From the Premier League to Liga MX
Mexico’s elite men’s soccer league now boasts several players who have plied their trade in England’s top flight.
Liga MX has stepped up its game in the transfer market, bringing in internationally renowned players. It’s a trend that has seen legends like Ronaldinho or Bebeto grace the Mexican game in the past - while today, stars like Keylor Navas and James Rodríguez are lighting up Liga MX.
But there’s a particularly intriguing trend in this wave of signings: never before has Liga MX featured so many players with Premier League experience at the same time. Currently, at least six former Premier League standouts are playing in Mexico - and that number could grow.
Among them is Mexican icon Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, now back with Chivas. Widely remembered for his time at Manchester United and West Ham, Chicharito is joined by other notable names like Keylor Navas, Aaron Ramsey, and James Rodríguez.
Former Premier League stars now playing in Liga MX:
- Javier “Chicharito” Hernández
The Chivas striker is a household name thanks to his time in England. He played two stints with Manchester United—from 2010 to 2014, and briefly again in 2015 - scoring 59 goals in 157 appearances. He later joined West Ham from 2017 to 2019, adding 16 goals before heading to Sevilla in Spain.
- James Rodríguez
Currently suiting up for León, the Colombian playmaker had a brief but notable spell in the Premier League. He joined Everton in 2020 and played through 2021, logging 1,776 minutes across 23 matches. He tallied six goals and four assists before moving on to Al-Rayyan in Qatar.
- Keylor Navas
One of Liga MX’s marquee signings this season, the multi-time Champions League winner joined Pumas for the Apertura 2025 after a stint in Argentine football. Navas played in the Premier League in 2023 with Nottingham Forest, winning over fans and teammates during his six-month stay. “Keylor left a big legacy there,” said teammate Brandon Aguilera. “Everyone speaks highly of him - he was a true leader.”
- Aaron Ramsey
The Welsh midfielder made headlines as one of the most unexpected signings in Liga MX history. Just when it seemed his playing days were winding down, Pumas brought him in for the current campaign. Ramsey is best known for his time at Arsenal and the infamous “Ramsey Curse,” a bizarre internet theory linking his goals to celebrity deaths.
- Anthony Martial
The French striker is one of the latest additions to Liga MX. Initially linked to Pumas, he ultimately signed with Monterrey, joining a star-studded squad featuring Sergio Ramos, Sergio Canales, Lucas Ocampos and Óliver Torres. Martial spent nine years at Manchester United (2015-2024), aside from a six-month loan spell in Spain with Sevilla.
- Allan Saint-Maximin
Club América’s flashy new signing arrived from Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, but previously played for Newcastle United from 2019 to 2023. While his time in England didn’t quite meet expectations, his flair and creativity still made him a fan favorite.
- Enner Valencia
The Ecuadorian forward is rumored to be returning to Liga MX with Pachuca, a club he previously played for. If the move materializes, Valencia would rejoin the league after stints with West Ham and Everton in the Premier League - where he originally landed after impressing in Mexico.
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