Vicente Sánchez Leads Cruz Azul Into Concachampions Final

Toluca, Mexico – Vicente Sánchez, the head coach of Cruz Azul, is set to lead his team into the Concachampions Final against the Vancouver Whitecaps this Sunday. At just 21 years old, Sánchez started making a name for himself in Uruguay, showcasing not only talent but also a distinctive character that has driven him throughout his career.

The story of Sánchez reveals a man who values integrity and kindness. In an early incident in Toluca, he accidentally damaged a child’s bicycle while leaving his home. Instead of simply driving away, he bought the kids a new bike. Maxi Cuberas, a close friend and teammate, recalls, “That was Vicente. He was always cheerful and charismatic.”

In 2000, Sánchez caught the eye of Ricardo La Volpe, then-coach of Atlas, who praised Sánchez’s resilience and skill. Though Atlas could not sign him, La Volpe did not forget him. A year later, while with Nacional, Sánchez excelled, leading La Volpe to secure his signing for Toluca.

After arriving in Mexico, Sánchez roomed with Cuberas at the Hotel Del Rey Inn. Cuberas remembers immediately connecting with Sánchez due to his humility and positive attitude. “He showed his true self without trying to impress anyone,” said Cuberas.

La Volpe recognized Sánchez’s potential and repositioned him from left midfielder to second striker. “He was lethal in the final third,” La Volpe noted. During his time with Toluca, Sánchez helped the team secure championships in 2002 and 2005, showcasing his leadership qualities and competitive spirit.

After retiring in 2017, Sánchez quickly transitioned to coaching. He started in Colombia before taking over at Cruz Azul, where he has led the team to a remarkable 19-game undefeated streak and a playoff appearance.

In recent conversations, La Volpe expressed pride in Sánchez’s evolution as a coach, emphasizing his keen understanding of the game. “He is curious and thoughtful about his approach,” La Volpe remarked.

As Sánchez prepares for the Final, his journey from a young athlete to a respected coach reflects his dedication to both soccer and community. “He’s the same Vicente, always helping others,” Cuberas said. The outcome of the game remains uncertain, but Sánchez’s legacy of kindness and perseverance is already securing its place in history.