FBC Melgar
FBC Melgar (MEL)
Overview
Foot Ball Club Melgar is southern Peru's most decorated and popular club. Founded in 1915 in Arequipa, the country's second city, the club competes in Peru's Primera División and plays home matches at the mythical Estadio de la UNSA (Universidad Nacional de San Agustín), a 40,000-seat venue located at 2,300 meters altitude, offering considerable advantage to the Rojinegros (Red and Black).
Melgar is Peruvian championship history's most decorated club with six national titles, the latest won in 2022. The club has also dominated southern Peruvian football with numerous regional championships. In 2022, FBC Melgar achieved the historic feat of reaching Copa Sudamericana semi-finals, the best performance by a Peruvian club in this competition, notably eliminating Internacional de Porto Alegre.
The club distinguishes itself through excellent youth player training and offensive and technical playing style. Players like Paolo Guerrero, Rinaldo Cruzado and Bernardo Cuesta have marked the club's recent history. Melgar maintains regional rivalry with Cienciano de Cusco and Lima's major clubs like Alianza Lima and Universitario. Dominó supporters (nickname linked to red and black colors) are among Peru's most passionate, creating electric atmosphere at UNSA stadium and accompanying their team across the country.