Cauteruccio Leaves Cristal After Falling Out of Favor With Coach Autuori

Martín Cauteruccio’s departure from Sporting Cristal has caused a stir, but the veteran striker wasn’t pushed out nor did he leave for free. According to journalist Michael Succar on Dengache, the Uruguayan brought the offer himself—an official bid from Bolívar of Bolivia—and the club negotiated a deal that earned them a decent return.

While the transfer was framed as mutual, Succar’s comments and those from former Cristal player Diego Penny suggest head coach Paulo Autuori played a key role. Penny hinted on Movistar Deportes that Autuori no longer saw Cauteruccio as a priority: “Cristal is in a state of chaos. The coach’s plans may not have included him anymore.”

Cauteruccio, now 38, had struggled to replicate his remarkable 2024 form, when he scored 39 goals in 31 games. In the 2025 Apertura, he managed just eight goals in 13 appearances. Notably, he also lacked the support of Santiago González, who had been instrumental in his previous success.

Cristal has already lined up a replacement and reportedly received over €100,000 for the transfer. In two seasons, Cauteruccio netted 49 goals in 49 matches—leaving behind a short but unforgettable legacy in Peruvian football.