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

The top talents in Mexican soccer were celebrated at the 2026 Liga MX Ballon d’Or Awards, honoring outstanding performances from the 2025–26 season. This gala included achievements from both the Apertura 2025 and Clausura 2026 tournaments.

Apertura champions Toluca led the haul with three awards. Despite not reaching the finals, Chivas players also secured three honors. Atlético San Luis earned three awards as well, thanks to the exceptional play of one individual. Clausura winners Cruz Azul took home two awards but claimed the most prestigious collective honor.

The winners were decided by a mix of fan votes plus selections from all 18 club captains and managers.

Best Team: Cruz Azul

After years of near misses, Cruz Azul finally captured their 10th Liga MX title in May 2026, becoming just the fourth club in Mexican football history to reach double-digit league championships. Consistently semifinalists over five seasons, La Máquina dominated regular season points over the last two years and won the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Joel Huiqui took over as manager following Nicolás Larcamón's dismissal shortly before the Clausura playoffs. Huiqui remains undefeated in his first 10 games, guiding Cruz Azul to a 2–1 aggregate victory over Pumas in the final. Their consistent excellence earned them the Team of the Year award.

Best Manager: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca)

Antonio Mohamed led Toluca to consecutive Liga MX titles in Apertura 2025, joining an elite group of seven managers with five or more league titles. He is one of only four coaches to have won Liga MX titles with four different teams.

Mohamed focused on continental success during early 2026, sacrificing a deep Clausura run to win the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup instead. His pragmatic style and tactical acumen cement his place among the league’s greatest managers.

Rookie of the Year: Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas)

Joining Chivas from MLS’s Chicago Fire, 22-year-old Brian Gutiérrez quickly emerged as a key player. He debuted for Mexico in the 2026 World Cup opener against South Africa, making a remarkable breakthrough within six months.

Under Gabriel Milito, Gutiérrez helped transform Chivas into a competitive side, though many starters missed playoffs due to World Cup duties. His promising first year hints at a bright future ahead.

Best Goalkeeper: Nahuel Guzmán (Tigres)

Nearly 40 years old, Nahuel Guzmán remains a crucial presence for Tigres. He played a vital role in their run to the Apertura 2025 final, showing no signs of decline. After the exit of several club legends, Guzmán stands as the last link to Tigres’ golden era and is destined to be remembered as one of Liga MX’s finest goalkeepers.

Best Center Back: Erik Lira (Cruz Azul)

Erik Lira has been a standout in Liga MX for three years. Though naturally a midfielder, he excelled as the sweeper in Cruz Azul’s three-center back setup, combining defensive prowess with ball skills. The 26-year-old captain missed playoffs due to World Cup duty but led the team to the Clausura 2026 title. A European transfer seems likely this summer.

Best Fullback: Bryan González (Chivas)

While Richard Ledezma may dazzle more, Bryan González is the more complete fullback for Chivas. Known as “El Cotorro,” he charges relentlessly down the left flank, offering dangerous crosses and late runs. He contributed 11 goals and assists in 40 games during the season. His absence from Mexico’s World Cup squad was surprising.

Best Defensive Midfielder: Marcel Ruiz (Toluca)

Marcel Ruiz was central to Toluca’s back-to-back titles in Apertura 2025. His dynamic presence influenced every phase of play. An ACL injury in March hampered his World Cup chances, yet he kept competing through pain and helped Toluca win the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup before surgery sidelined him for the rest of the year.

Best Attacking Midfielder: Nicolás Castro (Toluca)

Argentine playmaker Nicolás Castro arrived from Elche last summer and added creativity to Toluca’s offense. Though overshadowed statistically by teammates, his clever passing, dribbling, vision, and ambidexterity made him the team’s chief creator. At 25, there’s potential for even greater impact.

Most Valuable Player: João Pedro (Atlético San Luis)

João Pedro stood out as the league’s MVP despite playing for mid-table Atlético San Luis. The 34-year-old Italian scored 26 goals in 38 games, topping scoring charts in both Apertura and Clausura. Signed from Hull City, Pedro became unstoppable. Even after a midseason transfer rush, he stayed and improved, though an ACL tear recently put him out indefinitely. San Luis hope he returns in 2027 to continue tormenting defenses.

• 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)