Club Tijuana

Mexican club founded in 2007 in the border city of Tijuana, known for its mascot the Mexican hairless dog (Xoloitzcuintle). It became one of the most competitive teams in Liga MX in the 2010s.

History

Club Tijuana was founded in 2007 after the purchase of the Correcaminos franchise and the relocation to Tijuana, on the border with the United States. The club adopted the name Xolos in homage to the Mexican hairless dog, a cultural symbol of the country, and quickly gained popularity among the binational community of the region. The team climbed divisions at an accelerated pace, reaching the First Division of Liga MX in 2011. In its second year at the elite level, it won the Apertura 2012 title, a historic achievement for a newly promoted team, under the command of Argentine coach Antonio Mohamed. Beyond sporting success, Xolos stood out for its strong visual identity and rivalry with California-based clubs, participating in pre-season friendly tournaments against MLS teams. The Caliente Stadium, with capacity for around 33,000 fans, became one of the most vibrant stages of Mexican football. In the following years, the club alternated between good campaigns and moments of reconstruction, but remained a reference in football on the northwest border of Mexico.