In the history of Liga MX there has long been debate about which club can claim the title of a true “great” in Mexican football. A handful of teams have repeatedly proven their merit across different eras, and several factors are weighed to judge which side deserves that status.
Within the national game, four clubs are widely regarded as the sport’s powerhouses by fans: América, Chivas, Cruz Azul and Pumas. These teams are evaluated on a mix of passion, popularity, championship success, historical influence and current form.
Which club has accumulated the most Liga MX titles in Mexican history?
Apart from those four giants, three more teams consistently contend for recognition and a place at the table of the sport’s elite: Toluca, Tigres and Monterrey. They continually push to claim fifth place and earn nationwide respect.
Therefore, in GOAL an assessment is made of each candidate to determine which one earns the unofficial fifth spot among the greats based on the criteria above:
TIGRES
There is no doubt that UANL has grown rapidly over the past decade. Under coach Ricardo Ferretti, the team claimed eight titles (five Liga MX championships, one Copa MX and two Campeones de Campeones). Yet the club’s pre-2010 history weighs against a clear designation as a long-standing great. International achievements remain modest relative to the club’s domestic success, even as the squad has built a formidable legacy on the domestic stage.
In terms of fan support, Tigres are intensely devoted, often described as fearless and highly loyal. Despite the turnover in coaching staff, the squad remains among the strongest in the league thanks to strategic signings each season, a reality that continues to draw both praise and critique from other clubs in the competition.
RATING:
Hobby: 10/10 popularity: 7/10 History: 5/10 Gift: 9/10 honors: 7/10
LAST: 38/50
MONTERREY
Rayados, also based in Nuevo León, are perennial contenders for the fifth great spot. The club’s recent financial investment has accelerated growth, but its longstanding history and presence within Liga MX remain significant factors in the overall assessment.
Public sentiment among Mexican football supporters often describes the club as calm in adversity yet capable of peak performances in crucial moments. Their international exposure has helped raise the national profile, contributing positively to their standing in the overall evaluation.
RATING:
Hobby: 9/10 popularity: 7/10 History: 7/10 Gift: 8/10 honors: 8/10
LAST: 39/50
TOLUCA
Perhaps the least flashy of the trio, Toluca nonetheless makes a strong case for the fifth seat with a robust record and a rich history of scorers and resilient performances. The Devils boast a lineage of competitive achievements that keep them in the conversation.
Their popularity is more regional, with a fan base deeply rooted in the State of Mexico. The club’s notable domestic success is clear, yet national and international recognition tends to be more limited compared to the sport’s broader fan base and other clubs with wider reach.
RATING:
Hobby: 7/10 popularity: 5/10 History: 10/10 Gift: 9/10 honors: 9/10
LAST: 40/50