What Happened to Joel Adrián Huiqui Andrade?
Joel Huiqui is a Mexican former professional footballer who played as a centre-back and has transitioned into a coaching career. After retiring from playing in 2019, he held various coaching roles within Cruz Azul's youth system and with FC Juárez, eventually becoming an assistant coach for Cruz Azul's first team. As of April 2026, he was appointed interim head coach of Cruz Azul and successfully led the team to the Clausura 2026 Liga MX quarterfinals.
Quick Answer
Joel Huiqui, a former Mexican international defender, is currently serving as the interim head coach of Liga MX club Cruz Azul. Appointed in April 2026, he made a winning debut, guiding the team to a 4-1 victory over Necaxa and securing their spot in the Clausura 2026 quarterfinals. Huiqui, who retired from playing in 2019, has steadily progressed through coaching ranks, including roles in Cruz Azul's youth academy and as an assistant for the senior squad, demonstrating his deep connection and commitment to the club.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa
Joel Adrián Huiqui Andrade was born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.
Professional Debut with CF Pachuca
Huiqui made his top-flight debut in Liga MX with CF Pachuca during the Apertura 2003 season.
Joins Cruz Azul
He joined Cruz Azul, where he would play over 150 matches until 2010.
Represents Mexico at Summer Olympics
Huiqui participated in the football tournament as part of Mexico's U-23 squad at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics.
Transfers to Monarcas Morelia
He transferred to Monarcas Morelia, where he spent five seasons and made 184 appearances, the most of his playing career with a single club.
Wins Copa MX Apertura with Morelia
Huiqui won the Copa MX Apertura with Monarcas Morelia.
Wins Supercopa MX with Morelia
He secured the Supercopa MX title with Monarcas Morelia.
Signs with Las Vegas Lights FC
Huiqui signed with the USL Championship expansion team Las Vegas Lights FC, serving as captain.
Retires from Professional Football
After a career spanning over 370 professional appearances, Huiqui retired from playing.
Begins Coaching Career at Cruz Azul Youth Academy
Following certification, Huiqui returned to Cruz Azul to manage the U-13 team, marking his first coaching role.
Appointed Head Coach of FC Juárez Liga TDP Affiliate
Huiqui took on his first independent head coaching role with Bravos de Juárez CDMX in Mexico's third-tier league.
Appointed Assistant First-Team Coach for Cruz Azul
He was appointed assistant coach for Cruz Azul's senior squad, working under Vicente Sánchez and later Nicolás Larcamón.
Becomes Manager of Cruz Azul U21
Huiqui took over as the manager for Cruz Azul's U21 team.
Appointed Interim Head Coach of Cruz Azul
Following the dismissal of Nicolás Larcamón, Joel Huiqui was named interim head coach of the Liga MX club Cruz Azul.
Winning Debut as Interim Coach, Secures Playoff Spot
Huiqui led Cruz Azul to a 4-1 victory over Necaxa in his debut, securing third place in the Clausura 2026 standings and a spot in the quarterfinals.
Prepares for Clausura 2026 Quarterfinals vs. Atlas
As interim coach, Huiqui prepares Cruz Azul to face Atlas in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 quarterfinals.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Joel Adrián Huiqui Andrade, born on February 18, 1983, in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, enjoyed a notable career as a professional footballer, primarily as a centre-back. He began his professional journey with Cruz Azul's affiliate team before making his top-flight debut with CF Pachuca in 2003. Huiqui is most recognized for his extensive stints with Cruz Azul (2004-2010) and Monarcas Morelia (2011-2015), where he played over 150 and 184 matches respectively, establishing himself as a key defensive figure. He also represented the Mexico national team, earning 14 caps and participating in the 2004 Summer Olympics. His playing career concluded in 2019 after a season with Las Vegas Lights FC in the USL Championship.
Following his retirement, Huiqui swiftly transitioned into coaching, obtaining his certification as a director técnico. He returned to his former club, Cruz Azul, in July 2019, taking on his first coaching role with the U-13 team and continuing his involvement in the youth setup through 2020. This period allowed him to gain foundational experience in player development and team management. In August 2021, he took on a more prominent role as the head coach of FC Juárez's affiliate team in Mexico's third-tier Liga TDP, where his team achieved strong results in the 2021 Apertura tournament.
Huiqui's dedication to coaching saw him rejoin Cruz Azul in 2023 as an assistant coach for the first team under Joaquín Moreno. He then served as an assistant for the U23 squad from January 2024 to January 2025, and subsequently as an assistant first-team coach until the end of 2025. His deep understanding of the club's culture and his experience across various levels positioned him for further advancement.
A significant turning point in his coaching career occurred in April 2026. Following the dismissal of Nicolás Larcamón, Joel Huiqui was appointed interim head coach of Cruz Azul. His debut in this role was marked by a decisive 4-1 victory against Necaxa, which not only ended a nine-game winless streak for the team but also secured their third-place finish in the regular season and a spot in the Clausura 2026 Liga MX quarterfinals. As of May 3, 2026, Huiqui is preparing Cruz Azul for their quarterfinal clash against Atlas, emphasizing unity and belief in the team's project. This appointment represents a major step in his coaching journey, as he aims to guide the club he has been associated with for most of his life to further success.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Joel Adrián Huiqui Andrade made different choices?