Liga MX Ballon d’Or Awards 2026: Complete List of Winners
The 2026 Liga MX Ballon d’Or ceremony recognized the top talents of Mexican soccer for the 2025–26 season, covering both Apertura 2025 and Clausura 2026 tournaments.
Toluca, champions of Apertura 2025, led the awards haul with three trophies. Despite not reaching either final, Chivas players also secured three accolades. Meanwhile, Atlético San Luis earned three awards, all credited to a single standout player. Clausura 2026 winners Cruz Azul collected two awards but claimed the most prestigious team honor.
The winners were chosen through a mix of fan votes and selections by club captains and managers from all 18 teams.
Full List of Award 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)
- Best Striker: João Pedro (Atlético San Luis)
- Best Goalscorer: João Pedro (Atlético San Luis)
Details Behind the Awards
Cruz Azul finally captured their 10th Liga MX title in May 2026 after coming close over previous seasons. The team earned recognition as Best Team thanks to consistent performances, including winning the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. Joel Huiqui took charge just before the Clausura playoffs and led La Máquina to a 2–1 aggregate win over Pumas in the final.
Antonio Mohamed guided Toluca to back-to-back league titles with Apertura 2025 victory, becoming one of seven managers with five or more Liga MX championships. His success spans four different teams, a rare achievement. Choosing continental success over a third straight league crown, Mohamed’s squad won the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup despite an earlier playoff exit in Clausura 2026.
Brian Gutiérrez, a newcomer from Chicago Fire, quickly established himself at Chivas. The 22-year-old started for Mexico in their 2026 World Cup opener. He impressed under manager Gabriel Milito, contributing strongly before many players left for international duty.
Nahuel Guzmán remains a vital figure for Tigres even as he nears 40. His experience and goalkeeping skills helped Tigres reach the Apertura 2025 final. Guzmán stands as the last link to the club’s golden era amid recent departures of legends.
Erik Lira has been a defensive rock for Cruz Azul, playing mostly as a sweeper in their three-center back setup. His leadership and all-around skill earned him captaincy during their Clausura 2026 title run. A move to Europe is expected following his World Cup performances.
Bryan González impressed as the league’s best fullback with Chivas. Known for relentless runs down the left wing, his crossing ability and stamina stood out. González recorded 11 goal contributions in 40 games across the 2025–26 season despite missing out on Mexico’s World Cup squad.
Marcel Ruiz was crucial for Toluca’s consecutive league titles. His all-action style influenced every phase of play. An ACL injury in March didn’t stop him from competing, though he missed the World Cup roster and has since had surgery.
Nicolás Castro, a creative midfielder signed from Elche, became Toluca’s key playmaker. His intelligence, vision, and skillful ball control enhanced the team’s attack, adding elegance to their forward play.
João Pedro of Atlético San Luis earned MVP honors after netting 26 goals in 38 matches during the season. Despite playing for a mid-table side, he led scoring charts in both Apertura and Clausura. The 34-year-old Italian's impact was undeniable, though an ACL injury will sideline him for much of 2026.
