Cruz Azul Femenil Signs Spanish Midfielder Alicia de la Cuerda, Formerly of Real Madrid

Cruz Azul Femenil's transfer window already has its first big move, and it comes straight from Spain. La Maquina confirmed the arrival of Alicia de la Cuerda, a midfielder who until recently wore the Real Madrid jersey, in a transfer announced through the Spanish club's own social media channels.

The news didn't go unnoticed. De la Cuerda is just 22 years old (born in 2004) and already carries a weighty label: she's a Spain international. Her name is far from unknown in Iberian youth soccer, and she'll now look to make her mark in Liga MX Femenil.

A Career Built From the Ground Up

Her relationship with the ball started early, at age six, at the Escuelas Deportivas de Argés, where she stayed until 2014. From there she jumped to Atletico Madrid's academy, where she moved up category by category until reaching the Juvenil level, a stage that lasted until 2022.

That same year came the move that opened the biggest doors: she signed with Real Madrid at just 18 years old. It didn't take long for her to earn a starting spot with the reserve team, something reflected in the captain's armband she wore for Real Madrid B. Her progress also caught the attention of the national team: in 2022 she received her first call-up with Spain's U-19 side, then coached by Sonia Bermudez.

Now, with the move to Cruz Azul, De la Cuerda faces a different kind of challenge: playing regularly in a top division for the first time in her career. She arrives with a clear goal of establishing herself as a professional in a league that's entirely new to her.

Competition in a Crowded Midfield

A spot on the field is far from guaranteed. La Maquina's roster already includes nine midfielders: Andrea Frias, Liliana Rodriguez, Lizbeth Angeles, Alejandra Lomeli, Daniela Calderon, Mia Leon, Maria Montano, Belen Cruz and Valeria Valdez. In other words, De la Cuerda will have to fight for playing time in an area of the field that was already well stocked.

The Spaniard isn't arriving alone this transfer window, either. She joins other additions for the Apertura 2026 such as Brenda Ceren, Joselyn Solis, Tanna Sanchez, Heidi Ruth and the aforementioned Belen Cruz, all new faces for the sky blue side this season.

Cruz Azul's Current Standing in the Tournament

The signing comes at a moment when the team needs to turn things around. Heading into Matchday 8, Cruz Azul sits sixth in Group A with 12 points through seven matchdays, out of a possible 21 so far.

Half of the regular season still remains, so there's time for La Maquina to correct course, climb the standings and push for a spot in the Liguilla. De la Cuerda's arrival is aimed at exactly that: strengthening a midfield that needs more depth heading into the second half of the tournament.