Liga MX Ballon d’Or 2026: Complete Winners List

Mexico’s Liga MX celebrated its best players, coach, and team of the 2025–26 season at the annual Ballon d’Or awards gala. This ceremony covered performances across both Apertura 2025 and Clausura 2026 tournaments.

Toluca, champions of Apertura 2025, led the awards haul with three honors. Despite not reaching finals, Chivas players also secured three awards, while Atlético San Luis earned three awards through one standout player. Meanwhile, Clausura 2026 winners Cruz Azul received two awards but claimed the most prestigious team prize.

How Winners Were Chosen

A combination of fan votes plus votes from all 18 club captains and managers determined the award recipients.

2026 Liga MX Ballon d’Or Award Recipients

• 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 (MVP): João Pedro (Atlético San Luis)

Team of the Year: Cruz Azul

After years near the top, Cruz Azul finally won their 10th league title during Clausura 2026, becoming only the fourth club in Mexico to reach double digits. Known as La Máquina, they had been consistent playoff contenders for five straight seasons and also claimed the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Joel Huiqui took over as manager just before the playoffs and remains unbeaten in his first ten matches, guiding Cruz Azul to a 2–1 aggregate win over Pumas in the final. Their strong regular season and thrilling championship made them the clear choice for Best Team.

Top Coach: Antonio Mohamed

Antonio Mohamed led Toluca to back-to-back league titles by winning Apertura 2025. Joining an elite group of seven managers with five or more Liga MX championships, Mohamed has achieved this success with four different clubs—an impressive feat matched by only three others.

Mohamed’s tactical approach favored continental competition in early 2026, which saw Toluca exit the Clausura quarterfinals but ultimately win the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Rising Star: Brian Gutiérrez

Brian Gutiérrez emerged from relative obscurity after moving from MLS’s Chicago Fire to Chivas. By mid-2026, the 22-year-old was starting for Mexico in their World Cup opener against South Africa.

Under coach Gabriel Milito, Gutiérrez became a key figure during Clausura 2026. Although the national team’s World Cup call-ups impacted Chivas’ playoff chances, Gutiérrez impressed in his debut Liga MX season with room to grow.

Goalkeeping Legend: Nahuel Guzmán

Approaching 40, Nahuel Guzmán still plays a vital role for Tigres. He was key in their run to the Apertura 2025 final, showcasing experience, leadership, and sharp reflexes despite the departure of other club greats.

Guzmán is set to be remembered as one of Liga MX’s all-time best goalkeepers.

Defensive Rock: Erik Lira

Erik Lira, though naturally a midfielder, played as a sweeper in Cruz Azul’s three-center back formation. The 26-year-old’s energy, ball skills, and leadership helped guide La Máquina to the Clausura title. Missing playoffs due to World Cup duties, he still captained the side.

Lira is expected to move to Europe soon, having proven himself in Mexican football.

Best Fullback: Bryan González

Bryan González stood out on Chivas’ left side, known for relentless runs, strong crosses, and solid defense. While teammate Richard Ledezma dazzled, González’s all-around game earned him recognition as Liga MX’s best fullback.

He tallied 11 goal contributions in 40 games during 2025–26 and impressed at the 2025 Club World Cup with Pachuca prior to joining Chivas.

Midfield Engine: Marcel Ruiz

Marcel Ruiz was crucial to Toluca’s consecutive titles. A dynamic midfielder, he influenced every aspect of play. Despite a partial ACL tear in March 2026, Ruiz pushed through to help secure the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup before undergoing surgery that will sideline him for the rest of the year.

Creative Force: Nicolás Castro

Nicolás Castro, an Argentine attacking midfielder who joined Toluca from Elche last summer, brought creativity and intelligence to the squad. Operating mainly as a No. 10, he excelled at tight spaces, vision, and passing.

At 25, Castro might still reach new heights in his Liga MX career.

MVP and Top Scorer: João Pedro

João Pedro from Atlético San Luis captured the Most Valuable Player honor. The 34-year-old Italian scored 26 goals in 38 matches across both tournaments, leading as top scorer despite his team’s mid-table finish.

Pedro arrived free from Hull City and quickly became unstoppable. Though teams tried to sign him during winter, he stayed and improved his tally to 14 goals in Clausura. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL injury recently, putting his return possibly in 2027.

• Awards won by João Pedro:
• Most Valuable Player (MVP)
• Best Striker
• Top Goalscorer