In 2023, after several years of drought, Universitario de Deportes fans were finally able to shake off the regret of not seeing their team win. Cream Club won its long-awaited “27th” Star” after defeating none other than his arch-rival Alianza Lima in the final, so this title will be remembered by his fans as one of the most important in its history and could be the start of a more than special championship in 2024, when the “U” is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Ate's team could join a select list of centenary champions that already includes two teams competing in League 1. Other historic teams from South America and Europe are also represented in this relationship, which merely offers the opportunity to accommodate their applicants.
Universitario aims to become two-time champions in 2024. Photo: Professional Football League
Which clubs won in their 100th anniversary year?
In Latin America there are several recorded cases of national champions reaching the age of 100, although this phenomenon occurred only twice in Peru: in 2001, when Lima Alliance became the first American club to win its league in the same season it turned 100, and in 2015 Melgar conquered the second star in its history.
In 2005, it was the turn of Boca Juniors in Argentina to host the Apertura tournament. Chivas Mexico did the same in 2006, Cerro Porteno from Paraguay also achieved this feat in 2012, almost at the same time as the double achievement of Olimpia from Honduras. Herediano from Costa Rica also achieved the same feat in 2021.
Alianza Lima won the 2001 final against Cienciano, a club that also turned 100 that season. Photo: FPF
There are also many cases in Europe, especially among clubs that are considered large: Juventus (1997), AC Milan (1999) e Inter Milan (2008), all three from Italy. FC Barcelona from Spain (1999), Bayern Munich from Germany (2000) and Chelsea from England (2005) are other well-known examples.
Some lesser known ones include Celtic of Scotland (1988), postage from Portugal (1993), Sparta Prague from the Czech Republic (1993), Malmö from Sweden (2010), Dinamo Zagreb from Croatia (2011) and Viktoria Plzen from the Czech Republic (2011).
List of champion clubs in the anniversary year
- Lima Alliance
- FBC Melgar
- Boca Juniors
- Chivas
- Cerro Porteno
- Olympic sports club
- Herediano
- Juventus
- AC Milan
- Inter Milan
- FC Barcelona
- Bayern Munich
- Chelsea
- Celtic
- postage
- Sparta Prague
- Malmo
- Dinamo Zagreb
- Victoria Pilsen.