Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, one of Brazil's most decorated clubs, is based in Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais state. Founded in 1921, the Raposa (Fox) plays at Mineirao and possesses an exceptional trophy cabinet. Cruzeiro has won 2 Copa Libertadores and 4 Brazilian championships, establishing itself as a South American football giant.
The club experienced its peak in the 1960s-70s and 1990s-2000s, dominating Brazilian football. Cruzeiro has produced legends like Tostao, Ronaldo (the Phenomenon), and Fabio. After a difficult period including a historic relegation in 2019, the Raposa is working to regain its past greatness and has returned to Serie A.
Mineirao, shared with rival Atletico Mineiro, can accommodate 62,000 spectators. Cruzeiro maintains one of Brazilian football's greatest rivalries with Atletico in the Minas Gerais derby. The club maintains a massive and loyal supporter base despite recent difficulties. The Raposa aims to quickly regain its place among the Brazilian elite.
FAQ
Cruzeiro plays at the legendary Estadio Governador Magalhaes Pinto, universally called Mineirao, located in Belo Horizonte. With a capacity of 62,000, this stadium hosted the 2014 World Cup and remains one of Brazil's most impressive. Mineirao is shared with rival Atletico.
Founded on January 2, 1921, by Belo Horizonte's Italian community as Palestra Italia, the club was renamed Cruzeiro in 1942. Raposa dominated Brazilian football in the 1960s-70s and 1990s-2000s, winning numerous national and continental titles before experiencing financial difficulties that led to unprecedented relegations.
Cruzeiro has won 4 Brazilian championships, 2 Copa Libertadores (1976, 1997), 2 Recopa Sudamericana, a record 6 Copa do Brasil, and over 35 Minas Gerais state championships. This exceptional trophy cabinet places Cruzeiro among Brazil's and South America's most decorated clubs. Libertadores victories remain glory summits.
The 'Raposa' (Fox) nickname symbolizes intelligence, cunning, and the club's survival ability. This nickname reflects Cruzeiro's history of overcoming numerous challenges and adversities. Raposa has become an integral part of the club's identity and is affectionately used by all supporters.
Cruzeiro has featured legends like Tostao (1970 world champion), Ronaldo the Phenomenon (developed at the club), Dirceu Lopes, Fabio (over 900 matches), and Alex. These players marked Brazilian and world football history. The club continues to develop talents for the Selecao.
The Minas Gerais derby between Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro is one of Brazil's most intense rivalries. These Mineirao confrontations generate extraordinary passion and divide Belo Horizonte. The Minas Gerais derby is considered one of Brazilian football's most balanced and contested.
Cruzeiro experienced severe financial difficulties leading to historic relegation to Serie B in 2019, then Serie C in 2020. These unprecedented descents shocked Brazilian football. The club is working to restructure its finances and successfully achieved promotion back to Serie A, aiming to regain giant status.
Cruzeiro benefits from Ronaldo the Phenomenon's support, who became a shareholder in 2021, bringing visibility and credibility to the reconstruction project. The club relies on developed player sales, TV rights, and merchandising to improve finances. The objective is to quickly regain competitiveness at the highest level.
Cruzeiro possesses one of Brazil's largest supporter bases, estimated at approximately 8-10 million torcedores. This extraordinary loyalty maintained despite recent difficulties. Cruzeirense supporters are renowned for their passion and supported the club through its darkest moments.
Raposa's news is available on Cruzeiro TV, the official website, social media, and Brazilian media. Championship matches are broadcast nationally. FootballAudit offers comprehensive coverage of results, standings, and statistics of Cruzeiro EC.
