Daniel Cruz

Youth career

Cruz played his early football at the Academia de Fútbol Tucumán in his hometown of Cali. His father, a retired Argentinian professional football player, was his primary coaching influence. In 1998, Cruz was discovered by an Ajax scout while training with the first team at América de Cali. Within two weeks, at 17, the young Colombian had signed with the Dutch club's youth reserve program.

Ajax

Cruz made his first team debut for Ajax during the 2000–01 season after two years with the club's youth reserve program. That season, he played in eleven matches for the Ajax first team before being sidelined with a knee injury. A head coaching change during his rehabilitation undermined the possibility of Cruz returning to the first team ranks at Ajax. Eventually he was loaned and later sold to Belgian club Germinal Beerschot.

Germinal Beerschot

Since his move from Ajax in 2002, until the expiration of his final contract with the club in 2011, Cruz established himself as one of the most prolific players in Germinal Beerschot club history. His time there spanned nearly a decade – having made over 250 appearances for the club in all competitions. Cruz was considered a trendsetter in the Belgian Pro League. The South American midfielder was known as a play-maker with charisma and modesty. In 2005, Cruz captained Germinal Beerschot to a Belgian Cup title.

Lierse

After winning the Belgian Cup in 2005, Cruz shocked fans and the media when…

Cruz is the son of retired Argentinian football player José Luis Cruz who played for River Plate and América de Cali. In January 2009, Voetbal magazine produced a cover story featuring an extensive interview with Cruz. The article highlighted the Colombian's role at his club, his recent injuries, and his love for Germinal Beerschot.

Beerschot A.C.

Belgian Cup: 2004–05