Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro Esporte Clube was founded on 2 January 1921 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, originally as Società Sportiva Palestra Itália by Italian immigrants. The club changed its name to Cruzeiro in 1942, inspired by the Southern Cross constellation. Playing in blue and white at the Estádio Mineirão, one of South America's most iconic venues, Cruzeiro are one of Brazil's most successful clubs. They have won the Copa Libertadores twice (1976, 1997), the Campeonato Brasileiro four times, and a record six Copa do Brasil titles. In 2003, they completed a historic Domestic Treble. Their storied history includes legendary players such as Ronaldo, Tostão, and Dirceu Lopes. After suffering relegation to Série B in 2019, the club rebuilt under new ownership and returned to the top flight, reasserting themselves as a major force in Brazilian football.