Hinchada Popular

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The team was founded by Edgar Everaert, who arrived in Mexico in 1906. First named 'Unión' because of the camaraderie between the players of different nationalities, most of whom were employees of the Fábricas de Francia store, with founder Everaert as coach. A few Spanish and English players also became members of the Unión Football Club. The club's first match was against Gimnasio Atlético Occidental. That match, Unión was coached by member Rafael Orozco, who alongside his brother, Gregorio, were the first Mexicans at Unión. The Orozco family were one of the club's earliest benefactors, with Orozco's grandmother, Nicolasa Sáinz, allowing her home to be used as Unión's first clubhouse. His uncle, Sabino Orozco, who reportedly came up with the name Unión, would also donate land to the club that would become its first ground. On a tour of Europe, Everaert noticed that European teams named after their respective town or city seemed to generate more support from fans in their communities. Once he returned to Guadalajara, Jalisco, he told his observations to Rafael and Gregorio Orozco. So, in 1908, in a club meeting at Sáinz's house attended by the Orozco brothers, Sabino Orozco, and the remaining Mexican Unión members, Club de Fútbol Unión was renamed as Club Deportivo Guadalajara to engender a sense of loyalty within the city's population. Notably, this decision was made without Everaert or any European members present. Gregorio Orozco would take credit for the decision to rename the club. At the same meeting, Rafael Orozco would be named the first club president. During the 1948–49 season, Guadalajara was given the name 'Chivas Locas' (Crazy Goats) during a game against Tampico. The name was initially considered an insult but later adopted as the team's nickname due to the overwhelming popularity of the club. During the 1970s and early 1980s, Guadalajara struggled a lot. They began to be nicknamed 'Las Chivas Flacas' (The Lean Goats), due to their lean athletic performances. During the 1980–81 season, on February 14, 1981, the bus transporting the team to a match in the city of Puebla was hit by a trailer, taking the life of midfielder José 'Pepe' Martínez.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at Estadio Akron is fueled by a history of resilience and pride. In 1943, during the team's professional debut against Atlas in the Copa MX, fans witnessed Manuel 'Cosas' López score the first goal of the new era. The nickname '¡Ya Merito!' ('Almost There!') was born from near-misses in the 1952 and 1954–55 seasons before the ultimate triumphs arrived. Fans remember the Bicentenario 2010 season, where Chivas set a league record with eight consecutive wins to start the tournament. The support is defined by the 'no foreign players' policy, creating a unique bond between the crowd and the squad that relies entirely on the cantera system. Whether facing rivals in the Clásico Tapatío or competing internationally, such as when they finished runners-up in the 2010 Copa Libertadores, the Hinchada Popular maintains a presence that has made Chivas the most popular club in Mexico with 44.2% of the national support base according to 2016 data.

Reader's Guide

Chivas is the only football club in Mexico that does not sign foreign or naturalized players unless they are of Mexican descent. The team has historically relied on home-grown (cantera) players and has been the launching pad of many internationally successful players, including Javier Hernández and Carlos Salcido, among others. Domestically, CD Guadalajara is one of the most successful Mexican clubs, winning twelve Liga MX titles, four Copa MX titles, seven Campeón de Campeones and one Supercopa MX, and also holds the league record for the longest winning streak at the beginning of a season, with eight consecutive wins in the Bicentenario 2010. Internationally, it has won two CONCACAF Champions Cup/Champions League titles, and also finished as runners-up in the 2010 Copa Libertadores.

Did You Know?

• According to a study of preferred football clubs in 2016, Guadalajara was the most popular Mexican club, with 44.2% of supporters in the country.
• In 2020, Forbes estimated that the club was the most valuable of the league, ranking sixth overall in the Americas, worth approximately $311.5 million.
• Guadalajara is one of seven Mexican clubs that have never been relegated.
• The club holds the league record for the longest winning streak at the beginning of a season, with eight consecutive wins in the Bicentenario 2010.