The University’s identity is not only a function of its academic endeavors. It resides in the value and pride of belonging to the Nation’s leading institution of higher learning, an emotion blazoned on the jersey of our teams, in cheering “Goya!” to spur them on, in singing the Sport Hymn and the PUMA team mascot bounding along sidelines.

The shout of “Goya” originated in the 1940s when students playing hooky would shout “Goya!” to rally others to join them at the Goya movie theater, for the matinée. The cry soon became a general exclamation of approval to celebrate graduation and to inspire UNAM teams taking the field of the Olympic Stadium. The Sport Hymn, which emboldens players to victory, is also widely intoned by UNAM fans eager for a score. Last but not least, the PUMA team mascot, known by its Nahuatl moniker Miztli, inspires players to feats of intelligence, speed and strength versus rivals in important playoff matches.

More than merely a sports insignia, the PUMA design blazoned on the flags waving above the stadium has become the very stamp of the UNAM, a symbol of its identity and feeling.