The Liga MX’s biggest disappointments: players who underperformed in 2025

Liga MX has become a magnet for big‑name players — veterans with European experience, international résumés, and even World Cup winners. But 2025 proved something important: a famous name doesn’t always translate into instant success in Mexican soccer.

Throughout the year, several high‑profile signings arrived with huge salaries and sky‑high expectations. Yet many of them delivered far less than anticipated. Here are the marquee transfers that simply didn’t live up to the hype.

Allan Saint‑Maximin: the blockbuster signing that never took off

One of the most talked‑about arrivals was Allan Saint‑Maximin to Club América. The French winger landed in Coapa as a headline‑grabbing reinforcement, expected to supercharge América’s attack and dominate the flanks with his trademark explosiveness.

But the impact never came. Saint‑Maximin struggled to find consistency, never fully settling into the team or becoming the difference‑maker fans envisioned. His flashes of talent weren’t enough to offset long stretches of irregular form, and the excitement surrounding his signing faded quickly.

James Rodríguez: Individual brilliance without team results

Another move that sparked excitement was James Rodríguez joining León. The Colombian star delivered moments of pure quality — goals, assists, and the kind of creativity that has defined his career. On an individual level, he did his part.

The problem was everything around him. León endured a difficult season, far from playoff contention, and the team’s collective struggles overshadowed James’ contributions. His stint in Liga MX ultimately felt like a missed opportunity, more promising on paper than in the standings.

Sergio Ramos: Monterrey’s big gamble that never paid off

Sergio Ramos’ arrival at Monterrey was a media earthquake. With his legendary career at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, expectations were enormous. His leadership and experience were supposed to push Rayados toward titles.

Instead, his time in Liga MX was defined by inconsistency. Injuries, red cards, and uneven performances kept him from becoming the defensive anchor Monterrey needed. Ramos never truly imposed himself on the league, and Rayados fell short of the lofty goals set when he signed.

Aaron Ramsey: A frustrating chapter for Pumas

Aaron Ramsey’s move to Pumas became one of the most disappointing stories of 2025. The Welsh midfielder was brought in to lead the project in Ciudad Universitaria, but injuries and personal issues derailed his season almost immediately.

Ramsey played only a handful of matches before his situation deteriorated, leading to an early exit from the club. His stint was short, turbulent, and ultimately unsuccessful — both on the field and behind the scenes.

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.