Club América: history, form and Leagues Cup prediction

Club América is one of the most successful and popular football clubs in Mexico, competing in the Liga MX, the country’s top-tier league. A complicated schedule sees the 2023 Apertura competition begin on 30 June, in the midst of the international Gold Cup, while the new Leagues Cup gets underway on 21 July, forcing a break of three rounds. Let’s take a look at the club.

What is Club América’s story?

Founded on October 12, 1916, in Mexico City, the club has a rich history. América has earned the reputation of being a powerhouse in Mexican football, with a record 13 Liga MX titles to their name. Their triumphs came in the years 1965, 1971, 1976, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, Clausura 2005, Clausura 2013, and Apertura 2014. They have also been runners-up on numerous occasions.

América has also achieved success in continental competitions. They have won the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup (now known as the CONCACAF Champions League) seven times, in 1977, 1987, 1990, 1992, 2006, 2015, and 2016, making them the most successful Mexican team in the history of the tournament.

Over the years, Club América has had several legendary players who have left a lasting impact on the club and Mexican football as a whole. Notable figures include players like Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Hugo Sánchez, Carlos Hermosillo, and Raúl Cárdenas.

The club plays its home matches at the iconic Estadio Azteca, one of the largest - with a capacity of over 80,000 - and most renowned stadiums in the world. This stadium has hosted numerous significant football events, including World Cup matches and Club World Cup finals.

Beyond their success on the field, América boasts a passionate and dedicated fanbase. Known as Las Águilas (The Eagles), their supporters fill the stands with yellow and blue, creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere during matches.

How did Club América perform in the last year?

A strong year saw Las Águilas finish at the summit of the 2022 Apertura table with a grand total of 38 points over their 17 matches, including 12 wins and just three losses. A quarter final trouncing of Puebla (11-2 on aggregate) had many thinking a title was in the bag but a surprise narrow defeat to Toluca in the semis ended that dream.

The team followed that up with a second place finish in the 2023 Clausura regular season, behind Monterrey, and reached the semi-finals, once again losing out on a showpiece final after being beaten by Pachuca. A season of almosts, although individual awards did arrive as the Mexican Ballon d’Or ceremony played out.

What are Club América’s chances in the 2023 Leagues Cup?

Despite having some decent form over the last year, and a fervent support base, the fact that the likes of the New England Revolution, LAFC, Club Leon, Tigres and Seattle Sounders, just to name a few, will have to be overcome, this trophy is probably beyond their hopes. The team’s opener is against St. Louis on 28 July.

A good showing here, with increased international attention, along with a positive start to the Apertura, will be the target for Las Águilas, as André Jardine sets out his ambitions.

Who is Club América’s star player?

Mexico striker Henry Martín was the big winner on the Ballon d’Or night, taking home both the Player of the Year and the Forward of the Year trophies, as well as the Top Goalscorer prize. If he is in the mood then all other defences should be prepared for a tough time and he’ll hope to lead his team to more success in the new Leagues Cup format.