Cruzeiro Esporte Clube

Brazilian football team.

Cruzeiro Esporte Clube is a professional football club based in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Founded on January 2, 1921, Cruzeiro is one of the most successful and popular clubs in Brazilian football. The club's nickname is "A Raposa" (The Fox), and they play their home games at the Mineirão stadium, which has a capacity of over 61,000 spectators. Cruzeiro's traditional colors are blue and white, which are prominently featured on their iconic shirts.

Throughout its history, Cruzeiro has achieved significant success both domestically and internationally. The club has won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (Brazilian national league) four times, in 1966, 2003, 2013, and 2014. They have also claimed the Copa do Brasil (Brazilian Cup) six times, making them one of the most successful clubs in this competition. At the state level, Cruzeiro has dominated the Campeonato Mineiro (Minas Gerais State Championship), winning it a record 38 times.

On the international stage, Cruzeiro has also left its mark. The club has won the Copa Libertadores, South America's premier club competition, twice, in 1976 and 1997. They have also claimed the now-defunct Supercopa Libertadores in 1991 and 1992, as well as the Copa Master de Supercopa in 1994. These achievements have cemented Cruzeiro's status as one of Brazil's most successful clubs in international competitions.

The most celebrated period in Cruzeiro's history came in the mid-1960s and 1970s, when they won their first national title and established themselves as a powerhouse in Brazilian football. The early 2000s and 2010s also saw great success for the club, with multiple national titles and strong performances in continental competitions.

Cruzeiro's biggest rivalry is with Atlético Mineiro, another major club from Belo Horizonte. Their matches, known as the Clássico Mineiro, are among the most intense and widely followed derbies in Brazilian football.