Departing Ramsey adds name to roll call of high-profile Pumas flops
As Aaron Ramsey ends a short-lived stint with Pumas, we take a look back over some of the club’s most prominent transfer-market failures.
In recent years, Pumas have made efforts to attract internationally renowned players, hoping their presence would raise the team’s level and shine a global spotlight on Mexican soccer. But not every signing lived up to the hype: some left behind more questions than accomplishments.
There are several cases where players arrived with the promise of becoming fan favorites, only to fall short. Their time with the club was either brief or marred by off-field issues and injuries, ultimately affecting their performance and legacy.
Stars signings who didn’t perform for Pumas:
- Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey this week agreed to part ways with Pumas, just four months after joining. He had last played for the club in September, having suffered a muscle injury just before the October international break and endured personal problems following the disappearance of his pet.
During his stint with the club, Ramsey appeared in just six matches, starting three and logging only 235 minutes of play, with one goal to his name. The Welshman’s time in Mexico was severely limited by recurring injuries that kept him sidelined from the moment he arrived.
- Dani Alves
The Brazilian icon joined Pumas ahead of the Apertura 2022 and played in 11 matches, with the team managing just one win during that stretch. After the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Alves was accused of sexual assault in Barcelona, prompting the club to terminate his contract.
Alves’ spell in Mexico was defined more by controversy than by his contributions on the pitch.
- Bernd Schuster
German midfielder Bernd Schuster arrived in 1996 with a strong résumé, having played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, he failed to make an impact in Mexico. He played only nine matches for Los Universitarios, before quietly hanging up his boots.
- Luis García Sanz
Luis García Sanz, who had previously played for Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Liverpool, took a chance on Mexican soccer, first joining Puebla before signing with Pumas in 2012.
Unfortunately, the Spaniard’s time in Mexico didn’t go as planned. Tensions with head coach Mario Carrillo overshadowed his spell with Los Auriazules, preventing him from making a lasting impression.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment