What Happened to Club Deportivo Guadalajara?

Club Deportivo Guadalajara, founded on May 8, 1906, as Unión Football Club, quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Mexican football, adopting its current name and the iconic red, white, and blue colors by 1908. A defining characteristic of Chivas, established in 1908, is its unwavering policy of exclusively signing Mexican-born players, a tradition that continues to this day and makes it a symbol of national pride. This philosophy has shaped its identity, often relying on its prolific youth academy to develop talent, which has produced international stars like Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández.

The club experienced its golden era, known as "El Campeonísimo," from 1956 to 1965, winning seven league titles in nine years and cementing its status as a dominant force in Mexican soccer. In 2002, businessman Jorge Vergara Madrigal acquired the club, transforming it from a civil association into a public limited company, Grupo Omnilife, and ushering in a new era of commercialization and investment in the youth academy. Under Vergara's ownership, Chivas achieved significant milestones, including the inauguration of the modern Estadio Akron in 2010 and winning a Liga MX and Copa MX double in 2017, followed by the CONCACAF Champions League title in 2018.

Following a period of managerial changes and inconsistent results, including the departure of Fernando Gago in late 2024 and a brief tenure by Gerardo Espinoza in early 2025, Chivas appointed Argentine coach Gabriel Milito in May 2025. Milito's arrival marked a turning point, as he began to instill a clear collective identity and an aggressive, possession-based playing style. The club made strategic transfers in late 2025 and early 2026, bringing in players like Brian Gutiérrez and Ángel Sepúlveda, aiming to strengthen the squad for upcoming tournaments.

As of October 3, 2026, Chivas is enjoying a strong run in the Liga MX Apertura 2026 season. Under Milito, the team has found significant balance, boasting the league's best defense and the second-best offense, placing them second in the overall standings with 18 points after 10 matches. This consistent performance has also led to their qualification for the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup, marking their twelfth participation in the continental competition. The club continues to focus on developing its youth talent while maintaining a competitive edge in both domestic and international competitions, preparing for a "Clásico de México" friendly against América in Oakland on October 4, 2026.