Dorados de Sinaloa: Big Dreams from the North

Dorados de Sinaloa, also known as El Gran Pez (The Big Fish), is a club that may be young in age but bold in ambition. Based in Culiacán, Sinaloa, this team has become one of the most recognized clubs in Mexico’s second division, thanks to a combination of competitive spirit, memorable players, and international attention — particularly during the era of Diego Maradona as head coach.

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Founded in 2003, Dorados has experienced rapid growth and has already made a mark in Mexican football history, despite not being a permanent fixture in the top flight.

Fast Start and Early Success

Dorados was officially established on August 9, 2003, and quickly entered the Primera División A (now called Liga de Expansión MX). Just a year after its founding, the team earned promotion to Liga MX for the Apertura 2004 season — an impressive feat that placed them in the national spotlight almost overnight.

Although their first stay in the top division was short-lived, it demonstrated the club’s competitiveness and ability to rise quickly. Since then, Dorados has consistently remained a threat in Mexico’s second tier, always aiming for promotion.

Goals and Attacking Play

Despite their young history, Dorados has scored over 1,000 goals across Liga de Expansión MX, Copa MX, and their brief stints in Liga MX. Known for their aggressive and fast-paced style, Dorados has produced and nurtured several quality attackers.

Key contributors to their offensive legacy include:

• Sebastián Abreu – The Uruguayan striker brought experience and goals to the team.
• Raúl Enríquez – A consistent scorer during key tournaments.
• Vinicio Angulo and Jorge Córdoba – Dynamic forwards who helped drive the team during Maradona’s era.

Under the guidance of strong tacticians, Dorados has often played attractive football — built on quick transitions and a fearless attacking mindset.

Honors and Achievements

Dorados de Sinaloa has collected several honors in Mexico’s second division and cup competitions. Their major accomplishments include:

• Ascenso MX (Liga de Expansión MX) Champions – 2
  (Apertura 2007, Clausura 2015)
• Liga MX Promotion Winner – 1
  (2015, defeating Necaxa in the promotion final)
• Copa MX Runner-up – 1
  (2012)

These titles solidified Dorados as one of the strongest teams in Mexico’s second tier. Their 2015 promotion back to Liga MX was particularly memorable, sparked by a dominant run led by coach Carlos Bustos and a united squad hungry for top-flight success.

The Maradona Era: A Global Spotlight

In 2018, Dorados shocked the football world by appointing Diego Maradona as head coach. The Argentine legend brought immediate global attention to Culiacán and lifted the spirit of the club.

Under Maradona, Dorados reached back-to-back finals in the Apertura 2018 and Clausura 2019 tournaments. Although they narrowly missed out on promotion, his leadership inspired players and fans alike. The team showed grit, emotion, and improvement under his command, and the era became a defining chapter in the club’s identity.

Stadium and Fan Culture

Dorados plays at the Estadio Banorte, a modern stadium with a capacity of around 20,000. Nicknamed “El Coloso del Humaya”, the stadium has become a fortress for the club, filled with fans who proudly support their team through every promotion push and playoff heartbreak.

The fan base in Culiacán is passionate and growing. Despite the club’s brief top-division stints, local supporters stay loyal, embracing the underdog role and pushing the team forward with fierce pride.

The Big Fish Keeps Swimming

While Dorados de Sinaloa may not have the century-long legacy of some Mexican giants, what they’ve achieved in just two decades is impressive. With over 1,000 goals, multiple Ascenso titles, and one of the most unforgettable managerial stints in Mexican football history, Dorados has shown it belongs in the national conversation.

The journey is far from over. Dorados continues to dream big — and one day, El Gran Pez may rise again to swim among the elite in Liga MX.