Cruz Azul vs León de 1997? Alineaciones ida y vuelta y marcador global| work=MARCA Claro México |date = 30 November 2020|access-date = 6 June 2021|archive-date = 6 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210606075327/https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/futbol/liga-mx/2020/11/30/5fc5754d46163f90578b460d.html|url-status = live}}{{cite web|url=https://bolavip.com/concacaf/Cruz-Azul-Leon-Por-que-Brizio-no-expulso-a-Comizzo-tras-la-patada-a-Hermosillo-en-la-Final-del-Invierno-97-20200605-0034.html|title=La verdadera historia: ¿Por qué Brizio no expulsó a Comizzo tras la patada a Hermosillo en la Final del Invierno 97?|date=25 February 2021|access-date=28 June 2021|archive-date=28 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628095219/https://bolavip.com/concacaf/Cruz-Azul-Leon-Por-que-Brizio-no-expulso-a-Comizzo-tras-la-patada-a-Hermosillo-en-la-Final-del-Invierno-97-20200605-0034.html|url-status=live}}

{{Main|2001 Copa Libertadores|2001 Copa Libertadores finals}}

In 2001, Cruz Azul qualified for the Copa Libertadores through the Copa Pre-Libertadores, a playoff tournament involving Mexican and Venezuelan clubs. Placed in Group 7 alongside São Caetano, Defensor Sporting, and Olmedo, finishing top of the group with 13 points.{{cite web |title=Cruz Azul Fixtures & Results 2000/2001 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/cruz-azul/2001/3/ |publisher=worldfootball.net |access-date=2025-04-28}}

In the round of 16, Cruz Azul overcame a 2–1 first-leg loss to Cerro Porteño with a 3–1 victory at home, advancing on aggregate. The quarter-finals saw the club face River Plate, securing a 0–0 draw in Buenos Aires and winning 3–0 in Mexico City. In the semi-finals against Rosario Central, Cruz Azul won the first-leg 2–0 at home and drew 3–3 in Rosario to progress to the final.{{cite web |title=Copa Libertadores 2001 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/copa-libertadores-2001/ |publisher=worldfootball.net |access-date=2025-04-28}}

The final was played against Boca Juniors. After a 1–0 defeat in the first-leg at Estadio Azteca, Cruz Azul won the return leg 1–0 at La Bombonera, with Francisco Palencia scoring the goal that leveled the aggregate score. The title was decided by a penalty shootout, which Boca Juniors won. Despite the loss, Cruz Azul became the first Mexican club to reach a Copa Libertadores final, a performance that received widespread recognition in both Mexico and South America.{{cite web |title=Cruz Azul - Boca Juniors 0:1 (Copa Libertadores 2001, Final)|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/copa-libertadores-2001/ |publisher=worldfootball.net |access-date=2025-04-28}}{{cite web |title=A 20 años de distancia, el Cruz Azul de la Copa Libertadores 2001|url=https://www.tudn.com/juegos-olimpicos/cruz-azul-de-la-copa-libertadores-2001-jugadores-y-rivales |publisher=tudn.com |access-date=2025-04-28}}

On 16 July 2005, Cruz Azul manager Rubén Omar Romano was abducted by five men after leaving a pre-season training session. The assailants used two stolen vehicles to block his car, and a ransom note was later delivered to his family demanding $500,000.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/21/world/americas/coach-abducted-adding-focus-to-common-mexican-dread.html|title = Coach Abducted, Adding Focus to Common Mexican Dread|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 21 July 2005|last1 = Mckinley|first1 = James C. Jr.}} During Romano's absence, assistant coach Isaac Mizrahi assumed coaching responsibilities.{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Ruben-Omar-Romano-revela-como-se-rompio-su-relacion-con-Isaac-Mizrahi-despues-de-su-salida-de-Cruz-Azul-20200507-0006.html|title=Rubén Omar Romano revela cómo se rompió su relación con Isaac Mizrahi después de su salida de Cruz Azul|first=Vamos|last=Azul|website=Vamos Cruz Azul|date=7 May 2020 }}

After 65 days in captivity, Romano was located and safely rescued during a federal raid on a residence where he was being held. Authorities arrested seven individuals connected to the abduction, reportedly acting under the orders of convicted kidnapper José Luis Canchola.{{cite web |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2005/09/23/raid-ends-kidnap-for-coach/ |title=Raid ends kidnap for coach |date=23 September 2005 |access-date=2 June 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220317/https://www.ocregister.com/2005/09/23/raid-ends-kidnap-for-coach/ |url-status=live}}

While Romano was still in captivity, Cruz Azul chose not to renew his contract beyond the Apertura 2005 tournament and formally offered the head coaching position to Mizrahi.{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Isaac-Mizrahi-recuerda-cuando-asumio-la-banca-de-Cruz-Azul-tras-el-secuestro-de-Ruben-Omar-Romano-hace-15-anos-20200719-0007.html|title=Isaac Mizrahi recuerda cuando asumió la banca de Cruz Azul tras el secuestro de Rubén Omar Romano hace 15 años|date=19 July 2020|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220317/https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Isaac-Mizrahi-recuerda-cuando-asumio-la-banca-de-Cruz-Azul-tras-el-secuestro-de-Ruben-Omar-Romano-hace-15-anos-20200719-0007.html|url-status=live}} Romano later expressed disappointment over the club's decision and stated that the incident affected his personal relationship with Mizrahi.{{cite web|url=https://www.milenio.com/deportes/futbol/ruben-omar-romano-futbol-quitado-amistades-tecnico|title=Rubén Omar Romano: El futbol le ha quitado amistades al técnico|website=www.milenio.com|date=5 June 2020|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215204/https://www.milenio.com/deportes/futbol/ruben-omar-romano-futbol-quitado-amistades-tecnico|url-status=live}}

Between 2008 and 2013, Cruz Azul was regularly considered a title contender due to its financial resources and competitive squads. However, during this period, the club reached multiple domestic and international finals without securing a major title.{{cite web |date=30 May 2021 |title=La "maldición" del equipo de fútbol mexicano Cruz Azul |url=https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2021/05/30/futbol-maldicion-del-cruz-azul-explicada-orix/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183601/https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2021/05/30/futbol-maldicion-del-cruz-azul-explicada-orix/ |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=8 July 2021 |website=CNN |language=es}} Several of these losses involved late equalizers or narrow margins, leading to media and fan narratives about the club's inability to close matches. The term cruzazulear—meaning to lose a match despite having a clear advantage—gained traction around 2013 and was formally recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy in 2020.{{cite web |last1=Marshall |first1=Tom |title=Think your team is bad? Cruz Azul's name has literally come to define failure, as a verb and in song |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog-the-toe-poke/story/4266769/think-your-team-is-bad-cruz-azuls-name-has-literally-come-to-define-failureas-a-verb-and-in-song |website=ESPN |date=29 December 2020 |access-date=24 July 2021 |archive-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924004326/https://www.espn.com/soccer/blog-the-toe-poke/story/4266769/think-your-team-is-bad-cruz-azuls-name-has-literally-come-to-define-failureas-a-verb-and-in-song |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Luis E. |first1=Morales |title=Cruzazulear, según la Real Academia Española |url=https://teayudoacomprar.com/cruzazulear-segun-la-real-academia-espanola/ |website=Te ayudo a comprar |date=28 April 2020 |access-date=24 July 2021 |archive-date=24 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724014042/https://teayudoacomprar.com/cruzazulear-segun-la-real-academia-espanola/ |url-status=usurped }}{{cite web|url=https://www.rae.es/observatorio-de-palabras/cruzazulear|title=Cruzazulear|access-date=2021-07-24|archive-date=2021-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728105502/https://www.rae.es/observatorio-de-palabras/cruzazulear|url-status=live}}

In the Clausura 2008 season, Cruz Azul finished second in the regular season and advanced to the final, where they lost 3–2 on aggregate to Santos Laguna.{{Cite web |date=1 June 2008 |title=Santos vs. Cruz Azul - Football Match Summary |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/241494 |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904191149/https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/241494 |url-status=live }} The following tournament, Apertura 2008, saw the club reach another final after defeating Pumas UNAM and Atlante in the playoffs. In the final against Toluca, Cruz Azul lost the first-leg 2–0 but leveled the aggregate with a 2–0 win in the return leg. The match went to penalties, with Toluca winning the shootout 7–6.{{Cite web |date=14 December 2008 |title=Tras dramáticos penales ¡Toluca Campeón del A2008! |url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/tras-dramaticos-penales-toluca-campeon-del-a2008 |access-date= |website=Mediotiempo |language=es-MX |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904191150/https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/tras-dramaticos-penales-toluca-campeon-del-a2008 |url-status=live }}

{{football squad on pitch|align=left|clear=none

| GK = Blanco

| RB = Bonet

| RCB = Beltrán (c)

| LCB = Raldes

| LB = Pinto

| DM = Velasco

| RCM = Villaluz

| LCM = Vela

| AM = Andrade

| RCF = Landín

| CF = Zeballos

| caption = 2009 CONCACAF Champions League final first-leg starting lineup

}}

Cruz Azul's participation in the 2008–09 CONCACAF Champions League ended in the final, where they lost 2–0 on aggregate to Atlante. En route to the final, they had eliminated Pumas UNAM and Puerto Rico Islanders.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=12 May 2009 |title=Sella Atlante clasificación al Mundial de Clubes, elimina a Cruz Azul |url=https://wradio.com.mx/radio/2009/05/12/deportes/1242187440_810890.html |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=W Radio México |language=es-mx |archive-date=2022-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904191149/https://wradio.com.mx/radio/2009/05/12/deportes/1242187440_810890.html |url-status=live }}

In the Clausura 2009 tournament, the club finished last in the league, recording only 13 points in 17 matches. Manager Benjamín Galindo was dismissed near the end of the season and was replaced by Robert Dante Siboldi on an interim basis.{{Cite web |date=6 May 2009 |title=Cruz Azul names ex-keeper Siboldi new coach |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2009/05/06/cruz-azul?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=SI}}

For the Apertura 2009, Cruz Azul appointed Enrique Meza as head coach and reinforced the squad with key signings, including goalkeeper José de Jesús Corona and striker Emanuel Villa. The team finished second in the regular season and reached the final after playoff wins over Puebla and Morelia. Despite Villa finishing as the league's top scorer with 17 goals, Cruz Azul lost the final to Monterrey 6–4 on aggregate, marking their third league final defeat in less than two years.{{Cite news |date=14 December 2009 |title=Monterrey conquista tercera corona en México |language=es |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/deportes-futbol-mexico-final-idLTASIE5BD01C20091214 |access-date=2022-09-04 |archive-date=2022-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904191149/https://www.reuters.com/article/deportes-futbol-mexico-final-idLTASIE5BD01C20091214 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=14 December 2009 |title=Monterrey win Mexican championship |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/monterrey-win-mexican-championship |access-date= |website=fourfourtwo.com |language=en |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904191151/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/monterrey-win-mexican-championship |url-status=live }}

File:Cruzazul-vsherediano.jpg in the 2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League.]]

In the 2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League, Cruz Azul finished first in Group C and advanced to the knockout stage.{{Cite web |last=Bueno |first=Luis |date=23 October 2009 |title=Our Champions League grows up |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2009/10/23/concacaf-champions?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=SI}} The team defeated Árabe Unido 4–0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals and overcame Pumas UNAM in the semi-finals, losing the first-leg 1–0 but winning the return leg 5–1 at Estadio Azul. In the final against Pachuca, Cruz Azul won the first-leg 2–1 at home but lost the second-leg 1–0, conceding a goal in stoppage time. With the aggregate tied 2–2, Pachuca was awarded the championship based on the away goals rule, denying Cruz Azul a place in the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup.{{Cite web |date=29 April 2010 |title=Concacaf Champions League 2009/10: Pachuca campeón |url=https://arogeraldes.blogspot.com/2009/08/concacaf-champions-league-200910.html |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=Aro Geraldes |language=es}}

In April 2012, the club officially changed its name from Club Deportivo, Social y Cultural Cruz Azul, A.C. to Cruz Azul Fútbol Club, A.C..{{cite web |title=Cruz Azul cambia de nombre |url=https://www.espn.com.ar/noticias/nota?s=mex&id=1500688&type=story |publisher=espn.com.ar |date=10 April 2012 |access-date=2025-04-28|language=es }}

During the Clausura 2013 season, Cruz Azul initially struggled in league play but gained momentum after defeating América in the Copa MX semi-finals and later winning the tournament by defeating Atlante in the final.{{Cite web |date=15 October 2018 |title=Cruz Azul campeón de Copa MX en 2013: el título previo a la 'Cruzazuleada' en Liga MX |url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/copa-mx/cruz-azul-campeon-de-copa-mx-en-2013-el-titulo-previo-a-la-cruzazuleada-en-liga-mx-fotos |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=TUDN |language=es}} Following their cup victory, the club's league form improved, and they qualified for the playoffs as one of the title contenders. In the final of the Clausura 2013 tournament, Cruz Azul again faced América in a notable edition of the Clásico Joven. After winning the first-leg and leading 2–0 on aggregate late into the second-leg, América equalized with goals in the 89th minute by Aquivaldo Mosquera and in the 93rd minute by goalkeeper Moisés Muñoz. América went on to win the championship 4–2 in a penalty shootout.{{Cite web |last=Rosas |first=Luis Óscar |date=3 December 2024 |title=La Final del Clausura 2013, el peor recuerdo que tiene Cruz Azul jugando contra América |url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-vs-america-la-final-del-clausura-2013-el-peor-recuerdo-para-la-maquina |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=TUDN |language=es}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/internacional/cronicas/2014/04/23/cruz-azul-campeon-de-concacaf_53363|title=Cruz Azul, Campeón de CONCACAF|work=MedioTiempo |date=24 April 2014|access-date=21 July 2017|archive-date=17 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017145413/http://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/internacional/cronicas/2014/04/23/cruz-azul-campeon-de-concacaf_53363|url-status=live}} The victory qualified Cruz Azul for the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, where the team finished in fourth place.{{Cite web|url=http://es.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=259703/match=300298900/index.html|title=Copa Mundial de Clubes de la FIFA Marruecos 2014 - Cruz Azul-Auckland City FC - Resumen |date=March 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329233438/http://es.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=259703/match=300298900/index.html |archive-date=2015-03-29 }}

Between the Apertura 2014 and Clausura 2017 tournaments, Cruz Azul failed to qualify for the liguilla playoffs for six consecutive seasons.{{cite web|url = http://www.record.com.mx/futbol-futbol-nacional-liga-mx-cruz-azul/cruz-azul-queda-fuera-de-liguilla-por-sexto-torneo|title = Cruz Azul queda fuera de Liguilla por sexto torneo consecutivo|date = 29 April 2017|access-date = 21 July 2017|archive-date = 23 August 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180823120351/http://www.record.com.mx/futbol-futbol-nacional-liga-mx-cruz-azul/cruz-azul-queda-fuera-de-liguilla-por-sexto-torneo|url-status = live}} The club returned to the playoffs in the Apertura 2017 but was eliminated in the quarter-finals by América on aggregate after a 0–0 draw, with América advancing due to higher seeding. On 27 November 2017, the club announced that manager Paco Jémez would not renew his contract for the following season.{{cite news |url=http://cruzazulfc.com.mx/2017/11/27/jemez-no-renovara-para-el-clausura-2018/ |title=Jémez no renovará para el Clausura 2018 |trans-title=Jémez will not renew for the Clausura 2018 |date=27 November 2017 |access-date=27 November 2017 |language=es |archive-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215092825/http://cruzazulfc.com.mx/2017/11/27/jemez-no-renovara-para-el-clausura-2018/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/3743214/paco-jemez-deja-de-ser-tecnico-de-cruz-azul |title=Paco Jémez deja de ser técnico de Cruz Azul |trans-title=Paco Jémez is no longer the coach of Cruz Azul |date=27 November 2017 |access-date=27 November 2017 |language=es |archive-date=25 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725075221/https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/3743214/paco-jemez-deja-de-ser-tecnico-de-cruz-azul |url-status=live }}

In the Clausura 2018, Cruz Azul finished in 12th place and did not qualify for the playoffs. The club also placed last in its Copa MX group.

On 7 May 2018, sporting director Eduardo de la Torre left the club and was replaced by Ricardo Peláez, formerly of América.{{cite web|url=http://cruzazulfc.com.mx/2018/05/07/termina-la-relacion-laboral/|title=Termina la relación laboral con Eduardo de La Torre|trans-title=End of working relationship with Eduardo de La Torre|language=es|date=7 May 2018|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-date=2 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702122325/http://cruzazulfc.com.mx/2018/05/07/termina-la-relacion-laboral/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://cruzazulfc.com.mx/2018/05/07/bienvenido-ricardo-pelaez-linares/|title=Bienvenido Ricardo Peláez Linares|trans-title=Welcome Ricardo Peláez Linares|language=es|date=7 May 2018|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-date=18 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718082243/http://cruzazulfc.com.mx/2018/05/07/bienvenido-ricardo-pelaez-linares/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/4286118/pelaez-llega-a-cruz-azul-con-deseo-de-ser-campeon|title=Peláez llega a Cruz Azul con deseo de ser campeón|trans-title=Peláez arrives at Cruz Azul with the hope to become champion|date=9 May 2018|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604070652/http://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/4286118/pelaez-llega-a-cruz-azul-con-deseo-de-ser-campeon|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://laaficion.milenio.com/cruzazul/turno-ricardo-pelaez-cruz-azul-retos-apertura-2018-liga-mx_0_1171682870.html|title=Los retos de Ricardo Peláez en Cruz Azul|trans-title=The challenges for Ricardo Peláez at Cruz Azul|language=es|date=8 May 2018|access-date=13 May 2018|archive-date=14 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514141713/http://laaficion.milenio.com/cruzazul/turno-ricardo-pelaez-cruz-azul-retos-apertura-2018-liga-mx_0_1171682870.html|url-status=live}} Later that year, Cruz Azul won the Apertura 2018 Copa MX, defeating Monterrey 2–0 in the final.{{cite web|title=Cruz Azul beats Monterrey to lift Copa MX|url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/cruz-azul-beats-monterrey-to-lift-copa-mx/r90llckig8bx19soptqix8xxo|first=Jon|last=Arnold|work=Goal|date=1 November 2018|access-date=2 November 2018|archive-date=19 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419122607/https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/cruz-azul-beats-monterrey-to-lift-copa-mx/r90llckig8bx19soptqix8xxo|url-status=live}} In the same season, the club reached the Liga MX final once again, facing América in a rematch of the Clausura 2013 final. The first-leg ended 0–0, and América won the second-leg 2–0, extending Cruz Azul's league title drought.

In May 2020, club president Guillermo Álvarez Cuevas was indicted on multiple charges, including tax fraud, racketeering, and money laundering.{{cite web|url = https://www.fmfstateofmind.com/2020/5/29/21274314/cruz-azul-owners-being-investigated-for-money-laundering-links-to-organized-crime-liga-mx-narcos|title = Cruz Azul owners being investigated for money laundering, links to organized crime|date = 29 May 2020|access-date = 2 June 2021|archive-date = 2 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214220/https://www.fmfstateofmind.com/2020/5/29/21274314/cruz-azul-owners-being-investigated-for-money-laundering-links-to-organized-crime-liga-mx-narcos|url-status = live}} An arrest warrant was issued on 26 July for Álvarez and other board members for alleged ties to organized crime.{{cite web|url=https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/fiscalia-iria-por-billy-alvarez-y-tres-directivos-mas/|title=Fiscalía iría por Billy Álvarez y tres directivos más|date=30 July 2020|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214321/https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/fiscalia-iria-por-billy-alvarez-y-tres-directivos-mas/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://aldianews.com/articles/culture/sports/arrest-warrant-issued-guillermo-alvarez-president-cruz-azul/59855|title=Arrest warrant issued for Guillermo Álvarez, president of Cruz Azul|date=31 July 2020|access-date=2 June 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215535/https://aldianews.com/articles/culture/sports/arrest-warrant-issued-guillermo-alvarez-president-cruz-azul/59855|url-status=live}} He resigned from his position in August 2020 after more than three decades as club president.{{cite web|url = https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/8620944/billy-alvarez-cruz-azul-no-paga-detenido-carcel|title = Billy Álvarez, ex presidente de Cruz Azul, no paga 500 millones de pesos; pisará prisión si es detenido|date = 11 May 2021|access-date = 31 May 2021|archive-date = 16 June 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210616085456/https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/8620944/billy-alvarez-cruz-azul-no-paga-detenido-carcel|url-status = live}} Álvarez remained a fugitive for over four years before being arrested in Mexico City on 16 January 2025 and transferred to the Penal del Altiplano federal prison.{{cite web|url=https://en.as.com/en/2020/08/21/latest_news/1598042991_590319.html|title=Interpol is looking for Billy Álvarez in 195 countries|agency=AS USA|date=21 August 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Araujo |first1=Matias E. |title=Detienen a Billy Álvarez, ex directivo de Cruz Azul, en CDMX |url=https://www.infobae.com/mexico/deportes/2025/01/16/reportan-detencion-de-billy-alvarez-ex-directivo-de-cruz-azul-en-cdmx/ |access-date=16 January 2025 |agency=Infobae |date=16 January 2025 |language=es}}

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. With the aggregate score level at 4–4, Pumas UNAM advanced to the final due to their higher placement in the regular season standings, in accordance by the competition's tiebreaker rules.{{cite web |url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/8620944/billy-alvarez-cruz-azul-no-paga-detenido-carcel |title=Billy Álvarez, ex presidente de Cruz Azul, no paga 500 millones de pesos; pisará prisión si es detenido |language=es |date=6 December 2020 |access-date=6 December 2020 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513092504/https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/8620944/billy-alvarez-cruz-azul-no-paga-detenido-carcel |url-status=live}}

Following the Guardianes 2020 tournament, Cruz Azul appointed Juan Reynoso as head coach in preparation for the Guardianes 2021 season.{{Cite web |date=3 January 2021 |title=Juan Reynoso es el nuevo técnico de Cruz Azul |url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/7982843/juan-reynoso-tecnico-cruz-azul-oficial |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=ESPN |language=es}} Reynoso, a former player, had been part of the club's most recent league title in the Invierno 1997 season. Álvaro Dávila also joined as executive president.{{Cite web |date=7 January 2021 |title=Llega Álvaro Dávila como presidente ejecutivo de Cruz Azul |url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/8001924/alvaro-davila-nuevo-presidente-ejecutivo-cruz-azul?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=ESPN |language=es}} After two opening defeats, Cruz Azul won 12 consecutive matches, tying the Liga MX record set by León in the Clausura 2019. The streak ended with a 1–1 draw against América, and Cruz Azul finished the regular season as league leaders with 41 points from 17 matches. In the playoffs, Cruz Azul eliminated Toluca and Pachuca to reach the final, where they faced Santos Laguna. After a 1–0 win in the first leg and a 1–1 draw in the return leg on 30 May 2021, Cruz Azul secured a 2–1 aggregate victory to win their ninth league title, ending a 23-year championship drought.{{cite web|url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/05/31/football/1622416584_273330.html|title=Cruz Azul beats Santos 2-1 on aggregate to end their 24-year championship drought|work=As|language=en|date=30 May 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602003746/https://en.as.com/en/2021/05/31/football/1622416584_273330.html|url-status=live}} The club followed that success by defeating León 2–1 in the Campeón de Campeones match on 18 July 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/reporte/_/juegoId/604214|title=Cruz Azul 2-1 León (18 de Jul., 2021) Resultado Final - ESPN (MX): Cruz Azul supera al León y conquista el Campeón de Campeones|publisher=ESPN México|language=es|date=18 July 2021}} Despite this, Cruz Azul struggled in the following tournaments. After elimination in the Clausura 2022 quarter-finals, Reynoso was dismissed on 18 May 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/10384030/cruz-azul-juan-reynoso-fuera-tecnico-termina-relacion-cesado|title=Cruz Azul termina relación con el técnico Juan Reynoso|publisher=ESPN México|language=es|date=18 May 2022}}

On 30 May 2022, Diego Aguirre was named head coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/10449221|title=Diego Aguirre: 'Llegar a Cruz Azul es una responsabilidad muy grande'|publisher=ESPN México|language=es|date=30 May 2022}} He led the club to a win in the 2022 Supercopa de la Liga MX, defeating Atlas on penalties after a 2–2 draw.{{cite web|url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/campeon-de-campeones-cruz-azul-derrota-atlas-penales-gana-supercopa-mx|title=¡En penales! Cruz Azul vence al Atlas y se lleva la Supercopa MX en Campeón de Campeones|publisher=TUDN|language=es|date=26 June 2022}} However, Aguirre was dismissed on 21 August after a 7–0 loss to América, one of the club's worst defeats.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/10806239/cruz-azul-despide-a-diego-aguirre-tras-goleada-con-america|title=Cruz Azul despide a Diego Aguirre tras goleada ante América|publisher=ESPN México|language=es|date=21 August 2022}} Raúl Gutiérrez succeeded him{{cite web|url=https://abcnoticias.mx/deportes/2022/8/24/potro-gutierrez-es-nuevo-entrenador-de-cruz-azul-169539.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com|title=‘Potro’ Gutiérrez es nuevo entrenador de Cruz Azul|publisher=ABC Noticias|language=es|date=24 August 2022}} but was let go on 13 February 2023 after a poor run of results.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/11621434/oficial-cruz-azul-anuncia-la-salida-de-raul-gutierrez-como-tecnico|title=Oficial: Cruz Azul anuncia la salida de Raúl Gutiérrez como técnico|publisher=ESPN México|language=es|date=13 February 2023}} Ricardo Ferretti was then appointed on 22 February,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/11658038|title=Ricardo Ferretti es nuevo técnico del Cruz Azul|publisher=ESPN México|language=es|date=22 February 2023}} but was also dismissed on 7 August.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/12410248|title=Cruz Azul termina relación laboral con Ricardo 'Tuca' Ferretti|publisher=ESPN México|language=es|date=7 August 2023}} Joaquín Moreno was named interim{{cite web|url=https://esto.com.mx/753422-joaquin-moreno-fue-presentado-como-dt-interino-de-cruz-azul/|title=“Confío en mi capacidad”: Joaquín Moreno buscará levantar a Cruz Azul|publisher=ESTO|language=es|date=9 August 2023}} and later confirmed as head coach for the remainder of the Apertura 2023 tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.milenio.com/futbol/liga-mx/joaquin-moreno-se-quedara-cruz-azul-podria-seguir-en-2024|title=Joaquín Moreno se quedaría en Cruz Azul TODO el Apertura 2023; analizan posible continuidad para 2024|publisher=MILENIO|language=es|date=11 October 2023}} After a 16th-place finish, Moreno stepped down in 19 December{{cite web|url=https://juanfutbol.com/liga-mx/cruz-azul-joaquin-moreno-se-desploma-tras-fracaso-celeste-fue-muy-desgastante-20231113-jfb-120554|title=Cruz Azul: Joaquín Moreno se DESPLOMA tras FRACASO celeste; "fue muy desgastante"|language=es|date=13 November 2023|accessdate=10 November 2024|archive-date=11 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111080201/https://juanfutbol.com/liga-mx/cruz-azul-joaquin-moreno-se-desploma-tras-fracaso-celeste-fue-muy-desgastante-20231113-jfb-120554|url-status=live}} and was appointed director of the club's reserves and academy system.{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/seguira-en-el-club-se-confirmo-el-nuevo-puesto-que-tendra-joaquin-moreno-en-cruz-azul-20231129-VCA-36069.html|title=Seguirá en el club: se confirmó el nuevo puesto que tendrá Joaquín Moreno en Cruz Azul|publisher=vamoscruzazul|language=es|date=29 November 2023}}

On 20 December 2023, Cruz Azul appointed Martín Anselmi as head coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/quien-es-martin-anselmi-entrenador-de-cruz-azul-para-el-clausura-2024|title=¿Quién es Martín Anselmi, el nuevo entrenador de Cruz Azul para el Clausura 2024?|work=As|language=es|date=20 December 2023|accessdate=21 December 2023|archive-date=11 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111080154/https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/quien-es-martin-anselmi-entrenador-de-cruz-azul-para-el-clausura-2024|url-status=live}} Ahead of the Clausura 2024, the club signed several players including Kevin Mier, Gabriel Fernández, Lorenzo Faravelli and Gonzalo Piovi. After an opening loss, Cruz Azul went on to finish second in the regular season with 33 points. The club 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.record.com.mx/futbol-liga-mx-noticias/cuales-son-las-finales-mas-repetidas-en-el-deporte-profesional-mexicano?amp|title=¿Cuáles son las Finales más repetidas en el deporte profesional mexicano?|work=As|language=es|date=19 November 2024|accessdate=26 February 2024}} América won the title 2–1 on aggregate following a penalty awarded in the second-leg.{{Cite web |last=Cornejo |first=Giancarlo |date=27 May 2024 |title='LA 15' — Club América win Clausura 2024 to become back-to-back Liga MX champions for first time ever |url=https://the18.com/en/soccer-news/club-america-defeat-cruz-azul-liga-mx-clausura-2024-champions-highlights/136291 |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=THE18}}

In the Apertura 2024, Cruz Azul began with a six-match unbeaten streak and entered the final matchday needing just a draw to set a new Liga MX short-tournament points record. A late equalizer by Ángel Sepúlveda against Tigres UANL gave Cruz Azul a 1–1 draw and secured a record 42 points.{{Cite web |last=Maya |first=Erick |date=9 November 2024 |title=¡Misión cumplida! Cruz Azul rompe récord de puntos en Liga MX en torneos con 17 jornadas |url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-rompe-record-puntos-liga-mx-torneos-17-jornadas |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=mediotiempo |language=es}} Cruz Azul defeated Tijuana in the quarter-finals after overturning a 3–0 first-leg deficit with a 3–0 home win.{{cite web |last=Plummer |first=Sam |date=2 December 2024 |title=Apertura Quarterfinal Shock: 2nd and 3rd Seeds Eliminated |url=https://vivaligamx.com/apertura-quarterfinal-shock-2nd-and-3rd-seeds-eliminated-01je1qvbqxvg?utm_source=chatgpt.com |accessdate=11 May 2025 |website=vivaligamx |language=}} In the semi-finals, the club faced América. After a 0–0 draw in the first-leg, Cruz Azul equalized late in the second-leg, but América advanced with a stoppage-time penalty, winning 4–3 on aggregate.{{Cite web |last=Casillas |first=Roberto |date=9 December 2024 |title=America Advances to the Liga MX Final in an Instant Classic: Things We Learned From America 4-3 Cruz Azul |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/things-we-learned-from-cruz-azul-vs-club-america-liga-mx-apertura-2024-semifinals?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=SI}}

Ahead of the Clausura 2025, Cruz Azul announced that its home matches would be played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.{{cite web|url= https://www.record.com.mx/futbol-liga-mx-cruz-azul/cruz-azul-se-muda-cu-la-maquina-jugara-en-el-estadio-olimpico?amp|title= Cruz Azul se muda a CU: La Máquina jugará en el Estadio Olímpico Universitario para el Clausura 2025|date= 8 January 2025|access-date=2025-02-28|language=es}} 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.{{cite web |date=24 January 2025 |title=Anselmi Pulls a Fernando Gago and Leaves Cruz Azul for Porto |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/liga-mx/articles-video/anselmi-pulls-a-fernando-gago-and-leaves-cruz-azul-for-porto-2025-01-24 |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=beinsports}}{{cite web |date=27 January 2025 |title=Anselmi Explains Cruz Azul Exit, Joins Porto as New Manager |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/articles-video/anselmi-explains-cruz-azul-exit-joins-porto-as-new-manager-2025-01-27 |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=beinsports}}{{cite web |last=Pacheco |first=Enrique |date=21 February 2025 |title=Cruz Azul Seeks Revenge Against Anselmi: TAS Accepts Lawsuit Against Coach |url=https://www.soyfutbol.com/en/en/news/Cruz-Azul-Seeks-Revenge-Against-Anselmi-TAS-Accepts-Lawsuit-Against-Coach-20250221-0015.html |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=SoyFútbol}} Vicente Sánchez was appointed interim manager the next day,{{cite web|url=https://www.footboom1.com/en/news/football/2321652-anselmi-bids-farewell-to-cruz-azul-vicente-sanchez-named-new-head-coach-of-la-maquina|work=footboom|title=Anselmi Bids Farewell to Cruz Azul; Vicente Sánchez Named New Head Coach of La Máquina|date=22 January 2025|access-date=2025-03-13}} and was ratified as permanent head coach on 23 February.{{cite web|url=https://www.footboom1.com/en/news/football/2402286-cruz-azul-backs-sanchez-as-head-coach-until-2025|work=footboom|title=Cruz Azul Backs Sánchez as Head Coach Until 2025|date=26 February 2025|access-date=2025-03-13}} The club went on to win a record-equalling seventh CONCACAF Champions Cup title in his first four months in charge, with the club defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 5–0 in the final.{{Cite web |date=2025-06-01 |title=Cruz Azul claims seventh Champions Cup title |url=https://www.concacaf.com/champions-league/news/cruz-azul-claims-seventh-champions-cup-title/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=Concacaf |language=en}}

File:Cruz Azul Femenil logo.png|1927–1964

File:Cruz Azul (1964).png|1964–1971

File:Cruz Azul 1970 (1).png|1971–1972

File:Cruz Azul 1972–73.png|1972–73

File:Cruz Azul 1973.png|1973–1974

File:Cruz Azul 1974.png|1974–1979

File:Cruz Azul 1979.png|1979–1980

File:Cruz Azul 1980.png|1980–1997

File:Cruz Azul (1997–1998).png|1997

File:Cruz Azul FC.svg|1998–2021

File:Escudo del Cruz Azul AC.svg|2021–2022

File:Club de Futbol Cruz Azul.svg|2022–present

File:Mosaico1.jpg match against Corinthians.]]

Cruz Azul's crest has evolved over the decades, consistently reflecting the club's core identity since its founding in 1927.{{Cite web |last=Vázquez |first=Antonio |date=25 June 2022 |title=La evolución del escudo de Cruz Azul |url=https://www.goal.com/es-mx/noticias/evolucion-escudo-de-cruz-azul/bltc2e52c9bc578acf3 |access-date=17 May 2025 |website=GOAL}}{{Cite web |title=90 - Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S. A. de C. V. |url=https://cfcruzazul.com/historia/90-2/#:~:text=Tras%20dos%20torneos,en%20ese%20momento. |access-date=17 May 2025 |website=Club de Futbol Cruz Azul S. A. de C. V.}} The blue cross, positioned within a white circle and framed by a red square, has long symbolized the club's heritage and connection to Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, S.C.L., representing the values of unity, resilience, and teamwork. The cross itself is inspired by British influences, as Cruz Azul was originally connected to British culture.{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/ligamx/Por-que-Cruz-Azul-tiene-como-simbolo-una-cruz-20220222-0006.html|title=¿Por qué Cruz Azul tiene como símbolo una cruz?|website=vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com|date=22 May 2022|language=es|access-date=5 November 2024|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224221535/https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/ligamx/Por-que-Cruz-Azul-tiene-como-simbolo-una-cruz-20220222-0006.html|url-status=live}}

In its early years, the club's emblem was a simple, shield-shaped design centered around the blue cross, a powerful symbol linked to the cooperative roots of the organization. As Cruz Azul grew in prominence, the club refined its emblem in 1964, adopting a rounder design that included the full name, Club Deportivo Cruz Azul. This design marked a shift in the club's identity as it became more established in Mexican football, presenting a more formal, professional image while keeping the cross as its focal point.{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/La-historia-y-el-origen-del-escudo-de-Cruz-Azul-Orgullosos-de-la-Cementera-20210225-0008.html|title=¡Qué orgullo! La historia y el origen del escudo de Cruz Azul|website=vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com|date=25 February 2021|language=es|access-date=5 November 2024|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509231018/https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/La-historia-y-el-origen-del-escudo-de-Cruz-Azul-Orgullosos-de-la-Cementera-20210225-0008.html|url-status=live}}

The crest underwent another change in the early 1970s following Cruz Azul's first league title. Stars were added above the cross to represent these achievements, and by 1973, the crest displayed three stars, celebrating the team's growing success in the Primera División. This marked the beginning of a tradition where stars were added to commemorate each league title, creating a visual record of Cruz Azul's accomplishments within the emblem. In the years that followed, the club's crest was further refined, with cleaner lines and a modernized look that highlighted the name “Deportivo Cruz Azul” alongside the cross. By 1980, the stars were standardized, and the design streamlined to enhance brand consistency, allowing it to adapt more easily across various media and merchandise. This period solidified the crest's status as one of Mexican football's most recognizable symbols.{{cite web|url=https://1000logos.net/cruz-azul-logo/|title = Cruz Azul Logo|website=1000logos.net| date=3 October 2024}}

File:Cruz Azul jerseys.jpgAs Cruz Azul's prominence grew within Mexican football, the club introduced a significant redesign of its crest in 1997. The emblem was updated to a circular shape, giving it a modern and unified appearance that stood out among traditional club designs. This circular design was complemented by the addition of the word “Mexico” around the outer ring, a declaration of the club's pride in representing the nation at both domestic and international levels. The new shape and wording reinforced Cruz Azul's identity as a symbol of Mexican football, making the crest instantly recognizable and resonant with fans across the country. This design remained largely unchanged for over two decades, becoming a lasting emblem of the club's heritage.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/es-mx/noticias/evolucion-escudo-de-cruz-azul/bltc2e52c9bc578acf3|title = La evolución del escudo de Cruz Azul|website=goal.com| date=25 June 2022}}

In 2021, Cruz Azul modified its crest to celebrate a significant milestone as the club achieved its ninth Liga MX title, ending a 23-year drought since their previous league title in 1997. This redesign added a ninth star around the emblem, symbolizing the triumph and resilience of the club after years of pursuit. The iconic blue cross remained unchanged at the center, preserving the emblem’s traditional identity while marking this significant moment in Cruz Azul's history.{{cite web|url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-presenta-jersey-apertura-2021|title=Cruz Azul presume la novena estrella en nuevo jersey para el Apertura 2021|website=mediotiempo.com|date=21 July 2021|language=es|access-date=5 November 2024|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728145406/https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-presenta-jersey-apertura-2021|url-status=live}} The following year, “Club de Futbol” replaced “Deportivo” around the outer ring, signaling a subtle shift in branding as the club continued to evolve while honoring its heritage. Additionally, the stars encircling the emblem were removed, streamlining the design to focus on the iconic blue cross and the club’s name. This current iteration embodies a forward-looking spirit while remaining grounded in the cooperative principles that have defined Cruz Azul from the beginning.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/10535370/cruz-azul-liga-mx-revela-nuevo-escudo-sin-estrellas|title=Cruz Azul presentó oficialmente su nuevo escudo sin estrellas|website=espn.com.mx|date=20 June 2022|language=es|access-date=5 November 2024|archive-date=21 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421162514/https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/10535370/cruz-azul-liga-mx-revela-nuevo-escudo-sin-estrellas|url-status=live}}

{{commons|Cruz Azul kits}}

The colours of Cruz Azul—red, white, and blue—pay homage to the British origins of the company and reflect the club's identity. The blue cross signifies strength and solidarity, while the red and white enhance the visual representation of the club's heritage. This colour palette, deeply rooted in the cooperative's history, represents the values of the organization and its commitment to unity within the community. Additionally, the blue, white, and red colours resonate with the symbolism of the Santa Cruz (Holy Cross), further solidifying the connection to the cooperative's mission and identity.

File:Polarhase 1 1997-08-04.jpg is the animal that is used to represent the team.]]

Cruz Azul has a rich variety of nicknames over its history, listed chronologically:

• Celestes (Sky Blues): This nickname originates from the light blue kits worn by the team in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which resembled sky blue rather than the darker royal blue tone. The distinct color led fans and media to refer to the players as Celestes, a term that remains commonly used today.{{Cite web |date=6 November 2015 |title="Sobrenombres de los equipos de la primera división de futbol Mexicano" |url=https://www.noroeste.com.mx/buen-vivir/sobrenombres-de-los-equipos-de-la-primera-division-de-futbol-mexicano-GRNO95877 |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=NOROESTE |language=es}}
• Cementeros (Cement Workers): The nickname originates from Cruz Azul's affiliation with the Cooperativa La Cruz Azul. The team was originally formed by workers from the cooperative, and over time, the term extended to symbolize not only the company's employees but also construction workers in general.{{Cite web |title=‘Los Cementeros’ de Cruz Azul, un apodo con más de 90 años de historia |url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/los-cementeros-de-cruz-azul-un-apodo-con-mas-de-90-anos-de-historia-video |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=TUDN |language=es}}
• Liebres (Hares): During the club's early years in the Primera División, particularly in the mid-1960s, Cruz Azul was known for its fast-paced and physical style of play. Combined with their predominantly white uniforms, this led fans to compare the players to hares, which were common in the region. The nickname became widely adopted, and a stylized, anthropomorphic hare has often been used as a mascot to represent the club. While it is sometimes mistaken for a rabbit, the club has officially confirmed that the mascot is a hare.{{Cite web |date=25 August 2024 |title=¿Por qué el Cruz Azul tiene una liebre como mascota oficial? |url=https://www.marca.com/mx/futbol/liga-mx/2024/08/25/66cb378522601d394e8b45a7.html |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=MARCA |language=es}}

File:Cruz Azul (maquina celeste).jpg, symbolizing the team's legacy, is located in Tula de Allende, within Ciudad Cooperativa Cruz Azul.]]

• La Máquina (The Machine / The Locomotive): The nickname La Máquina has several origins. One stems from the railway system used to transport cement from the Cruz Azul plant in the town of Jasso (now part of Ciudad Cooperativa Cruz Azul) to Mexico City. After relocating to the capital, Cruz Azul became one of the most dominant teams in Mexican football during the 1970s. Their strength and consistency led to comparisons with a locomotive, reinforcing the nickname. It is also believed that the moniker may have been inspired by Argentina's River Plate, known as La Máquina in the 1940s. The nickname was popularized by sports journalist Ángel Fernández Rugama, who is often credited with being the first to use the term for Cruz Azul. Variants of the nickname include La Máquina Celeste (The Sky Blue Machine), La Máquina Azul (The Blue Machine), and La Máquina Cementera (The Cement Machine).

{{Main|Estadio 10 de Diciembre|Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes|Estadio Azteca|Estadio Olímpico Universitario}}

{{For|information on Cruz Azul's proposed new stadium|Nuevo Estadio Azul}}

{{See also|Instalaciones La Noria}}

File:Estadio_Olímpico_Universitario_-_5.jpg, the current home of Cruz Azul.]]

Cruz Azul originally played at Estadio 10 de Diciembre in Jasso, Hidalgo, from 1964 to 1971. This 17,000-seat stadium saw the club's first league titles in the 1968–69 and 1970 seasons. Although they left the stadium in 1971, it remained an alternate venue for Copa México, CONCACAF Champions' Cup, and some league matches.{{cite web|url=http://www.cruzazul.com.mx/2008/lacruzazul/1953reestructuracionSocioeconomica.aspx|title=1953 Reestructuración Socioeconómica|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130040244/http://www.cruzazul.com.mx/2008/lacruzazul/1953reestructuracionSocioeconomica.aspx |access-date=30 January 2016|archive-date=30 January 2016 |language=es}}

In 1971, Cruz Azul moved to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where they experienced some of their most significant achievements, including five league titles and multiple domestic and international cup victories. They briefly left in 1996 for the Estadio Azul, where they played until 2018. The team returned to the Azteca in 2018, where they won their ninth league title in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/deportes/2021/05/30/cruz-azul-termina-con-su-maldita-historia-y-es-campeon-de-mexico/|title=Cruz Azul termina con su 'maldita' historia y es campeón de México|website=elfinanciero.com.mx|access-date=30 May 2021|language=es|archive-date=31 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531032805/https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/deportes/2021/05/30/cruz-azul-termina-con-su-maldita-historia-y-es-campeon-de-mexico/|url-status=live}}

The Estadio Azul, located in Mexico City's Colonia Nápoles, served as Cruz Azul's home from 1996 to 2018. Despite never winning a league title there, it was an iconic venue for the club. After a contract renewal issue, the team returned to the Azteca but announced a temporary return to the Estadio Azul, now known as the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, in 2024 due to renovations at the Azteca for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://en.as.com/soccer/the-estadio-azul-ready-to-host-america-and-cruz-azul-as-clausura-2024-looms-n/|title='Estadio Azul' ready to host América and Cruz Azul as Clausura 2024 looms|website=en.as.com|date=9 January 2024 |access-date=9 January 2024|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110031947/https://en.as.com/soccer/the-estadio-azul-ready-to-host-america-and-cruz-azul-as-clausura-2024-looms-n/|url-status=live}}

Cruz Azul's second stint at Ciudad de los Deportes lasted one year,{{cite web |title=Mexico: Authorities unexpectedly close stadium of three big teams |url=https://stadiumdb.com/news/2024/11/mexico_authorities_unexpectedly_close_stadium_of_three_big_teams |website=Stadium DB |access-date=8 January 2025 |date=4 November 2024}} as from 2025 the team moved to the Estadio Olímpico Universitario due to logistical issues at the Colonia Nápoles stadium.{{cite web |title=Cruz Azul jugará como local en el Olímpico Universitario |url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/14634996/cruz-azul-partidos-local-estadio-olimpico-universitario |website=ESPN México |access-date=8 January 2025 |language=es |date=8 January 2025}}

The team's training facilities, Instalaciones La Noria, are located in Xochimilco. The team has indicated that it intends to build a new stadium, but solid plans such as location have not materialized.{{cite web|url=http://stadiumdb.com/news/2018/02/mexico_city_cruz_azul_still_not_settled_for_stadium_location|title=Mexico City: Cruz Azul still not settled for stadium location|access-date=14 February 2018|website=stadiumdb.com|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925031637/http://stadiumdb.com/news/2018/02/mexico_city_cruz_azul_still_not_settled_for_stadium_location|url-status=live}}

File:BanderaM.JPG against Libertad in 2012.]]

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/es/noticias/que-equipo-liga-mx-mas-aficion/10k1uv6jb23io12ld1vigwi45b|title=¿Qué equipo de la Liga MX tiene más afición en todo México?|work=GOAL|access-date=12 January 2021|archive-date=10 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310193806/https://www.goal.com/es/noticias/que-equipo-liga-mx-mas-aficion/10k1uv6jb23io12ld1vigwi45b|url-status=live}} Historically, the club was primarily supported by cement workers from Cooperativa La Cruz Azul. Following the team's promotion to the Primera División in the 1960s, its fan base began to grow steadily. The 1970s, during which Cruz Azul won six of its nine league titles, marked a significant boom in popularity, establishing the club as one of the most widely supported in the country.

The club became infamous in Mexico for its failure to win a league title between 1997 and 2021. For English-speaking audiences, this so-called "Cruz Azul curse" has been likened to the "Neverkusen" label given to German club Bayer Leverkusen, the "Curse of the Bambino" for MLB's Boston Red Sox, and the "Curse of the Billy Goat" associated with the Chicago Cubs. These comparisons reflect a shared pattern: teams that, despite having competitive squads, consistently fell short in decisive matches or championship games. Cruz Azul's "curse" was finally broken with their victory in the Guardianes 2021 final against Santos Laguna, winning 2–1 on aggregate on 30 May 2021. The title drought had included six lost finals and numerous other painful playoff eliminations.{{Cite web |title=¡Cómo no te voy a querer! Histórica y épica remontada |url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/pumas-remonto-4-0-cruz-azul-semifinales-guardianes-2020-final-leon |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=TUDN |language=es |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108181421/https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/pumas-remonto-4-0-cruz-azul-semifinales-guardianes-2020-final-leon |url-status=live }} It also gave rise to the colloquial Mexican Spanish verb cruzazulear, meaning to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory or to "choke" in dramatic fashion.{{Cite web |date=2020-12-29 |title=Think your team is bad? One club's name has literally come to define failure |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37609800/think-your-team-bad-cruz-azul-name-literally-come-define-failure-verb-song |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108181420/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37609800/think-your-team-bad-cruz-azul-name-literally-come-define-failure-verb-song |url-status=live }}

File:Cruz Azul Team läuft auf.JPG on 28 February 2009.]]

The club had its own official cheerleading club, known as Las Celestes, who were included as part of the institution in 2004. For years, they performed pre-match and during the halftime, becoming a valued tradition of the club and among fans. Cruz Azul was the only Mexican team to officially include cheerleaders as part of its club activities. However, as of today, Las Celestes are no longer active.{{cite web |url=http://www.resultados-futbol.com/porristas-celestes-rf_36441.jpg |title=Resultados-futbol.com |access-date=2012-01-10 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070506/http://www.resultados-futbol.com/porristas-celestes-rf_36441.jpg |url-status=live }}

Cruz Azul has a passionate fan base, with La Sangre Azul as its only official supporters' group (barra brava in Spanish), recognized by the club. Established in January 2001, it is known for its unwavering support, creating a vibrant atmosphere at both home and away games. Through their chants, banners, and coordinated displays, they play a vital role in uniting fans and enhancing the matchday experience.{{cite web|url=https://barrabrava.net/cruz-azul/la-sangre-azul/historia/|title=Historia de la barra brava La Sangre Azul y hinchada del club de fútbol Cruz Azul de México|access-date=27 October 2024|website=barrabrava.net|language=es|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302162227/https://barrabrava.net/cruz-azul/la-sangre-azul/historia/|url-status=live}} However, in March 2015, the group lost the support of the club's board due to violent incidents.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/noticias/nota/_/id/2325370/la-sangre-azul-entra-por-la-fuerza-a-la-noria-para-hablar-con-directiva-celeste|title=La Sangre Azul entra por la fuerza a La Noria para hablar con directiva celeste|access-date=19 March 2015|website=espn.com.mx|date=19 March 2015 |language=es}} In recent seasons, though, the relationship with the club's new board has shown signs of improvement, aiming to restore a positive and collaborative connection. La Sangre Azul stands as a key element of Cruz Azul's fan culture, embodying the loyalty and pride of the club's supporters.{{cite web|url=https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Cruz-Azul-La-barra-La-Sangre-Azul-fue-reconocida-por-la-nueva-administracion--Liga-MX-20210528-0014.html|title=La Sangre Azul está de regreso: La nueva administración ya reconoció a la barra de Cruz Azul|access-date=29 May 2021|website=vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com|date=28 May 2021 |language=es|archive-date=28 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528214812/https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/noticias/Cruz-Azul-La-barra-La-Sangre-Azul-fue-reconocida-por-la-nueva-administracion--Liga-MX-20210528-0014.html|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Clásico Joven}}File:Azteca 008.png in 2005.]]

Cruz Azul's biggest rival is América, with their encounters are famously known as the Clásico Joven ({{lit|Young Classic}}).{{cite web |publisher = Grupo Reforma |year = 2007 |url = http://foro.univision.com/univision/board/message?board.id=hinchas_futbol&message.id=270350#M270350 |work = Univision.com |title = Encuesta completa sobre el equipo más popular de México |access-date = |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071012171934/http://foro.univision.com/univision/board/message?board.id=hinchas_futbol&message.id=270350#M270350 |archive-date = 12 October 2007 |df = dmy-all }} The rivalry began in the early 1970s, a period during which both clubs were dominant in Mexican football and often contested league finals. Their first major final meeting came in the 1971–72 season, which Cruz Azul won 4–1, solidifying the rivalry's importance on the national stage. The intensity of the rivalry grew during the 1980s and 1990s, with several highly competitive league and playoff matches. The rivalry regained prominence during the Clausura 2013 finals, when América staged a dramatic comeback to equalize on aggregate in stoppage time before defeating Cruz Azul on penalties, a match often cited as one of the most memorable in Liga MX history. As of 2025, the Clásico Joven is the fixture with the most finals contested between two clubs in Mexican football, with a total of six championship matchups.{{Cite web |last=Flores Aldana |first=Omar |date=20 May 2024 |title=América vs. Cruz Azul, la final más repetida en la Liga MX |url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/13684314/liga-mx-america-vs-cruz-azul-final-repetida |access-date=25 May 2025 |website=ESPN México |language=es}}{{Cite web |last=Cedeño |first=Juan Carlos |date=26 May 2024 |title=América vs. Cruz Azul: El 26 de mayo que La Máquina ganó una Final a las Águilas |url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/america-vs-cruz-azul-el-26-de-mayo-que-la-maquina-gano-final-aguilas |access-date=25 May 2025 |website=TUDN |language=es}}

Culturally, the rivalry is rooted in social and institutional contrasts. América is often associated with wealth and establishment due to its ownership by media conglomerate Televisa, while Cruz Azul is historically linked to the working class, stemming from its roots as a team founded by cement company Cooperativa La Cruz Azul. This contrast is reflected in the nickname Los Albañiles ({{lit|bricklayers}}), used for Cruz Azul and its supporters. In addition to these social contrasts, several players and coaches have represented both sides over the years, further intensifying the rivalry. Notably, Raúl Cárdenas managed both clubs during the 1970s,{{Cite web |last=Vázquez |first=Oswaldo |date=2 December 2024 |title=¿Quién fue Raúl Cárdenas, el técnico que hizo tricampeón a Cruz Azul y después se fue al América? |url=https://esto.com.mx/860442-raul-cardenas-el-tecnico-campeon-con-cruz-azul-y-america/# |access-date=25 May 2025 |website=esto}} while Carlos Hermosillo remains the top scorer in Clásico Joven history, scoring 15 goals in total—seven with América and eight with Cruz Azul.{{cite web |title=América vs Cruz Azul: Historial, resultados, estadísticas y goleadores del Clásico Joven. |url=https://www.goal.com/es-mx/noticias/cruz-azul-america-resultados-estadisticas-goleadores-finales-y-mas/f96cic0bfkzv1lkl16v33ut8r |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=goal.com}} The rivalry remains one of the most anticipated fixtures in Mexican football, regularly drawing large attendances and national media coverage. Matches between the two are played in Mexico City, with both clubs sharing the Estadio Azteca for much of their history, adding to the derby-like atmosphere of their clashes. As of May 2025, the two clubs have met 203 times in official competitions, with América holding 74 wins, 61 victories for Cruz Azul, and 68 matches ending in draws.

Source: [https://cfcruzazul.com/ Cruz Azul]

Source: [https://www.ligamx.net/cancha/club/12566/cruz-azul#plantilla Liga MX]

{{For|a list of all former and current Cruz Azul players with a Wikipedia article|Category:Cruz Azul footballers}}

{{updated|4 June 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://cfcruzazul.com/plantel/primer-equipo-varonil/|title=Primer Equipo Varonil|publisher=C.F. Cruz Azul|access-date=13 September 2024|archive-date=24 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624031833/https://cfcruzazul.com/plantel/primer-equipo-varonil/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://ligamx.net/cancha/club/12566/cruz-azul#plantilla|title=Cruz Azul Plantilla|publisher=Liga MX|access-date=13 September 2024|archive-date=14 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914090836/https://ligamx.net/cancha/club/12566/cruz-azul#plantilla|url-status=live}}

{{Fs start|nonumber=|bg=0046AD|color=FFFFFF}}

{{Fs player|no=1|nat=MEX|name=Andrés Gudiño|pos=GK}}

{{Fs player|no=2|nat=MEX|name=Jorge Sánchez|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=3|nat=MEX|name=Omar Campos|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=4|nat=COL|name=Willer Ditta|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=5|nat=MEX|name=Jesús Orozco|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=6|nat=MEX|name=Érik Lira|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=7|nat=POL|name=Mateusz Bogusz|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=8|nat=ARG|name=Lorenzo Faravelli|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=9|nat=MEX|name=Ángel Sepúlveda|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=10|nat=MEX|name=Andrés Montaño|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=11|nat=GRE|name=Giorgos Giakoumakis|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=14|nat=MEX|name=Alexis Gutiérrez|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=15|nat=URU|name=Ignacio Rivero|other=captain|pos=MF}}

{{Fs mid|nonumber=|bg=0046AD|color=FFFFFF}}

{{Fs player|no=17|nat=MEX|name=Amaury García|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=18|nat=ARG|name=Luka Romero|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=19|nat=MEX|name=Carlos Rodríguez|other=vice-captain|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=21|nat=URU|name=Gabriel Fernández|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=22|nat=MEX|name=Raymundo Rubio |pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=23|nat=COL|name=Kevin Mier|pos=GK}}

{{Fs player|no=26|nat=MEX|name=Carlos Vargas|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=29|nat=ARG|name=Carlos Rotondi|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=30|nat=MEX|name=Emmanuel Ochoa|pos=GK}}

{{Fs player|no=32|nat=MEX|name=Cristian Jiménez|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=33|nat=ARG|name=Gonzalo Piovi|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=35|nat=MEX|name=Luis Gutiérrez|pos=FW}}

{{Fs end|nonumber=|bg=0046AD|color=FFFFFF}}

{{For|recent transfers|List of Mexican football transfers winter 2024–25}}

{{Fs start|nonumber=|bg=0046AD|color=FFFFFF}}

{{Fs player|no=|nat=URU|name=Camilo Cándido|pos=DF|other=at Atlético Nacional}}

{{Fs end|nonumber=|bg=0046AD|color=FFFFFF}}

{{Main|Cruz Azul Reserves and Academy}}

• Cruz Azul Lagunas

Reserve team that plays in the Liga TDP (Group II), the fourth level of the Mexican football league system.

• Cruz Azul Hidalgo

Reserve team that played in the Primera División "A" from 1992 to 2003 and again from 2006 to 2014, and Liga Premier from 2014 to 2021.

• Cruz Azul Oaxaca

Reserve team that played in the Primera División "A" from 2003 to 2006.

• Cruz Azul Jasso

Reserve team that played in the Segunda División from 2006 to 2015.

• Cruz Azul Premier

Reserve team that played in the Segunda División/Liga Premier from 2015 to 2018.

{{For|further information|Category:Cruz Azul footballers}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

;Primera División

{{col-2}}

;CONCACAF Champions Cup/Champions League

{{col-end}}

{{For|a list of all former and current Cruz Azul managers|Category:Cruz Azul managers}}

{{further|List of Cruz Azul seasons}}

{{For|honours won by Reserves and Academy teams|Cruz Azul Reserves and Academy#Honours}}

Cruz Azul's first major title came in the 1968–69 season, when the club won the Mexican Primera División just five years after being promoted. During its golden era in the 1970s, Cruz Azul won six league titles within the decade, earning the nickname La Máquina for its dominant, machine-like style of play.{{cite news |last1=Hugh |first1=Pierce |title=Cruz Azul: The Pride of Mexican Football |url=https://soccerwizdom.com/2025/02/11/cruz-azul-the-pride-of-mexican-football/ |access-date=6 May 2025 |publisher=Soccer Wizdom|date=11 February 2025}} The club added two more league titles in the short tournament era, in Invierno 1997 and Guardianes 2021, the latter ending a 23-year title drought. In domestic competition, Cruz Azul has also won the Copa MX four times and lifted the Campeón de Campeones trophy on three occasions. The club also won the Supercopa MX in 2019{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Vincent |title=Cruz Azul Win First Trophy of the Season after Dominant 4-0 Rout of Necaxa |url=https://eltrionline.com/cruz-azul-win-first-trophy-of-the-season-after-dominant-4-0-rout-of-necaxa/ |access-date=6 May 2025 |publisher=eltrionline|date=14 July 2019}} and the Supercopa de la Liga MX in 2022.{{cite news |title=Cruz Azul, el único equipo 'grande' que ganó un título en el 2022 |url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/11128422/liga-mx-cruz-azul-titulo-2022-america-pumas-chivas |access-date=6 May 2025 |publisher=ESPN |date=31 October 2022|language=es }}

Internationally, Cruz Azul is one of Mexico's most successful clubs, having won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup/Champions League (CONCACAF's premier club competition) seven times, the most successful club in the region shared with América.{{cite news |last1=Alcheva |first1=Martina |title=Concacaf Champions League winners: List of champions by year |url=https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/concacaf-champions-leaguewinners-by-year-20211027-0027.html |access-date=6 May 2025 |publisher=BOLAVIP|date=5 May 2022}} In 2001, the club became the first Mexican and CONCACAF team to reach the final of the Copa Libertadores, narrowly losing to Boca Juniors on penalties.{{cite news |last1=Parra |first1=Abigail |title=Cruz Azul sorteó insólitas artimañas sudamericanas en la Libertadores de 2001 |url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/cruz-azul-artimanas-libro-copa-libertadores-2001 |access-date=6 May 2025 |publisher=mediotiempo|date=8 April 2020|language=es}}

Cruz Azul has also competed in the FIFA Club World Cup{{cite news |title=Cruz Azul da a conocer lista para Mundial de Clubes |url=https://www.milenio.com/deportes/cruz-azul-da-a-conocer-lista-para-mundial-de-clubes |access-date=6 May 2025 |publisher=Milenio |date=4 December 2014 |language=es }} and the Copa Interamericana,{{cite news |title=Copa Interamericana 1971 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/intam71.html |access-date=6 May 2025 |publisher=RSSSF |date=23 October 2007 |language=es }} and remains one of the most supported and historically significant football clubs in the Americas.{{cite news |last1=Cadena Jordan |first1=Daniel |title=Los 50 clubes más valiosos de América |url=https://onefootball.com/es/noticias/los-50-clubes-mas-valiosos-de-america-20862319 |access-date=6 May 2025 |publisher=OneFootball |date=2 August 2018}}

• {{legend|gold|record}}
• {{smallsup|s}} shared record

• Torneo Almería: 1979{{cite web|url=https://reinoazul09.blogspot.com/2014/08/trofeo-ciudad-de-almeria.html|title=Trofeo Ciudad de Almería|work=reinoazul09|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=19 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219194833/https://reinoazul09.blogspot.com/2014/08/trofeo-ciudad-de-almeria.html|url-status=live}}
• Torneo Burgos: 1980{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/ciudadcid.html#80|title=Trofeo Ciudad del Cid (Burgos-Spain) 1977-1981|work=RSSSF|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=25 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925213708/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/ciudadcid.html#80|url-status=live}}
• Cuadrangular Azteca: 1981{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/pres-cdmexico81.html|title=Copa Presidente de Ciudad de México 1981|work=RSSSF|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=19 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219094640/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/pres-cdmexico81.html|url-status=live}}
• Triangular Los Ángeles: 1991
• Cuadrangular Querétaro: 1992{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesq/queretaro8992.html#92|title=Copa Ciudad de Querétaro 1989-1992|work=RSSSF|access-date=16 December 2024}}
• Torneo Monterrey 400: 1996{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/monterrey400-96.html|title=Copa Monterrey 400 (Monterrey) 1996|work=RSSSF|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=25 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925151140/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesm/monterrey400-96.html|url-status=live}}
• Copa Pachuca: 1997, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2007{{cite web|url=https://reinoazul09.blogspot.com/2017/09/torneo-pachuca-cuna-del-futbol-1997.html|title=Torneo Pachuca Cuna del Fútbol 1997|work=reinoazul09|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=20 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220014711/https://reinoazul09.blogspot.com/2017/09/torneo-pachuca-cuna-del-futbol-1997.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/pachucacuna.html|title=Pachuca Cuna del Fútbol Méxicano|work=RSSSF|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=19 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219215906/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesp/pachucacuna.html|url-status=live}}
• Copa 5 de Mayo: 2004
• Copa Panamericana DirecTV: 2007{{cite web|url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-3-1-boca-juniors-maquina-copa-panamericana|title=Cruz Azul 3-1 Boca Juniors... La Máquina se lleva la Copa Panamericana|work=mediotiempo|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=19 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219090252/https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-3-1-boca-juniors-maquina-copa-panamericana|url-status=live}}
• Copa Amistad: 2007{{cite web|url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/derroto-maquina-2-1-silverbacks-copa-amistad|title=Derrotó La Máquina 2-1 a Silverbacks en la Copa Amistad|work=mediotiempo|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=19 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219135224/https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/liga-mx/derroto-maquina-2-1-silverbacks-copa-amistad|url-status=live}}
• Copa Aztex: 2009{{cite web|url=https://reinoazul09.blogspot.com/2014/07/campeon-copa-aztex-del-ano-2009.html|title=Campeón Copa Aztex del año 2009.|work=reinoazul09|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=19 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219104309/https://reinoazul09.blogspot.com/2014/07/campeon-copa-aztex-del-ano-2009.html|url-status=live}}
• Copa Socio MX: 2015{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/sociomx2015.html#15|title=Copa Socio MX 2015-2016|work=RSSSF|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=25 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925151149/https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/sociomx2015.html#15|url-status=live}}
• Supercopa Tecate: 2017{{cite web|url=https://www.sdpnoticias.com/deportes/campeon-super-copa-azul-cruz.html|title=Cruz Azul es Campeón de la Super Copa… Tecate 2017|work=sdpnoticias|date=18 July 2017 |access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=19 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219160914/https://www.sdpnoticias.com/deportes/campeon-super-copa-azul-cruz.html|url-status=live}}
• Dynamo Charities Cup: 2017{{cite web|url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/recap-houston-dynamo-3-cruz-azul-fc-5|title=Recap: Houston Dynamo 3, Cruz Azul FC 5|work=houstondynamofc|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=20 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220000142/https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/recap-houston-dynamo-3-cruz-azul-fc-5|url-status=live}}
• Copa GNP por México: 2020{{cite web|url=https://mexico.as.com/mexico/2020/07/20/futbol/1595203617_651248.html|title=Cruz Azul - Chivas (1-1): La Máquina gana la Copa GNP por México|work=as|date=20 July 2020 |access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=19 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219101401/https://mexico.as.com/mexico/2020/07/20/futbol/1595203617_651248.html|url-status=live}}
• Copa Sky: 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/copa-sky/cruz-azul-0-2-a-chivas-titulo-de-la-copa-sky-2022|title=¡Campeón! Cruz Azul vence a Chivas y se corona en la Copa Sky 2022|work=TUDN|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=19 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219130233/https://www.tudn.com/futbol/copa-sky/cruz-azul-0-2-a-chivas-titulo-de-la-copa-sky-2022|url-status=live}}
• Copa Fundadores: 2024{{cite web|url=https://www.excelsior.com.mx/adrenalina/cruz-azul-gana-la-primera-edicion-de-la-copa-fundadores/1660155|title=Cruz Azul gana la primera edición de la Copa Fundadores|work=excelsior|date=30 June 2024 |access-date=16 December 2024 |last1=Berrios |first1=Edgar }}

• Doubles
• League and Copa México (2): 1968–69, 1996–97
• League and CONCACAF Champions' Cup (3): 1968–69, 1970, 1997
• Trebles
• League, Copa México and CONCACAF Champions' Cup (2): 1968–69, 1996–97

• Cruz Azul has the distinction of being the only CONCACAF club to win the North American treble twice – winning the Primera División, Copa México, and CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1969 and 1997.
• Cruz Azul is the Mexican club with the second-most titles at international level, behind only América (six titles in the CONCACAF Champions League, plus a runners-up finish twice in 2009 and 2010, one Leagues Cup title, as well as one runners-up finish in the Copa Libertadores in 2001).
• Cruz Azul is both the Mexican and overall club with the second-most titles in the CONCACAF Champions League, with six (behind only América, with seven).
• Cruz Azul holds the record for most consecutive wins in the history of the Primera División: 12 wins in the Guard1anes 2021.
• Cruz Azul is the Mexican team with the highest number of playoff games played (43), including rounds of reclassification.
• Cruz Azul is the first Mexican team to win a final crown via a "golden goal" (1997).
• Cruz Azul has played (14) and lost (8) the most playoff finals, and has the second-most final wins, with six (tied with Toluca and UNAM).
• Cruz Azul is one of three teams in the history of the Primera División have to win league titles in three consecutive seasons (succeeding in 1971–72, 1972–73 and 1973–74), the other two teams being América, who did so decade later, and Guadalajara.
• Cruz Azul is the fastest team to become champions after being promoted, winning only five years after promotion in the 1968–69 season.
• Cruz Azul became the fastest team to win seven league titles, accomplishing the feat with only fifteen years playing in Mexico's Primera División.

During the amateur era, Cruz Azul was composed entirely of employees from the Cruz Azul cement factory, emphasizing the strong bond between the club and its founding organization. The team also frequently achieved high-margin victories over local teams, reflecting their dominance in the league.{{cite web |title=60 Años de Primera: 60 Datos sobre La Máquina |url=https://cfcruzazul.com/60-anos-de-primera-60-datos-sobre-la-maquina/ |website=cfcruzazul.com |date=19 January 2024 |access-date=19 January 2024 |language=es}}

• Consecutive titles in the Primera División Amateur del Estado de Hidalgo: 15 titles (from 1935 to 1960), Cruz Azul dominated the amateur league in Hidalgo, winning the title in every season during these years, marking one of the club's most significant achievements.
• First recorded match: Cruz Azul's first match was against Jilotepec, resulting in a 16–0 win.{{cite web |title=LOS INICIOS |url=https://cfcruzazul.com/historia/los-inicios/ |website=cfcruzazul.com |access-date=20 June 2022 |language=es}}
• Winning streak: Although there is no specific record, Cruz Azul maintained a notable winning streak during its years of dominance in the amateur league.

• Seasons in Primera División: 60, (never relegated since the team's debut in the 1964–65 season){{cite web |title=¡Cruz Azul es de Primera! Somos campeones de Segunda División apenas a los tres años de ser incluidos |url=https://cfcruzazul.com/historia/60-2/ |website=cfcruzazul.com |access-date=20 June 2022 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123055736/https://cfcruzazul.com/historia/60-2/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=¡Felicidades a La Máquina! Cruz Azul cumple 60 años en primera división |url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-cumple-60-anos-primera |website=tudn.com |access-date=19 January 2024 |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119175055/https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul-cumple-60-anos-primera |url-status=live }}
• Seasons in Segunda División: 3{{cite web|title=El primer Cruz Azul profesional: este año comenzó la breve historia en Segunda División|url=https://cfcruzazul.com/historia/60-2/|website=cfcruzazul.com|access-date=20 June 2022|archive-date=23 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123055736/https://cfcruzazul.com/historia/60-2/|url-status=live}}
• Playoff (Liguilla) for the title: 61
• Final for the title: 18, (1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1994–95, Invierno 1997, Invierno 1999, Clausura 2008, Apertura 2008, Apertura 2009, Clausura 2013, Apertura 2018, Guardianes 2021, Clausura 2024)
• 1st place: 15
• Relegated to Liga de Expansión MX: 0
• Promotion to the Primera División: 1, (in the 1963–64 season)
• Final position more repeated: 1st, (15 times)
• Best place in Primera División:
• In long tournaments: 1st, (1968–69, México 1970, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1978–79, 1995–96)
• In short tournaments: 1st, (Invierno 1998, Invierno 2000, Apertura 2006, Apertura 2010, Clausura 2014, Apertura 2018, Guardianes 2021, Apertura 2024)
• Worst place in Primera División:
• In long tournaments: 18th of 20 teams, (in the 1989–90 season)
• In short tournaments: 18th of 18 teams, (Clausura 2009)
• Highest score achieved:
• The national tournament: 8–2 against Toros Neza (in the 1993–94 season)
• In international tournaments: 12–2 against {{flagicon|Belize}} Leslie Verdes in 1988 CONCACAF Champions' Cup and 11–0 against {{flagicon|USA}} Seattle Sounders in the 1996 CONCACAF Champions' Cup
• Highest score against:
• National tournaments: 0–7 against América (Apertura 2022)
• In international tournaments: 1–6 against {{flagicon|Uruguay}} Fénix in the 2003 Copa Libertadores
• Most points in a season:
• In long tournaments: 57, (in the 1978–79 season)
• In short tournaments: 42, (Apertura 2024) (Mexican football record for a 17-game tournament)
• Longest streak of games without losing: 19, (matchday 18 to semi-final second-leg in the 1973–74 season)
• Longest undefeated streak at home: 47, (1978–1980) (Mexican football record)
• Most goals scored in a season:
• In long tournaments: 91, (in the 1994–95 season)
• In short tournaments: 41, (Invierno 1998)
• Most wins in a season: 22, (in the 1971–72 season)
• Most draws in a season: 17, (in the 1989–90 season)
• Most defeats in a season: 13, (in the 1982–83 and 1989–90 seasons)
• Consecutive wins in a season: 12, (Guardianes 2021) (Mexican football record)
• More games without conceding: 5, (in the 1975–76 and 1983–84 seasons)
• Most consecutive wins: 12, (Guardianes 2021) (Mexican football record)
• Most consecutive draws: 5, (in the 1973–74 season)
• Most consecutive games without a win: 11, (in the 1965–66 season)
• Fewest wins in a season: 2, (Clausura 2009)
• Fewest draws in a season: 0, (Apertura 2009)
• Fewest defeats in one season: 1, (PRODE 85, Invierno 1998 and Apertura 2024)
• Player with the most goals in a season: {{flagicon|Mexico}} Carlos Hermosillo, 35 (in the 1994–95 season)
• Most successful manager: {{flagicon|Mexico}} Raúl Cárdenas, won 11 titles with the club:
• Primera División (1968–69, México 1970, 1971–72, 1972–73 and 1973–74), Copa México (1968–69), Campeón de Campeones (1969 and 1974), CONCACAF Champions' Cup (1969, 1970 and 1971)
• Most successful player: {{flagicon|Mexico}} Fernando Bustos, won 13 titles with the club:
• Primera División (1968–69, México 1970, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74 and 1978–79), Segunda División (1963–64), Copa México (1968–69), Campeón de Campeones (1969 and 1974), CONCACAF Champions' Cup (1969, 1970 and 1971)

{{Reflist|group=note}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}} {{In lang|es}}
• {{Official website|URL=https://tiendacruzazul.mx/|name=Tienda Cruz Azul (Cruz Azul Store)}} {{In lang|es}}

• [https://vamoscruzazul.bolavip.com/ Cruz Azul – News and analysis] on Vamos Azul {{In lang|es}}
• [https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/cruz-azul Cruz Azul] at TUDN {{In lang|es}}
• [https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/_/id/218 Cruz Azul] at ESPN {{In lang|en|es}}
• [https://ligamx.net/cancha/club/12566/cruz-azul Cruz Azul] at Liga MX {{In lang|es}}

{{Cruz Azul}}

{{Navboxes

|titlestyle = background:#0046AD; color:#FFFFFF;{{box-shadow border|a|#E00034|1px}}

|list1 =

{{Cruz Azul squad}}

{{Cruz Azul matches}}

{{Cruz Azul managers}}

{{Primera División de México teamlist}}

{{CONCACAF Champions Cup Winners}}

{{Mexico City Sports}}

}}

{{Portal bar|Association football|Mexico}}

Category:Football clubs in Mexico

Category:1927 establishments in Mexico

Category:Association football clubs established in 1927

Category:Football clubs in Mexico City

Category:Liga MX teams

Category:Works association football teams

Category:CONCACAF Champions Cup–winning clubs

Category:Unrelegated association football clubs