Millonarios FC begins its build-up to the new season at this year’s Florida Cup, with the side looking to add to the 14 league championships it has previously earned in its history. After being eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs in both the Apertura and Finalización a season ago, while rival Santa Fe claimed the Finalización championship in December, Millonarios will be hoping to push higher in the standings this season.

NEED TO KNOW

Head Coach: Miguel Angel Russo
League: Categoria Primera A
Playoffs Opener: Jan.  15 – vs. River Plate, Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, Fla.

CLUB HISTORY

Millonarios celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2016, and from its founding as a club has been one of the most successful in Colombia’s history. Home of El Ballet Azul in its early years when players such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Adolfo Pedernera, Néstor Rossi arrived from Argentina, the club won nine championships in its first 20 years of existence, including four consecutive titles between 1961 and 1964.

The club has won the league championship five more times since then, its first this century coming in 2012, and advanced to the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores on three occasions. With a new Head Coach in Miguel Angel Russo set to lead the way this season, El Albiazules will be aiming to emulate the club’s early success against some strong opposition.