Universitario de Deportes celebrates 100 years of history, passion, and Peruvian culture.

The history of Universitario de Deportes is a testament to the deep roots that football has in Peruvian culture. Since its founding on August 7, 1924, in a meeting led by university students seeking to promote the practice of sports among their peers, ‘U’ has evolved to become a symbol of national identity and pride. This Thursday, the club celebrates a centenary that not only commemorates its sporting achievements but also its impact on society and culture in Peru. The club's journey has been monumental. Universitario was the first Peruvian team to reach the final of the Copa Libertadores in 1972 and also the first to win the Copa Libertadores Sub 20 in 2011. This legacy is reflected in the classic matches that have marked the history of national football, where ‘U’ has known how to dominate with memorable victories that have thrilled its fans. From the first match against Alianza Lima to the recent comeback in July, the cream-colored tenacity has been constant and forceful. Universitario's dominance in the classics translates not only into victories but also into stories that have been etched in the collective memory. The final of the Descentralizado in 1987, where ‘U’ lifted the trophy in front of thousands of fans, or the Olympic lap in Matute in 1999, are just a few examples of how the club has woven its history into the hearts of Peruvians, creating an emotional bond that transcends the sport. However, the impact of Universitario goes beyond the fields. ‘U’ has become a cultural phenomenon, with its legacy present in music, literature, and art. Bands like Bombo de la Barra and Nos Sobra Aliento pay tribute to the passion and fervor that the team evokes in its supporters. At the same time, plays and books that narrate the feats of its idols, such as Lolo Fernández, reinforce the connection between the club and Peruvian cultural identity. Journalist and historian Jaime Pulgar Vidal highlights that the identity and culture of ‘U’ originate in university classrooms, making it a social phenomenon that reflects the scholarship and critical thought of its founders. “The ‘U’ has always had a lot to say,” he asserts, emphasizing the link between sports and education that has characterized the club since its inception. Today, the centenary of Universitario is celebrated with a strong presence at the 2024 International Book Fair, where more than ten publications have been launched. These works not only tell the story of the club but also explore the meaning of the feelings it generates among fans, consolidating ‘U’ as a phenomenon that goes beyond a simple football club. Rubén Marrufo, author of "Crónicas con Garra," emphasizes that to understand Universitario, it is necessary to analyze it as a social phenomenon. The emotional bond it establishes with its fans transforms each match into a collective experience, where love for the club translates into artistic expressions of all kinds, from music to literature. The launch of the official book "Centenario," with over 250 pages documenting the club's history, is another testament to the impact that Universitario has had on the collective memory of Peruvians. Juan Aurelio Arévalo Miró Quesada, the editorial director of El Comercio, underscores how the club, founded by a group of students, has managed to grow and forge an identity that resonates both on the field and in the cultural life of the country. This Saturday, starting at 6:00 p.m., the Blanca Varela Auditorium will be filled with memories and emotions as it relives the joys and triumphs of a club that, for a hundred years, has known how to connect with the soul of Peruvians. Universitario de Deportes is not just a football team; it is an icon that has left an indelible mark on society and the cultural history of Peru. With each celebration, each title, and each shared story, ‘U’ continues to write its legacy, reaffirming its position in the hearts of millions.