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2026 Liga MX Ballon d’Or Awards: Complete List of Honorees

The standout talents in Mexican soccer were celebrated at the 2026 Liga MX Ballon d’Or Awards, highlighting achievements from the 2025–26 season. This event honors the finest players, manager, and team across both the Apertura 2025 and Clausura 2026 tournaments.

Toluca, champions of Apertura 2025, led the awards haul with three trophies. Despite not reaching any finals, Chivas players also earned three accolades. Meanwhile, Atlético San Luis secured three awards, all thanks to one exceptional player. The Clausura 2026 winners, Cruz Azul, took home two awards but captured the most prestigious team honor.

The winners were chosen through a mix of fan voting alongside votes from the captains and managers of each of the 18 Liga MX clubs.

Awards and Winners

  • Best Team: Cruz Azul
  • Best Manager: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca)
  • Rookie of the Year: Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas)
  • Best Goalkeeper: Nahuel Guzmán (Tigres)
  • Best Center Back: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul)
  • Best Fullback: Bryan González (Chivas)
  • Best Defensive Midfielder: Marcel Ruiz (Toluca)
  • Best Attacking Midfielder: Nicolás Castro (Toluca)
  • Most Valuable Player: João Pedro (Atlético San Luis)

Team of the Year: Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul finally clinched their 10th Liga MX title last May, becoming just the fourth club in Mexico with double-digit league championships. After consistently reaching at least the semifinals over five seasons, La Máquina also won the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup and topped the regular season standings across the past two calendar years.

Joel Huiqui took charge as manager a week before the Clausura 2026 playoffs following Nicolás Larcamón’s dismissal. Huiqui remains undefeated in his first ten matches, leading Cruz Azul to a 2–1 aggregate win over Pumas in the final. Their steady form throughout the year earned them the Team of the Year award.

Manager of the Year: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca)

Antonio Mohamed guided Toluca to consecutive Liga MX titles in Apertura 2025, joining an elite group of seven managers with five or more league trophies. Remarkably, he achieved this feat with four different clubs, something only three others have done.

Known for his pragmatic approach, Mohamed prioritized continental success in early 2026, which led to an early Clausura playoff exit but a victory in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. His tactical savvy remains highly respected in Liga MX.

Rookie of the Year: Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas)

Brian Gutiérrez arrived largely unnoticed from MLS’s Chicago Fire but quickly made an impact at Chivas. At 22, he started for Mexico in their 2026 World Cup opener against South Africa. Under Gabriel Milito, Gutiérrez became a vital part of Chivas’ strong Clausura 2026 run, despite squad disruptions caused by national team call-ups. His promising debut season hints at a bright future.

Best Goalkeeper: Nahuel Guzmán (Tigres)

Approaching 40, Nahuel Guzmán continues to defy age, playing a key role in Tigres’ journey to the Apertura 2025 final. As the last remaining figure from Tigres’ golden era, his leadership and shot-stopping remain top-tier. Guzmán is on track to be remembered as one of Liga MX’s greatest goalkeepers.

Best Center Back: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul)

Although naturally a midfielder, Erik Lira has excelled as the central figure in Cruz Azul’s three-center back setup. At 26, his tireless work rate, ball skills, and leadership propelled the team to the Clausura 2026 title. Missing the playoffs due to World Cup duty, Lira’s performances have drawn European interest for a move this summer.

Best Fullback: Bryan González (Chivas)

While Richard Ledezma dazzles, Bryan González stands out as the more complete fullback for Chivas. Known as “El Cotorro,” he is relentless down the left flank, combining endurance with dangerous crosses and late runs. He contributed 11 goals and assists in 40 games during 2025–26. Surprisingly, he was overlooked for Mexico’s World Cup squad.

Best Defensive Midfielder: Marcel Ruiz (Toluca)

Marcel Ruiz was pivotal in Toluca’s back-to-back titles during Apertura 2025. The dynamic midfielder influenced every aspect of play, maintaining top form despite a partial ACL tear in March 2026. Although omitted from the World Cup roster, Ruiz’s determination helped Toluca capture the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup before undergoing surgery.

Best Attacking Midfielder: Nicolás Castro (Toluca)

Last summer, Toluca found a gem in Nicolás Castro, a relatively unknown Argentine from Elche. Operating as the creative No. 10, Castro brought flair and intelligence, dazzling with precise passes and skillful dribbling. At 25, he could still elevate his influence further in Liga MX.

Most Valuable Player: João Pedro (Atlético San Luis)

João Pedro stole the spotlight as Liga MX’s MVP for 2025–26. The 34-year-old Italian striker scored 26 goals in 38 appearances after arriving from Hull City. Leading scorer in both Apertura and Clausura, Pedro remained loyal despite winter transfer interest. His goal-scoring feats shone even as Atlético San Luis slipped in the standings.

Pedro also earned Best Striker and Top Goalscorer honors. Sadly, an ACL injury will keep him sidelined for much of 2026, but hopes remain high for his return in 2027 to continue his Liga MX dominance.

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