Deportivo Toluca F.C.

Association football club in Mexico From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club S.A. de C.V., simplified as Toluca FC, is a Mexican professional football club based in Toluca, State of Mexico. The club competes in Liga MX, the top division of Mexican football, and plays its home matches at Estadio Nemesio Díez. Founded in 1917, it is one of seven Mexican clubs that have never been relegated.[2]

Full nameDeportivo Toluca Fútbol Club S.A. de C.V.
NicknameDiablos Rojos (Red Devils)
Short nameTOL
Founded12 February 1917; 109 years ago (1917-02-12)
(as Club Deportivo Toluca)[1]
Quick facts Full name, Nickname ...
Toluca
Full nameDeportivo Toluca Fútbol Club S.A. de C.V.
NicknameDiablos Rojos (Red Devils)
Short nameTOL
Founded12 February 1917; 109 years ago (1917-02-12)
(as Club Deportivo Toluca)[1]
GroundEstadio Nemesio Díez
Toluca, State of Mexico
Capacity30,000
Coordinates19°17′14″N 99°40′0″W
OwnerValentín Díez Morodo
ChairmanArturo Pérez Arredondo
ManagerAntonio Mohamed
LeagueLiga MX
Clausura 2026Regular phase: 5th
Final phase: TBD
Websitetolucafc.com
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Domestically, Toluca FC is one of the most successful Mexican clubs, winning twelve Liga MX titles, two Copa MX titles and five Campeón de Campeones. Internationally, it has won two CONCACAF Champions Cup titles and also finished as runners-up in the 1969 Copa Interamericana. Subregionally, it has won one Campeones Cup.

The club's top goalscorer is José Saturnino Cardozo, who played from 1995 to 2005 and scored 249 goals in 332 appearances.

History

Foundation and early years (1917–1950)

Deportivo Toluca F.C. was founded on 12 February 1917 in Toluca, State of Mexico.[3] The club was established by local enthusiasts and initially competed in amateur leagues in the region.[4]

During its early decades, Toluca remained outside the national professional structure, which was formally established in 1943.[5]

Entry into professional football and promotion (1950–1960)

Toluca joined the Segunda División in 1950 as part of the expansion of professional football in Mexico.[6] The club achieved promotion to the Primera División in 1953.[7]

Following promotion, Toluca established itself as a regular participant in the top tier of Mexican football.[8]

First golden era (1960s–1970s)

Toluca’s first major period of success came during the 1960s and 1970s under coach Ignacio Trelles.[9] The club won its first league title in the 1966–67 season and successfully defended it in 1967–68.[10]

Toluca added a third championship in the 1974–75 season, consolidating its position among the leading teams in Mexican football.[11]

Transitional period (1980s–1990s)

Following its early successes, Toluca went through a prolonged period without league titles, although it remained in the Primera División.[12]

During the 1980s and 1990s, the club underwent organizational and sporting changes that laid the foundation for future success.[13]

Golden era and domestic dominance (1998–2010)

Toluca returned to prominence by winning the Verano 1998 championship.[14] The club went on to win additional league titles in Verano 1999, Verano 2000, Apertura 2002, Apertura 2005, Apertura 2008, and Bicentenario 2010.[15]

During this period, José Saturnino Cardozo became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 249 goals.

Toluca was widely recognized for its attacking style and consistent performances, becoming one of the most successful teams in Mexican football during this era.[16]

Toluca won its tenth league title in the Bicentenario 2010 tournament, defeating Santos Laguna in the final.[17] This championship marked the culmination of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.[18]

2010-2020

Following the Bicentenario 2010 title, Toluca remained a competitive team in Liga MX, regularly qualifying for the playoffs but failing to secure another league championship during the decade.[19]

Throughout the 2010s, the club maintained its presence in Mexican football’s top tier and continued to develop players and coaching projects aimed at returning to championship contention.[20]

2021–2025

In the Apertura 2022 tournament, Toluca reached the Liga MX final but were defeated by Pachuca, who won the championship with an 8–2 aggregate score, including a 5–1 win in the first leg and a 3–1 victory in the second.[21]

After several seasons without a league title, Deportivo Toluca FC experienced a sporting resurgence beginning in 2025 under head coach Antonio Mohamed, as the club returned to the top tier of Liga MX competition.[22]

In Clausura 2025, Toluca won the Liga MX championship, securing its 11th league title and its first since 2010.[23]

The club continued its success in the Apertura 2025, winning the title after a 9–8 victory in a penalty shootout against Tigres UANL in the final, making Toluca back‑to‑back Liga MX champions and earning its 12th league title.[24]

By securing consecutive championships, Toluca became one of the few clubs to achieve back‑to‑back titles in the short tournament era of Liga MX.[25]

Toluca also won the 2025 Campeón de Campeones, defeating Club América 3–1 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California after their Clausura 2025 title win.[26]

Symbols

Crest

The crest of Deportivo Toluca F.C. has undergone several transformations throughout its history, while preserving elements that reflect the club’s tradition and achievements. Since its early years, the initials CDT (Club Deportivo Toluca) have been the central feature of the design, originally displayed within a circular frame.[27]

Over time, the visual identity incorporated ornamental elements such as laurel wreaths and a crown, symbolizing sporting success and achievements in Mexican football.[27]

In 2017, as part of the club’s centennial celebrations, a commemorative version of the crest was introduced. This design retained the central monogram within a circular format and included the colors green, white, and red in the lower section, referencing both national identity and the club’s 100-year history.[27]

Anthem

In 2017, as part of the club’s centennial celebrations, a commemorative anthem was presented. The piece was performed by the Toluca Philharmonic Orchestra during official events organized by the club, including ceremonies held in the city of Toluca and at Estadio Nemesio Díez.[28][29][30]

Kit

The evolution of Deportivo Toluca F.C.’s kit reflects significant changes since its foundation in 1917. In its early years, the team wore a white shirt with blue shorts and socks. Around 1925, a horizontal blue stripe was added to the shirt, and in 1929 the club adopted red as its primary color.[31]

From the 1930s onward, the red kit became the club’s primary identity, with variations in shorts and socks over time, remaining one of the most recognizable elements of the team.[32]

1917-1924
1925-1929
1930-1931
1932-

Supporters

The most common nickname of the team is "red devils", a tradition that began with the promotion of Toluca to the Primera División de México in 1953. During the amateur era, Toluca's colors were blue and white, however as time went by the team began to use the red color that identifies it to this day. Toluca also has other nicknames used less frequently to refer to the team; such as: los escarlatas due to the color of their uniform or los choriceros, chorizo being one of the characteristic foods of the city of Toluca.[citation needed]

Deportivo Toluca FC is the fifth most supported football club in Mexico, with 4.4% of fans, and also ranks fifth in generating fan interest, with 5.3%, according to the National Survey of Football Fans 2025 conducted by Mitofsky.[33]

The club’s fan base continued to grow in 2026. According to Consulta Mitofsky’s annual sports preferences survey, Toluca’s share of national football fans increased from 4.4% in 2025 to 6.1% in 2026.[34]

Stadium

Management staff

More information Position, Staff ...
Position Staff
Sporting Chairman Mexico Arturo Pérez
Sports Vice President Mexico Santiago San Román
Corporate Vice President Mexico Francisco Suinaga
Sports Management Mexico Sinha
Director of Academy Argentina Guillermo Morigi
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Source: [35]

Coaching staff

More information Position, Staff ...
Position Staff
Manager Argentina Antonio Mohamed
Assistant managersArgentina Pablo Morant
Mexico Shayr Mohamed
Goalkeeper coachMexico Óscar Resano
Fitness coachesArgentina Carlos Kenny
Argentina Stefano Zito
PhysiotherapistsMexico Miguel Reyes
Mexico Carlos Placeres
Team doctorsMexico Adolfo Martínez
Mexico Carlos Villasana
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Players

Current squad

As of 12 July 2025

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

More information No., Pos. ...
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Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

More information No., Pos. ...
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Honours

Domestic

International

More information Type, Competition ...
Type Competition Titles Winning years Runners-up
Intercontinental CONCACAF
CONMEBOL
Copa Interamericana 0 1969

Continental CONCACAF
CONCACAF Champions Cup/Champions League 2 1968, 2003 1998, 2006, 2013–14
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Subregional

More information Type, Competition ...
Type Competition Titles Winning years Runners-up
North America MLS
Liga MX
Campeones Cup 1 2025
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International competitions

CONCACAF

  • CONCACAF Champions Cup [36]
1968 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: Champions
1969 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: Second Round
1972 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: Semifinals
1974 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: First Round
1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: Runners-up
1999 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: Quarterfinals
2000 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: Quarterfinals
2003 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: Champions
2006 CONCACAF Champions' Cup: Runners-up
2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League: Semifinals
2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League: Quarterfinals Final
2013–14 CONCACAF Champions League: Runners-up
2019 CONCACAF Champions League: Round of 16
2024 CONCACAF Champions League: First Round

CONMEBOL

  • Copa Libertadores: 3 appearances
2007: Round of 16
2013: Group stage
2016: Round of 16
  • Copa Sudamericana: 1 appearance
2006: Semifinals
  • Copa Merconorte: 1 appearance
2000: First round
  • Copa Interamericana: 1 appearance
1969: Runner up

Managers

More information Name, From ...
Name From To
Mexico David Albiter 1950 1952
Spain Tomás Fábregas 1952 1953
Spain Fernando García 1953 1955
Mexico Fernando González 1955 1957
Mexico Julio Carrasco 1957 1958
Mexico Gaspar Rubio 1958 1959
Mexico Eladio Ruiz 1959 1959
Spain Fernando García 1959 1959
Hungary Bela Kalloi 1959 1959
Spain Fernando García 1960 1961
Spain José Martín 1961 1962
Argentina Francisco Berterame 1962 1963
Brazil Olten Ayres 1963 1963
Spain Fernando García 1963 1964
Argentina Francisco Berterame 1964 1965
Hungary Arpad Fekete 1965 1966
Mexico Ignacio Trelles 1966 1973
Mexico José Moncebáez 1973 1974
Mexico Enrique Navarro 1974 1974
Uruguay Ricardo de León 1974 1975
Brazil Luiz Peters 1975 1976
Brazil José Nogueira 1976 1977
Hungary György Marik 1977 1978
Mexico José Roca 1982 1984
Mexico Luis Estrada 1984 1985
Mexico Eduardo Ramos 1985 1986
Hungary Arpad Fekete 1986 1987
Uruguay Roberto Matosas 1987 1988
Mexico Héctor Sanabria 1988 1989
Mexico Raul Cárdenas 1988 1991
Mexico José Vantolrá 1991 1992
Mexico Roberto Silva 1992 1995
Argentina José Pascuttini 1995 1995
Mexico Moisés Figueroa 1995 1995
Uruguay Luis Garisto 1995 1996
Mexico Marco Trejo 1996 1996
Mexico Ángel López 1996 1996
Mexico Juan Álvarez 1996 1997
Mexico Enrique Meza 1997 2000
Argentina Ricardo Ferrero 2000 2001
Argentina Ricardo La Volpe 2001 2002
Uruguay Wilson Graniolatti 2002 2002
Argentina Alberto Jorge 2002 2003
Brazil Ricardo Ferretti 2003 2004
Mexico Enrique Meza 2005 2005
Argentina Américo Gallego 2005 2007
Argentina José Pekerman 2007 2008
Mexico José de la Torre 2008 2010
Mexico Sergio Lugo 2010 2011
Uruguay Héctor Eugui 2011 2011
Uruguay Wilson Graniolatti 2011 2012
Mexico Enrique Meza 2012 2013
Paraguay José Cardozo 2013 2016
Argentina Hernán Cristante 2016 2019
Argentina Ricardo La Volpe 2019 2019
Mexico José de la Torre 2019 2020
Argentina Hernán Cristante 2020 2021
Mexico Ignacio Ambriz 2021 2023
Portugal Renato Paiva 2024 2024
Argentina Antonio Mohamed 2024
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Recent seasons

Records

Top scorers

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player Period Goals
1Paraguay José Cardozo1995–2005249
2Mexico Vicente Pereda1960–1975119
3Uruguay Vicente Sánchez2001–200785
4Mexico José Abundis1992–200484
5Uruguay Carlos Morales1995-200284
6Mexico Carlos Carús1953–196277
7Brazil Sinha1999–201771
8Chile Héctor Mancilla2008–201064
9Uruguay Juan Paz1978–198662
10Uruguay Héctor Eugui1972–197862
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Top appearances

More information Position, Player ...
Position Player Period Games
1Brazil Sinha1999–2017524
2Mexico Antonio Ríos2009–2021424
3Mexico Carlos Esquivel2005–2019423
4Argentina Hernán Cristante1993–2010419
5Paraguay Paulo da Silva2003–2017383
6Paraguay José Cardozo1995–2005332
7Mexico Alfredo Talavera2010–2020326
8Mexico Vicente Pereda1960–1975322
9Mexico Edgar Dueñas2004–2015307
10Mexico José Abundis1992–2004270
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Top managers appearances

More information Position, Manager ...
Position Manager Period Games
1Mexico Ignacio Trelles1966-1972236
2Mexico Enrique Meza1997–2000182
3Argentina Hernán Cristante2016–2019174
4Paraguay José Cardozo2013–2016157
5Mexico José de la Torre2008–2010150
6Mexico José Roca1982–1984114
7Argentina Américo Gallego2005–200798
8Argentina Ricardo La Volpe2001–200286
9Brazil Ricardo Ferretti2003–200480
10Argentina José Peckerman2007–200841
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League top scorers

More information Player, Season ...
Primera División
Player Season Goals
Brazil Amaury Epaminondas1966-6721
Mexico Vicente Pereda1969-7020
Paraguay José CardozoVerano 199810
Paraguay José CardozoVerano 199915
Paraguay José CardozoApertura 200229
Paraguay José CardozoClausura 200321
Argentina Bruno MarioniApertura 200611
Chile Héctor MancillaApertura 200811
Chile Héctor MancillaClausura 200914
Uruguay Iván AlonsoApertura 201111
Uruguay Iván AlonsoClausura 201214
Paraguay Pablo VelázquezApertura 201312
Argentina Alexis CaneloClausura 202111
Portugal PaulinhoApertura 202413
Portugal PaulinhoClausura 202512
Portugal PaulinhoApertura 202512
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More information Player, Season ...
Copa México
Player Season Goals
Mexico Carlos Carús1960–617
Mexico Vicente Pereda1966–675
Mexico Francisco Linares1967–687
Mexico Jesús Romero1969–704
Paraguay Edgar BenítezApertura 20125
Colombia Fernando UribeApertura 20166
Argentina Alexis CaneloClausura 20187
Mexico Kevin Castañeda2019–207
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More information Player, Season ...
Segunda División
Player Season Goals
Mexico Mateo de la Tijera1952–5322
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More information Player, Season ...
Copa de Campeones CONCACAF / Liga de Campeones CONCACAF
Player Season Goals
Brazil Amaury Epaminondas19683
Mexico Vicente Pereda19722
Mexico Raúl Nava2013-147
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Major players

The following is a list of players who have made 100 or more first team appearances for the club. This consists of appearances in Liga MX, Ascenso MX, Copa MX, CONCACAF Champions League, Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, and their predecessors. Players with fewer appearances are also included if they are a club record holder, or have won a notable individual award with the club.

Rivalries

Clásico mexiquense

The Clásico Mexiquense is a derby played in the State of Mexico between Club Deportivo Toluca and Toros Neza; whose origin is found in the rivalry that existed between Deportivo Toluca and Club Deportivo Coyotes Neza in the 70s as both teams were from the State of Mexico.

Women's club

Deportivo Toluca Femenil is the women's football section of Deportivo Toluca that was founded in 2017. They play in the Liga MX Femenil, the top level women's football league in Mexico. The team plays some of its home games at the Estadio Nemesio Díez, which it shares with the men's team. For less important matches, the women's team plays at the Metepec Facilities, the club's training complex.[citation needed] Toluca hosted the inaugural Copa MX Femenil ahead of the league's first season in 2017.[37]

References

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