Former Cruz Azul forward Maranhao reflects on his brief but impactful time wiht the mexico City club, remembering a whirlwind arrival and a pivotal early career decision. The Brazilian player,who joined La Máquina in 2012,details the financial and athletic opportunities the move presented,and why,looking back,he believes leaving for Brazil may have been premature. Now playing in BrazilS Serie A2, Maranhao shares stories of a surprise wedding coordinated around a Copa Libertadores match and the origins of a signature move that endeared him to Cruz Azul fans.
Former Cruz Azul Forward Reflects on His Time with ‘La Máquina,’ Surprise Wedding, and Signature Move
Table of Contents
- Former Cruz Azul Forward Reflects on His Time with ‘La Máquina,’ Surprise Wedding, and Signature Move
- Editor’s Picks
- Maranhao and the “Hasty Decision” That Cut Short His Time in Mexico
- The Time Maranhao Got Married During a Copa Libertadores Trip
- Maranhao and His Signature Feint Learned on the Beach
- What is Maranhao, Former Cruz Azul Player, Doing Now?
Maranhao’s move to Cruz Azul at just 21 years old proved to be a life-changing opportunity. The Brazilian forward spent a year with the Mexico City club, and despite receiving offers from other Liga MX teams, including Pumas, he ultimately decided to return to Brazil. Fourteen years later, he believes that decision was premature, as he would have relished the chance to continue his career in the Liga MX and potentially earn another stint with Cruz Azul.
“When the offer came, I was surprised because it changed my financial situation and my footballing level,” Maranhao told ESPN, recalling the moment he signed with Cruz Azul. “I’m very grateful to God that I got to play, that I got to wear the Cruz Azul shirt, because for me, Cruz Azul is the biggest club in Mexico.”
It took six months of evaluation by the technical staff of Enrique Meza before Cruz Azul officially signed the player from Esporte Clube Bahia for the Clausura 2012 season. Maranhao immediately recognized the magnitude of the club upon arriving in Mexico, stunned by the large number of reporters awaiting him at Mexico City International Airport.
“I was immediately surprised by Cruz Azul, because I realized it was a giant club. I didn’t imagine Cruz Azul would be so big. I always tell all my friends that it’s one of the biggest clubs I’ve ever played for. It’s like a Corinthians or São Paulo here in Brazil, with its enormous fanbase.”
Maranhao featured in 44 matches during his year with Cruz Azul. He scored one goal, which came in the Copa Libertadores, where he also registered two assists, while contributing five assists in Liga MX play.
“I think I did well at Cruz Azul, even if some people think the numbers weren’t that good. I made several good plays, especially in the Copa Libertadores. I thought my time there was good, being so young at the time, and I don’t think I felt the weight of the Cruz Azul shirt.”
Maranhao and the “Hasty Decision” That Cut Short His Time in Mexico
Maranhao identified the most challenging moment of his time in Mexican soccer as the departure of Enrique Meza as Cruz Azul’s manager. He lost playing time under Guillermo Vázquez, leading him to return to his native Brazil with Club Athletico Paranaense, despite having offers to remain in the Liga MX.
“When you’re young, you have that mindset, you make very hasty decisions. I think that’s what happened. If I were more experienced, I don’t think I would have made the decision to leave Mexico. I could have stayed in Mexico for a long time, I could have been loaned to another team, gained experience, and returned to Cruz Azul.”
The Time Maranhao Got Married During a Copa Libertadores Trip
Maranhao tied the knot at 9:00 AM on March 22, 2012, in Brazil, just one day after playing 45 minutes for Cruz Azul against Corinthians at the Pacaembu Stadium. He received permission from then-Cruz Azul coach Enrique Meza to make the quick trip.
“I got married in the morning, you know, on Thursday morning, and I returned to the group on Thursday itself. It was very fast, I got married in an hour, then I returned to the group with Cruz Azul, but it was with permission,” Maranhao recalled, adding that he only went to the notary to sign the papers before rejoining the team for travel back to Mexico City.
Maranhao and His Signature Feint Learned on the Beach
Maranhao impressed Mexican fans from his very first appearance, a substitute showing against Pachuca. During that match, the Brazilian pulled off a feint where he pretended to kick the ball before quickly accelerating past his defender – a move he perfected on the beach.
“I received the ball and did this play, the guy turned his whole face, so I kept going and used it a lot in Mexican soccer. You leave the opponent behind, because when he turns, you’re already far away, since he has good speed, so it was a very well-developed play.”
What is Maranhao, Former Cruz Azul Player, Doing Now?
Maranhao, who still cherishes memories of his time with Cruz Azul – including his jerseys from La Máquina and other Liga MX teams – currently plays for Taubaté, a club in Brazil’s Serie A2, with the intention of extending his playing career, while never forgetting the Cruz Azul fanbase.
“The Cruz Azul fans had a lot of affection for me, so I just have to thank them and send them a hug, may God bless all the fans of Cruz Azul. A fanbase that welcomed me with open arms.”
