The Pumas celebrate 70 years of history. From their university roots and legends like Hugo Sánchez and Cabinho to their 2011 championship, the club has become a cornerstone of Mexican football.
In 2024, one of Mexico’s most iconic football clubs marked its 70th anniversary. Club Universidad Nacional, known as the Pumas of UNAM, is among the nation’s most beloved teams. Their success since inception and the unique spirit they’ve cultivated have made them a symbol of pride in Mexican football.
1954: UNAM Joins Mexican Football
The deep connection between the team and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is no coincidence. In 1954, under the leadership of rector Nabor Castillo Flores, the university envisioned an ambitious project: to establish its own football team in the Mexican league.
On September 4, 1954, that dream became a reality. The Mexican Football Federation officially admitted the team into the Second Division, where the student squad debuted in Monterrey.
Adopting the blue and gold colors worn by UNAM’s American football team since 1927, and featuring a gold “U” on their crest with the colors of the Mexican flag, the team was ready to begin writing its history.
Coach Rodolfo Muñoz “Bucht” led players who left the classrooms of Ciudad Universitaria—a campus inaugurated that same year—to represent their university on the football field. Though the early years were challenging, the 1962-63 season brought the club its first major triumph.
Pumas Reach the First Division and Never Look Back
The 1960s brought key developments for the Pumas, including the arrival of coach Octavio Vial. With a more seasoned team bolstered by reinforcements from Brazil and Argentina, UNAM secured promotion to the First Division on January 9, 1962, with a 5-1 victory over Cataluña de Torreón. They became the first university team to achieve this milestone. Since their promotion, the Pumas have never been relegated—a rare feat in Mexican football.
The 1970s: Pumas Rise to Greatness
Once established in the First Division, the 1970s saw transformative changes for the Pumas. Facing financial difficulties, UNAM transitioned the team into a civil association in 1975. The club retained its identity as the university’s team, continuing to represent its colors and symbols while becoming financially independent.
Two years later, during the 1976-77 season, the Pumas secured their first professional Mexican football title. With players like Evanivaldo Castro “Cabinho,” Spencer Coelho, Geraldo Cândido, Juan José Muñante, Enrique Borja, and a young Hugo Sánchez, the team also claimed the Campeón de Campeones title that year.
The squad’s exceptional talent was undeniable. During the 1978-79 season, Hugo Sánchez and Cabinho made history as the first players from the same team to share the league’s top scorer title, each scoring 26 goals.
Pumas Go International
By the 1980s, the Pumas had become one of the most formidable teams in Mexican football. In the 1980-81 season, they captured their second league title and took their success to the international stage. The Pumas won the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup and the Interamerican Cup, solidifying their place in global football.
The Perfect Season
In the 1990s, the Pumas claimed another league title in extraordinary fashion. Dominating the 1990-91 tournament with the best offense, defense, and most wins, they faced Club América in the final—a burgeoning rivalry.
Having lost two previous finals to América, the Pumas entered with determination. A stunning free-kick goal by Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti equalized a 2-3 aggregate score in the second leg. Thanks to the away goals rule, the Pumas clinched their third league championship.
The 2000s: Pumas Shine in Short Tournaments
With the introduction of short tournaments in 1996, the Pumas had to wait until the new millennium to add to their accolades. In 2004, they became the first back-to-back champions of the short tournament era, winning the Clausura 2004 final against Chivas in a penalty shootout and the Apertura 2004 final against Monterrey.
In 2009, they won another Clausura title by defeating Pachuca. Their most recent championship came in the 2011 Clausura, where they secured their seventh league title by defeating Monarcas Morelia at Ciudad Universitaria.
Cover photo: X (@PumasMX)
