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Daniel CruzColombian footballer, midfielder
Date of Birth: 09.05.1981
Country:  Colombia |
Content:
- Daniel Cruz: A Colombian Football Journey
- Professional Beginnings at Ajax
- Injury Setbacks and Loan to Belgium
- Success in Belgium
- Later Career
- Honors
Daniel Cruz: A Colombian Football Journey
Early CareerDaniel Cruz, a Colombian footballer, began his career at the Colombian football academy Tucumán. He later joined the youth team of América de Cali. In 1998, at the age of 17, Cruz was scouted by Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam and moved to their football academy.
Professional Beginnings at Ajax
On March 10, 1999, Cruz signed his first professional contract with Ajax for a five-year term. His debut came on September 22, 2000, against Rozenburg, where he came on as a substitute in the 66th minute, with his team emerging victorious with a 2-0 scoreline. Cruz scored his first goal for Ajax on February 16, 2001, in a 3-0 win against Fortuna Sittard. In his debut season in the 2000/01 Eredivisie, he made 13 appearances and scored two goals.
Injury Setbacks and Loan to Belgium
In August 2001, Cruz suffered a broken leg during a collision with Abubakari Yakubu in training, sidelining him for six months. In 2002, he faced another severe injury that further extended his absence from the pitch. In 2003, Cruz was loaned out to Belgian club Germinal Beerschot.
Success in Belgium
In his debut season in the 2002/03 Belgian First Division A, Cruz played 11 matches and helped his team secure 14th place in the league standings. The following season, he made 13 appearances and scored his first goal for Germinal Beerschot on May 8, 2004, against Mouscron, but it was not enough to prevent his team from losing 3-2. In 2005, Cruz lifted the Belgian Cup with Germinal Beerschot, defeating Club Brugge 2-1 in the final. He made 31 appearances in the 2004/05 season, scoring three goals.
Later Career
After his loan spell, Cruz briefly joined Lierse before returning to Germinal Beerschot for the remainder of the 2005/06 season, which saw his team finish 7th. In March 2008, he extended his contract with Germinal Beerschot until 2011. In August 2011, Cruz signed for MLS club FC Dallas. In the summer of 2012, he returned to Belgium, joining Waasland-Beveren.
