Club Universidad de Chile facts for kids
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| Full name | Club Universidad de Chile | |||
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| Nickname(s) | Los Azules (The Blues) La U (The U) El Romántico Viajero (Wanderlust) La Bulla (The Noise) El Chuncho (The Owl) León (Lion) La Chile (The Chile) |
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| Founded | May 24, 1927 | |||
| Ground | Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos | |||
| Capacity | 48,665 | |||
| Chairman | Michael Clark | |||
| Manager | Gustavo Álvarez | |||
| League | Primera División | |||
| 2024 | Primera División, 2nd of 16 | |||
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Club Universidad de Chile is a famous professional football club. It is based in Santiago, Chile, and plays in the top Chilean league, the Primera División.
The club was started on May 24, 1927. Universidad de Chile is one of the most successful and popular football teams in Chile. They have won the league title 18 times! In the last 10 years, they won six championships. This includes their amazing undefeated win of the 2011 Copa Sudamericana title.
The team has always been known for its blue color. Blue is on their logo, which became official in 1943. Their biggest rivals are Colo-Colo and Universidad Católica. Games against these teams are called Clásicos (Classics) in Santiago.
Even though the club does not own its own stadium, they usually play their home games at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos. This stadium is in Ñuñoa, a part of Santiago.
Universidad de Chile won the Copa Sudamericana in 2011. They played incredibly well in this tournament. They didn't lose any games, won all their matches in Chile, and had the top scorer in the tournament's history, Eduardo Vargas. Universidad de Chile has also reached the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores four times. These were in 1970, 1996, 2010, and 2012.
Contents
History of the Club: From Students to Champions
The club began on May 24, 1927. It was first called Club Deportivo Universitario. This happened when two student clubs, Internado FC and Club Universitario de Deportes, joined together. At first, students from the Universidad de Chile formed the club. It was the university's sports team until 1980.
Around 1980, the club became separate from the university. This change meant the club had to manage itself more. It was a big challenge for the team. They lost some support and faced tough times. Other big clubs in Chile had help from different groups.
Because of these difficulties, the team's performance got worse. In 1988, Universidad de Chile was moved down to the second division. There were even talks about closing the club. But in 1989, the team fought hard and won the second division championship. This brought them back to the first division, where they have been ever since.
Financial Changes and New Management
In 2006, the club faced serious financial problems. A new group was put in charge to help manage the team. Many fans were not happy with this change. The new leaders wanted to turn the club into a private company. This was different from what the club members wanted.
The team had a very difficult year in 2006. In 2007, the club's management was given to a private group called Azul Azul. In 2008, the university agreed to a deal with this new private club. They allowed the club to keep using the university's name and symbols. In return, the university gets a payment and can choose two members for the club's board.
Team Colors and Logo
Home and Away Uniforms
From 1943 to 1958, the team's home uniform was a blue jersey, white shorts, and blue socks. In 1959, the home uniform changed to all royal blue. In 1992, they used a darker blue. In 1996, a red stripe was added to the sleeves.
The biggest change to the home uniform happened in 2001–02. It included red sleeves on the jersey, but kept blue shorts and socks. In 2006, the team went back to the all-blue uniform from 1959. They have kept this look since then. Today's home uniform has the classic red letter U with a white outline on the front.
From 1934 until 2001–02, Universidad de Chile's away uniform was a white jersey, shorts, and socks. Sometimes they used blue shorts in the 1990s. In 2001–02, for the first time, a red away uniform was introduced. This had a red jersey with dark blue sleeves, red shorts, and red socks.
In 2005, the club brought in a new all-red away uniform. It had red sleeves instead of blue ones. The current away uniform also features the red letter U on the front, similar to the home kit. For a game in 2010, Universidad de Chile wore their classic royal blue jersey, white shorts, and royal blue socks. At the end of 2010, the all-white uniform returned as the club's third choice.
Shirt Sponsors and Manufacturers
| Period | Kit Manufacter | Shirt Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 1974–78 | New Leader | — |
| 1979 | Haddad | |
| 1980–85 | Adidas | |
| 1986 | Ñandu | |
| 1987 | Umbro | |
| 1988–89 | Adidas | |
| 1990 | Scania | |
| 1991 | Pony International | Fiat |
| 1991 | Chilectra | |
| 1992–95 | Avia | |
| 1996 | Diadora | |
| 1997–98 | Reebok | |
| 1998 | — | |
| 1998 | AdeS | |
| 1999–00 | Adidas | |
| 2001–03 | LG | |
| 2004–07 | Cristal (Beer) | |
| 2008–10 | Telmex | |
| 2010–16 | Claro/Tramontina | |
| 2017–2018 | Chevrolet/Movistar/Loto | |
| 2019 | Petrobras/Movistar | |
| 2020–2021 | Petrobras/Directv | |
| 2022 | Betano/DirecTV |
The Chuncho Logo: A Symbol of Wisdom
The team's logo features a red and white chuncho. A chuncho is a type of Austral pygmy owl. This logo came from the Club Náutico Universitario, a boating club, which gave its symbol to the football club when it started in 1927.
The chuncho was chosen because it represents wisdom, knowing yourself, and a good balance between body and mind. This symbol was brought from Germany by Pablo Ramírez Rodríguez.
The chuncho logo is not always the main design on the team's uniform. Often, a red letter U with a white border is used instead. The chuncho logo was not on the jersey from 1979, but it returned during the 1996–97 season. Since 2006–07, a small chuncho logo can be seen on the jersey along with the red U.
Amazing Achievements and Trophies
Universidad de Chile won its first title in 1940. This was just three years after they started playing professionally. Between 1959 and 1969, the team won six titles. These were in 1959, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1967, and 1969. During this time, they became known as the Blue Ballet. This name came from the beautiful way they played football.
Nine players from that famous squad were part of the Chilean national team. This team reached 3rd place in the 1962 FIFA World Cup. That is the best result Chile has ever achieved in a World Cup!
In 1995, Universidad de Chile won the cup again. They did this at home in front of almost 78,000 fans at the Estadio Nacional. The team then won back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000.
More recently, Universidad de Chile won the Apertura tournament in 2004, 2009, 2011, and 2014/2015. They also won the Clausura tournament in 2011 and 2016/2017. In 2011, they won the title against their rivals, Universidad Católica. They had lost the first game of the final 2–0. But they made an amazing comeback, winning the second game 4–1, for a total score of 4–3!
On the international stage, Universidad de Chile has done well in the Copa Libertadores. They reached the semi-finals in 1970, 1996, 2010, and 2012.
On December 14, 2011, they beat Liga De Quito from Ecuador 3–0 (4–0 overall). This win made them champions of the Copa Sudamericana. They became the third Chilean team to win a South American tournament. During this tournament, the club played perfectly. They were undefeated and won all their games in Chile. They were even nicknamed "South America's FC Barcelona" for their great play.
The team was also named the most successful Chilean club of the 2010s. They won a total of 9 titles in that decade. This included 5 Primera División titles, 2 Copa Chile titles, the 2015 Supercopa, and the 2011 Copa Sudamericana.
Club Records
- Biggest Primera División win — 9–1 against Magallanes (1962)
- Biggest Primera División loss — 0–6 against Colo-Colo (1938)
- Biggest Copa Chile win — 10-0 against Chimbarongo FC (2023)
- Most goals scored in Primera División — 184 by Carlos Campos (1956–69)
- Most Primera División games played — 386 by Leonel Sánchez (1953–69)
- Most games played overall — 539 by Luis Musrri (1988–04)
- Record for Unbeaten Matches in Primera Division (National Record) — 33 games (1999)
- Record for Straight Wins in Primera Division (National Record) — 16 wins (1963–64)
- Record for Best Start in Primera Division (National Record) — 9 straight wins (2011)
- Highest attendance in Primera Division (National Record) — 85,268 fans against Universidad Catolica (December 29, 1962)
Trophies and Honors
National Titles
- Primera División
- Winners (18): 1940, 1959, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2004-A, 2009-A, 2011-A, 2011-C, 2012-A, 2014-A, 2017-C
- Copa Chile
- Winners (6): 1979, 1998, 2000, 2012–13, 2015, 2024
- Copa Francisco Candelori
- Winners (1): 1969
- Supercopa de Chile
- Winners (1): 2015
- Primera B
- Winners (1): 1989
- Serie B
- Winners (2): 1936, 1937
International Titles
- Copa Sudamericana
- Winners (1): 2011
- Recopa Sudamericana
- Runner-up (1): 2012
- Suruga Bank Championship
- Runner-up (1): 2012
Regional Titles
- Copa Unión de la Primera División de la Asociación de Football de Santiago
- Winners (1): 1923
- Copa Chile de la Primera División de la Asociación de Football de Santiago
- Winners (3): 1918, 1921, 1923
- Sección Uruguay de la Copa Chile de la Primera División de la Asociación de Football de Santiago
- Winners (1): 1923
- Serie B de la Copa Unión de la Asociación de Football de Santiago
- Winners (2): 1916, 1917
- Copa Independencia de la Segunda División de la Asociación de Football de Santiago
- Winners (2): Serie B 1916, Serie B 1917
- Copa El Diario Ilustrado del Campeonato Atlético de la Asociación de Football de Santiago
- Winners (1): 1916
- División de Honor de la Sección Amateur de la Asociación de Football de Santiago
- Winners (1): 1934
- Torneo Metropolitano de Chile
- Winners (2): 1968, 1969
Fans and Rivalries
Universidad de Chile has the second-largest fan base in Chile. About 21% of all Chilean football fans support them. This was shown in studies from 2018.
The main fan group is called Los de Abajo. It was formed on March 24, 1988. This group sits in the south part of the Estadio Nacional during home games. Their name means "The Ones From Below," referring to where the younger fans used to sit. They are known as "La Número Uno" (Number One) in Chile. They have rivalries with other fan groups, especially Garra Blanca from Colo-Colo and Los Cruzados from Universidad Católica.
Chilean Superclásico: The Big Rivalry
Universidad de Chile's biggest rival is Colo-Colo. Their matches are called the Chilean Classic or Chilean Superclásico. The first game between them was in 1935. But the rivalry really grew in the 1940s and 1950s. A key game was on November 11, 1959. Universidad de Chile won 2-1, which was the start of many good results for them against Colo-Colo. This, plus Universidad de Chile's success, made the rivalry even stronger. In recent years, Colo-Colo has been more dominant. Some even call it the "most unequal rivalry in the world."
Clásico Universitario: The University Derby
There is also a big rivalry between Universidad de Chile and Universidad Católica. Both clubs started from universities. Their games are known as the "Clásico Universitario." This is the oldest rivalry between two university-based clubs. Their first game was in 1909.
This rivalry grew in both sports and academic areas. It became a very important national "Universities' Derby." FIFA has recognized this classic as the most traditional in Chile. They first played on June 13, 1937. Since then, they have played 21 head-to-head final matches. Universidad Católica has won 14 of these, and Universidad de Chile has won 7.
Players
Current Squad
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Players on Loan
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Player Records and Awards
Individual Honors
Top Scorers in Primera Division
Víctor Alonso: 20 goals (1940)
Ubaldo Cruche: 17 goals (1945), 25 goals (1946)- Carlos Campos: 24 goals (1961), 34 goals (1962), 21 goals (1966)
Eladio Zárate: 25 goals (1971)- Richart Báez: 10 goals (Clausura 1997)
- Pedro González: 23 goals (1998), 26 goals (2000)
- Felipe Mora: 13 goals (Clausura 2017)
Top Scorers in Copa Chile
Luis Alberto Ramos: 12 goals (1979)- Marcelo Salas: 12 goals (1994)
Top Scorers in Copa Sudamericana
- Eduardo Vargas: 11 goals (2011)
Chilean Footballer of the Year
- Sergio Navarro: 1961
- Pedro Araya: 1966
- Alberto Quintano: 1967
- Adolfo Nef: 1969
- Héctor Hoffens: 1989
- Patricio Mardones: 1994
- Pedro González: 1999
- Sergio Vargas: 2000
- Eduardo Vargas: 2011
- Charles Aránguiz: 2012
Primera División Footballer of the Year
- Juan Rodríguez: 1969
- Cristian Traverso: 1995
- Pedro González: 1999
- Sergio Vargas: 2000
- Miguel Pinto: 2009
- Eduardo Vargas: 2011
- José Rojas: 2012
America's Ideal Team (Best Players in the Americas)
- Marcelo Salas: 1996
- Miguel Pinto: 2009
- Mauricio Victorino: 2010
- Eduardo Vargas, Johnny Herrera & Marcos González: 2011
- Matías Rodríguez & Charles Aránguiz: 2012
Most Games Played for the Club
| # | Name | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luis Musrri |
539 |
| 2 | Johnny Herrera |
497 |
| 3 | José Rojas |
471 |
| 4 | Vladimir Bigorra |
468 |
| 5 | Héctor Hoffens |
451 |
| 6 | Manuel Pellegrini |
435 |
| 7 | Jorge Socías |
429 |
| 8 | Sergio Vargas |
428 |
| 9 | Leonel Sánchez |
412 |
| 10 | Braulio Musso |
390 |
Top Goal Scorers for the Club
| # | Name | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Campos |
199 |
| 2 | Leonel Sánchez |
167 |
| 3 | Pedro González |
121 |
| 4 | Marcelo Salas |
113 |
| 5 | Rubén Marcos |
110 |
| 6 | Jorge Socías |
102 |
| 7 | Diego Rivarola |
101 |
| 8 | Pedro Araya |
90 |
| 9 | Braulio Musso |
83 |
| 10 | Ernesto Álvarez |
83 |
Team Managers
Current Coaching Staff
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Manager | Sebastián Miranda |
| Assistant Manager | Nilton Sepúlveda |
| Fitness Coach | Ignacio Fabres |
| Goalkeeping Coach | Carlos Arias |
List of Managers Over Time
- Luis Tirado (1938-1941)
- Alejandro Scopelli (1941-1945)
- Luis Tirado (1946-1949)
- Salvador Nocetti (1950)
- Alejandro Scopelli (1950-1952)
- Miguel Busquets (1952)
Jorge Orth (1953-1954)- Luis Álamos (1954)
- Luis Tirado (1955)
- Luis Álamos (1956-1966)
- Washington Urrutia (1966)
- Alejandro Scopelli (1967-1968)
- Washington Urrutia (1968)
- Ulises Ramos (1969-1974)
- Braulio Musso (1974)
- Hugo Tassara (1975)
- Luis Ibarra (1975-1977)
- Nelson Oyarzún (1978)
- Ulises Ramos (1978)
- Fernando Riera (1978-1980)
- Manuel Rodríguez Vega (1981)
- Ulises Ramos (1981)
- Fernando Riera (1981-1982)
- Luis Santibáñez (1983)
- Ulises Ramos (1983-1984)
- Hernán Carrasco (1984)
- Luis Ibarra (1985)
- Leonel Sánchez (1985-1986)
- Fernando Riera (1987)
- Leonel Sánchez (1987)
- Alberto Quintano (1987)
- Manuel Pellegrini (1988-1989)
- Luis Ibarra (1989)
- Manuel Rodríguez Vega (1990)
- Pedro Morales (1990-1991)
- Alberto Quintano (1991)
- Arturo Salah (1992-1994)
- Jorge Socias (1994-1995)
- Miguel Ángel Russo (1996)
- Roberto Hernández (1997-1998)
- César Vaccia (1999-2001)
- Víctor Hugo Castañeda (2002-2003)
- Héctor Pinto (2004-2005)
- Gustavo Huerta (2006)
- Salvador Capitano (2007)
- Jorge Socias (2007)
- Arturo Salah (2007-2008)
- Sergio Markarián (2009)
- José Basualdo (2009)
- Gerardo Pelusso (2010)
- Jorge Sampaoli (2011-2012)
- Darío Franco (2013)
- Marco Antonio Figueroa (2013-2014)
- Cristián Romero (2014)
- Martín Lasarte (2014-2015)
- Sebastian Beccacece (2016)
- Víctor Hugo Castañeda & Luis Mussri (2016)
- Ángel Guillermo Hoyos (2017-2018)
- Esteban Valencia (2018)
- Frank Darío Kudelka (2018-2019)
- Alfredo Arias (2019)
- Hernán Caputto (2019-2020)
- Marcelo Jara (2020)
Rafael Dudamel (2020-2021)- Esteban Valencia (2021)
- Cristián Romero (2021)
Santiago Escobar (2022)- Sebastián Miranda (2022)
- Diego López (2022)
- Sebastián Miranda (2022)
- Mauricio Pellegrino (2023)
- Gustavo Álvarez (2024-
Average Home Game Attendance
Here's how many fans usually came to Universidad de Chile's home games:
- 2016–17 Clausura: 33,466 people
- 2016–17 Apertura: 30,041 people
- 2015–16 Clausura: 19,641 people
- 2015–16 Apertura: 12,901 people
See also
In Spanish: Club Universidad de Chile para niños
- Universidad de Chile
- Los de Abajo
- Ballet Azul
