Just three years after facing relegation and financial collapse, Cruzeiro Esporte Clube has staged a dramatic resurgence under new ownership, climbing back into Brazil’s top-tier Serie A and reigniting its historic rivalry with Atlético Mineiro. The Belo Horizonte-based club – winner of 4 Brazilian championships and 2 Copa Libertadores titles – recently defeated Athletico Paranaense 2-1 at Mineirão Stadium, propelling them into the top six of the Brasileirão standings.
The turnaround follows Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário’s 2021 acquisition of 90% stake in Cruzeiro’s football operations through his company Tara Sports Brasil. After clearing $100M in debt and restructuring operations, the Raposa (Fox) secured promotion from Serie B in 2023 and now battles for continental qualification. Key to their success:
- Youth development focus: 19-year-old striker Gabriel Veron leads scoring charts with 8 goals
- Tactical overhaul: Coach Nicolás Larcamón’s high-press system produced +5 goal differential
- Stadium dominance: Unbeaten in last 9 home matches at renovated Mineirão (capacity 61,846)
Financial stability returned through billionaire Pedro Lourenço’s $100M investment in April 2024, enabling Cruzeiro to retain stars like midfield maestro Matheus Pereira while attracting South American talents. The club now eyes its first Copa Sudamericana title since 1998, facing Boca Juniors in September’s quarterfinals.
Upcoming fixtures test Cruzeiro’s revival narrative:
| Date | Competition | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 18 | Brasileirão | Flamengo (A) |
| Aug 25 | Copa Sudamericana | Boca Juniors (H) |
| Sep 1 | Brasileirão | Palmeiras (H) |
