Cruz Azul Femenil has made a statement signing ahead of the Apertura 2026 campaign, bringing in Spanish midfielder Alicia de la Cuerda from Real Madrid. The 22-year-old, who developed in the youth systems of Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, arrives in Mexico City with a reputation for sharp passing and calm decision-making in the middle of the park.
De la Cuerda, born in Toledo on February 19, 2004, started her football journey at Escuelas Deportivas de Argés before joining Atlético Madrid's academy in 2014. After eight seasons there, she moved to Real Madrid B in 2022, where she quickly became a leader. She captained the reserve side and earned call-ups to the senior team, competing in top-flight European matches. She also represented Spain at the Under-19 level.
Now she's trading the Spanish capital for Mexico City, a move that marks her first professional experience outside Spain. For Cruz Azul, it's a clear signal of ambition: the club wants to compete with the league's powerhouses, and they see De la Cuerda as a key piece in that puzzle.
A midfielder with European pedigree
De la Cuerda is primarily a central midfielder, known for her ability to distribute the ball efficiently and read the game well. Her time in Madrid's elite academies gave her a strong technical foundation, and she's comfortable organizing possession transitions. That kind of intelligence is exactly what Cruz Azul needs to control games and break down stubborn defenses.
Adapting to Liga MX Femenil will be a challenge, though. The Mexican league is known for its physical intensity and fast pace, a different rhythm than what she's used to in Spain. But De la Cuerda seems ready for it. She's already joined training sessions under head coach Raúl "Potro" Gutiérrez, who is preparing the squad for their upcoming match against Santos Laguna at Estadio Corona.
Fans are eager to see her debut, and the coaching staff is monitoring her fitness closely. If she adapts quickly, her tactical maturity could elevate Cruz Azul's midfield and give them a real edge in the playoff race.
This signing also highlights the growing appeal of Liga MX Femenil on the global stage. More and more European players are looking across the Atlantic for new opportunities, and Mexico is becoming a destination of choice. De la Cuerda's arrival is a testament to that trend, and it's a boost for the league's profile.
For Cruz Azul, the move is about more than just one player. It's about building a roster that can challenge the likes of América and Tigres, who have dominated the league in recent seasons. With De la Cuerda in the middle, La Máquina looks poised to make a serious push this campaign.
As she settles into her new surroundings, all eyes will be on how quickly she adapts. But if her track record is any indication, Alicia de la Cuerda is ready to make her mark in Mexican football.
