2026 Liga MX Ballon d’Or: Complete List of Award Winners

2026 Liga MX Ballon d’Or: Honoring Mexico’s Top Soccer Talent

The 2026 Liga MX Ballon d’Or ceremony celebrated the finest players, coaches, and teams from Mexico's premier soccer league during the 2025–26 season. Covering both the Apertura 2025 and Clausura 2026 tournaments, this event highlighted outstanding performances across a full calendar year.

Three clubs stood out with multiple awards: Toluca, crowned Apertura 2025 champions, Chivas, whose players earned three honors despite not reaching either final, and Atlético San Luis, which secured three awards thanks to one standout player. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul, winners of the Clausura 2026, collected two awards but took home the most prestigious team honor.

The awardees were chosen by fan votes combined with input from the captains and managers of all 18 Liga MX clubs.

Full List of Winners in the 2026 Liga MX Ballon d’Or

• Best Team: Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul finally claimed their 10th Liga MX title last May, joining an elite group of Mexican teams with double-digit championships. After several near misses over the past five seasons, La Máquina’s perseverance paid off as they topped the regular season standings across two years and triumphed in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Manager Joel Huiqui, stepping in after Nicolás Larcamón was dismissed just before the Clausura playoffs, remained unbeaten in his first 10 matches and led Cruz Azul to a 2–1 aggregate victory over Pumas in the final. Their consistency throughout the year earned them the Team of the Year recognition.

• Best Manager: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca)

Antonio Mohamed guided Toluca to consecutive Liga MX titles in Apertura 2025, joining a rare group of seven managers with five or more league trophies. Remarkably, he achieved this success with four different clubs, a feat matched by only three others in league history.

Known for his pragmatic approach, Mohamed focused on continental success in early 2026, leading Toluca to win the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup despite exiting the Clausura 2026 quarterfinals. His tactical acumen keeps him among Liga MX’s coaching greats.

• Rookie of the Year: Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas)

Young talent Brian Gutiérrez emerged from relative obscurity after transferring from MLS’s Chicago Fire to Chivas. Within six months, the 22-year-old had debuted for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup, marking a swift rise in Mexican soccer.

Under manager Gabriel Milito, Gutiérrez played a pivotal role during the Clausura 2026 before the World Cup roster depleted Chivas’ lineup. His debut season showed great promise and potential for future growth.

• Best Goalkeeper: Nahuel Guzmán (Tigres)

Nearly 40 years old, veteran keeper Nahuel Guzmán remains a vital presence for Tigres. His experience and leadership helped Tigres reach the Apertura 2025 final amid significant squad changes. Guzmán continues to demonstrate top-level skill and mental toughness, cementing his legacy as one of Liga MX’s finest goalkeepers.

• Best Center Back: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul)

Erik Lira has been a standout performer for three seasons, excelling as a sweeper in Cruz Azul’s three-center back formation despite being a natural midfielder. The 26-year-old’s relentless energy and ball skills have made him a key leader and captain during Cruz Azul’s recent success. His World Cup displays suggest a European transfer is imminent.

• Best Fullback: Bryan González (Chivas)

While Richard Ledezma may attract more attention, Bryan González stands out as the most complete fullback in Liga MX. Known as “El Cotorro,” González offers relentless runs down Chivas’ left side, delivering dangerous crosses and contributing 11 goals and assists over 40 games in the 2025–26 season. His exclusion from Mexico’s World Cup squad raised eyebrows.

• Best Defensive Midfielder: Marcel Ruiz (Toluca)

Marcel Ruiz was a driving force behind Toluca’s back-to-back titles. The hardworking midfielder influenced every aspect of play until a partial ACL tear in March sidelined him from Mexico’s World Cup squad. Despite injury, Ruiz pushed through the season, helping Toluca capture the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup before undergoing surgery.

• Best Attacking Midfielder: Nicolás Castro (Toluca)

Nicolás Castro transformed Toluca’s attack after arriving from Elche last summer. Operating as the team’s creative hub, the 25-year-old Argentine impressed with clever passing, tight dribbling, and ambidextrous shooting. His style channels the elegance of a classic South American playmaker and hints at even greater impact ahead.

• Most Valuable Player (MVP): João Pedro (Atlético San Luis)

João Pedro dominated as Liga MX’s MVP despite playing for mid-table Atlético San Luis. The 34-year-old Italian striker scored 26 goals in 38 matches, leading both Apertura and Clausura scoring charts. Joining from Hull City, he became unstoppable, turning away winter transfer bids to remain with San Luis.

Pedro also earned Best Striker and Best Goalscorer awards. Unfortunately, an ACL tear in early 2026 sidelines him for an extended period, but hopes remain high he will return in 2027 to continue challenging defenses.