TORONTO, Ont. – Aug. 27, 2026 – Inter Toronto Football Club of the Canadian Premier League today announced the appointment of José Guadalupe Cruz as Assistant First Team Coach & Director of Sporting Development, adding one of the most experienced figures in Mexican football to the club’s Sporting department.
Cruz will work alongside Head Coach Mauro Eustáquio and the First Team coaching staff, while also supporting the club’s sporting philosophy and player development structure, strengthening the connection between the Inter Toronto Academy, Pathway and First Team.
Known throughout Mexican football as “El Profe” Cruz, the former professional player and manager brings nearly four decades of experience in the game. During his coaching career, he has managed several established Liga MX clubs, including Atlante, Monterrey, Morelia, Puebla, Atlas and Dorados de Sinaloa. As a player, Cruz was also a Mexican league champion with Atlante.
Among his career highlights, Cruz guided Atlante to the Liga MX Apertura 2007 championship, a season in which he was also recognized as Liga MX Head Coach of the Year, before leading the club to the 2008-09 Concacaf Champions League title. He later won the Copa MX Clausura 2015 with Puebla.
“I’m very grateful to Inter Toronto for the opportunity to join this sporting project,” said Cruz. “I’ve been impressed by the talent and potential within the club, particularly in the Academy. The objectives are clear and ambitious, and I’m excited to bring my experience, commitment and passion to help strengthen the First Team and continue developing the club’s young talent.”
Cruz’s appointment reflects Inter Toronto FC’s continued commitment to building an integrated player development pathway and a high-performance environment across the club.
