Cruz Azul Forwards 2025
Cruz Azul, one of Mexico’s most storied football clubs, has always been synonymous with passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. As the 2025 season approaches, the club’s forward line is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in Liga MX. With a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and strategic acquisitions, Cruz Azul’s attacking unit promises to deliver thrilling performances. This post delves into the current forwards of Cruz Azul, providing an in-depth analysis of each player’s background, skills, and contributions to the team.
1. Uriel Antuna
Uriel Antuna, a Mexican international, has become a cornerstone of Cruz Azul’s attacking force. Known for his blistering pace and technical prowess, Antuna has consistently been a threat to opposing defenses. Born in Gómez Palacio, Durango, Antuna began his professional career with Santos Laguna before making a high-profile move to Manchester City in 2017. Although he didn’t break into the first team at City, loan spells at Groningen in the Netherlands and the LA Galaxy in MLS helped him hone his skills. Cruz Azul secured his services in 2022 for a reported fee of $6 million, and he has since become a fan favorite.
Antuna’s versatility allows him to operate on either wing or as a secondary striker. His ability to cut inside and unleash powerful shots with his left foot has resulted in numerous crucial goals. In the 2024 season, he contributed 12 goals and 8 assists, showcasing his importance to the team. Beyond his on-field contributions, Antuna’s work rate and defensive awareness make him a valuable asset in high-pressing systems. At 27 years old, he is entering his prime and remains a key figure in Cruz Azul’s quest for silverware.
2. Ángel Romero
Paraguayan forward Ángel Romero brings a wealth of experience and flair to Cruz Azul’s attack. Born in Fernando de la Mora, Romero began his career at Cerro Porteño before moving to Corinthians in Brazil, where he enjoyed a successful stint. His performances earned him a transfer to San Lorenzo in Argentina, and later, he joined Cruz Azul in 2023 for a fee of $4.5 million. Romero’s technical ability, combined with his physicality, makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Romero is a versatile attacker who can play as a winger or a central forward. His dribbling skills and vision allow him to create chances for himself and his teammates. In the 2024 season, he netted 10 goals and provided 7 assists, demonstrating his consistency. Romero’s leadership qualities have also made him a respected figure in the locker room. At 32, he may be in the latter stages of his career, but his experience and footballing intelligence continue to make him an invaluable asset for Cruz Azul.
3. Gonzalo Carneiro
Uruguayan striker Gonzalo Carneiro is a relatively new addition to Cruz Azul’s forward line, having joined the club in early 2024 from Brazilian side Fluminense for a fee of $5 million. Standing at 6’2”, Carneiro is a classic target man with a keen eye for goal. His physical presence and aerial ability make him a constant threat during set-pieces and crosses.
Carneiro’s journey to Cruz Azul has been marked by steady growth. After starting his career at Defensor Sporting in Uruguay, he moved to São Paulo in Brazil, where he struggled to secure regular playing time. A loan spell at Red Bull Bragantino reignited his career, and his performances caught the attention of Cruz Azul’s scouts. In his debut season with the club, Carneiro scored 9 goals in 20 appearances, showcasing his ability to adapt to Liga MX. At 28, he is entering his peak years and could become a focal point of Cruz Azul’s attack in 2025.
4. Diber Cambindo
Colombian forward Diber Cambindo is one of the most exciting young talents in Cruz Azul’s squad. Born in Cali, Cambindo began his career at América de Cali before moving to Atlético Nacional, where he made a name for himself as a prolific goal scorer. Cruz Azul signed him in 2023 for a fee of $3.8 million, and he has since become a key player.
Cambindo’s playing style is characterized by his agility, quick feet, and clinical finishing. Despite being only 23 years old, he has already shown maturity beyond his years. In the 2024 season, he scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists, earning plaudits for his performances. Cambindo’s ability to exploit spaces and his composure in one-on-one situations make him a constant threat. With his potential still untapped, he is poised to become one of Liga MX’s standout forwards in the coming years.
5. Carlos Rotondi
Argentine winger Carlos Rotondi is a dynamic and hardworking forward who has been a consistent performer for Cruz Azul since joining the club in 2021. Born in Rosario, Rotondi began his career at Newell’s Old Boys before moving to Vélez Sarsfield. His performances in Argentina earned him a move to Europe, where he played for Stade Reims in France and Grasshoppers in Switzerland. Cruz Azul signed him for a fee of $2.5 million, and he has since become a reliable option on the flanks.
Rotondi’s greatest strengths are his stamina and versatility. He is equally comfortable playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder. His ability to track back and contribute defensively makes him a favorite of the coaching staff. In the 2024 season, he contributed 7 goals and 6 assists, highlighting his importance to the team. At 29, Rotondi is in the prime of his career and continues to be a vital cog in Cruz Azul’s attacking machinery.
6. Santiago Giménez
Although currently on loan at Feyenoord in the Netherlands, Santiago Giménez remains a part of Cruz Azul’s long-term plans. The Mexican striker, born in Buenos Aires to Argentine parents, is a product of Cruz Azul’s youth academy. Giménez burst onto the scene in 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young forwards in Mexico.
Giménez’s loan move to Feyenoord in 2022 was aimed at providing him with European experience. During his time in the Netherlands, he has developed into a more complete forward, improving his hold-up play and decision-making. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 15 goals in all competitions for Feyenoord, attracting interest from several top European clubs. Cruz Azul retains a buy-back clause, and there is speculation that he could return to the club in 2025. At 23, Giménez has the potential to become one of Mexico’s greatest strikers.
7. Moisés Vieira
Brazilian forward Moisés Vieira is a recent addition to Cruz Azul’s squad, having joined the club in mid-2024 from Grêmio for a fee of $4 million. Known for his technical ability and creativity, Vieira is a versatile attacker who can play as a second striker or an attacking midfielder.
Vieira’s journey to Cruz Azul has been marked by perseverance. After starting his career at Grêmio, he had loan spells at smaller Brazilian clubs before earning a place in Grêmio’s first team. His performances in the Brazilian Serie A caught the attention of Cruz Azul’s scouts, and he has quickly adapted to Liga MX. In his first few months with the club, Vieira scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists, showing glimpses of his potential. At 25, he is still developing and could become a key player for Cruz Azul in the 2025 season.
8. Iván Morales
Chilean forward Iván Morales joined Cruz Azul in 2023 from Colo-Colo for a fee of $3 million. A product of Colo-Colo’s youth academy, Morales is known for his work rate and ability to press defenders. His tenacity and determination make him a valuable asset in high-intensity matches.
Morales’ playing style is characterized by his energy and willingness to run the channels. While not the most prolific goal scorer, he contributes to the team’s overall play with his movement and link-up play. In the 2024 season, he scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists, earning praise for his selfless performances. At 26, Morales is entering his prime and will be looking to make a greater impact in the 2025 season.
Conclusion
Cruz Azul’s forward line for the 2025 season is a blend of experience, youth, and international talent. From the electrifying pace of Uriel Antuna to the clinical finishing of Gonzalo Carneiro, each player brings unique qualities to the team. The presence of rising stars like Diber Cambindo and the potential return of Santiago Giménez add an exciting dimension to the squad. As Cruz Azul aims to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of Mexican football, the contributions of these forwards will be crucial. With such a talented group of attackers, the future looks bright for La Máquina Celeste.
