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Your Crash Course to Liga MX: Clubs, Stars and Fierce Rivalries
Mexican soccer is full of passion, history, and fierce rivalries. Liga MX, the country’s top professional league, features some of the largest and most successful clubs in North America. These teams boast loyal fan bases, historic achievements, and some of the greatest players in Mexican soccer history. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest teams in Liga MX, their histories, and what sets them apart.
Club América
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Club América is the most successful and controversial team in Liga MX. Located in Mexico City, América plays at the legendary Estadio Azteca, one of the world’s most renowned stadiums. The team was established in 1916 and has claimed the most Liga MX titles in history.
What makes América special is its winning mentality. The team has a reputation for always competing at the highest level. Their fans expect nothing less than championships, and their rivals love to hate them. América has a history of signing top players from Mexico and abroad, making it one of the wealthiest and most powerful clubs in the country.
Their biggest rival is Chivas Guadalajara, and when they play each other in “El Clásico Nacional,” the whole country stops to watch. This is the most intense and significant rivalry in Mexican soccer.
Legendary players who have worn the América jersey include Cuauhtémoc Blanco, one of Mexico’s most iconic figures in soccer, and more current stars like Guillermo Ochoa, who has been a standout for both América and the Mexican national team.
Chivas Guadalajara
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While América may be the powerhouse in terms of success, Chivas is the heart of tradition. Chivas Guadalajara stands out because they field only Mexican players, banning foreign players, which makes them a true emblem of Mexican soccer culture.
Chivas was founded in 1906 and has won multiple Liga MX championships. Their fan base is one of the largest in Mexico, with supporters all over the country and in the United States.
El Clásico Nacional against América is their most important game of the season. This rivalry is about more than just soccer, it’s about identity. América represents money and power, while Chivas represents tradition and homegrown talent.
Legends like Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Omar Bravo, and Ramón Morales have all played for Chivas, and the club continues to be a breeding ground for young Mexican talent.
Cruz Azul
Cruz Azul is one of the most popular teams in Mexico, but for years, they were known as the team that always came close but failed at the last moment. Founded in 1927, the club became a powerhouse in the 1970s, winning multiple championships. However, from 1997 to 2021, they suffered a long title drought.
That tough period gave rise to the well-known phrase “La Cruzazuleó,” which translates to “they choked.” Fans endured heartbreaking losses in finals year after year. But in 2021, Cruz Azul finally broke the curse and secured their long-awaited ninth championship. That victory was an emotional moment for their devoted fans.
The team plays at Estadio Azteca and has featured great players like Carlos Hermosillo, Óscar Pérez, and Jesús Corona. Their fan base remains one of the most passionate in the league.
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Pumas UNAM
Pumas UNAM is celebrated for its commitment to nurturing young Mexican talent. Owned by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the team is distinguished by its strong academic and social identity.
Established in 1954, Pumas has secured multiple Liga MX championships. The club’s standout feature is its youth academy, which has developed legendary Mexican players such as Hugo Sánchez, who is considered one of the greatest strikers in Mexican history.
Pumas fans are among the most devoted in the league, and their matches at Estadio Olímpico Universitario are always charged with excitement. The team’s biggest rival is Club América, and their games are called “El Clásico Capitalino.”
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The Best Players in Liga MX Right Now
Liga MX has always attracted some of the finest players in Mexican soccer, along with international stars who come to play in one of the most competitive leagues in the Americas. Currently, some of the most skilled and well-known players in the league include:
André-Pierre Gignac (Tigres UANL): The French striker has been dominating Liga MX since arriving in 2015. As Tigres’s all-time top scorer, he’s one of the most feared forwards in the league. Gignac has been instrumental in helping Tigres clinch multiple league titles and even led them to the FIFA Club World Cup final. His skill, leadership, and knack for scoring in clutch moments make him a legend in Mexican soccer.
Henry Martín (Club América): Henry Martín is the main forward for Club América and is considered one of the top Mexican strikers in the league. He’s been vital to América’s recent successes, netting crucial goals and confidently leading their offense. His standout performances have earned him a place on the Mexican national team, where he remains an important player.
Víctor Guzmán (Chivas Guadalajara): A talented midfielder, Víctor “Pocho” Guzmán is one of the best playmakers in Liga MX. He is known for his vision, passing, and ability to score from midfield. His leadership at Chivas has made him a fan favorite, and he plays a crucial role in the team’s attack.
Luis Quiñones (Tigres UANL): A key player for Tigres, the Colombian winger is known for his speed, dribbling, and ability to create scoring opportunities. He has been an important part of Tigres’s success in recent years, forming a dangerous partnership with Gignac.
Rogelio Funes Mori (Monterrey): The Argentine-Mexican striker has been one of the top goal-scorers in Liga MX over recent seasons. He’s Monterrey’s all-time leading scorer and has played a crucial role for both his club and the Mexican national team. His knack for finishing in the penalty area makes him one of the league’s most threatening forwards.
Julián Quiñones (Club América): One of the most exciting players in Liga MX right now is the Colombian forward who brings speed, strength, and goals to América’s attack. His recent performances have made him one of the most valuable players in the league, and he continues to impress with his skill and determination.
Fernando Gorriarán (Tigres UANL): The Uruguayan midfielder ranks among the top all-around players in Liga MX. He commands the midfield with his excellent passing, solid tackling, and a knack for setting the game’s pace. Gorriarán has been a key figure in Tigres’ recent achievements and remains one of the league’s standout players.
Liga MX is one of the most competitive soccer leagues in the world. Its biggest teams have histories filled with success, heartbreak, and passion. excitement, and unforgettable moments.
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