Rising Mexican Striker Captures Liga MX Apertura 2025 MVP Crown, Sparking National Team Excitement
Guadalajara and Mexico national team striker Armando González has been awarded the most valuable player honor for the Liga MX Apertura 2025 campaign.
The 22-year-old forward delivered outstanding performances for Guadalajara during the Apertura 2025, serving as a pivotal figure in the club's revival and remarkable run to the quarterfinals. Under Gabriel Milito's inaugural season as manager, he chose to bypass established options like Alan Pulido and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, placing his faith in González to spearhead the attack.
This bold decision proved exceptionally rewarding, as González netted vital goals throughout the tournament, becoming only the third Mexican footballer to claim the Liga MX top scorer award this decade by finding the net 12 times during the Apertura 2025.
The recognition, determined by supporter voting, was previously claimed by Alexis Vega in the Clausura 2025 tournament. González now becomes the first recipient to earn this distinction without securing the championship since Cruz Azul's Jonathan Rodriguez during the Apertura 2020.
González's exceptional campaign earned him his first selection for the Mexico national squad during November's international fixtures. Should he maintain this upward trajectory, "La Hormiga" stands an excellent chance of securing a spot in El Tri's 2026 World Cup squad.
The MVP recognition wasn't the sole major honor Liga MX distributed before the year concluded, as Mexico's premier division also unveiled the Best XI for the Apertura 2025 season.
Liga MX Apertura 2025 Best XI
Player | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
Nahuel Guzmán | Goalkeeper | Tigres |
Willer Ditta | Defender | Cruz Azul |
Joaquim | Defender | Tigres |
Jesús Gallardo | Defender | Toluca |
Carlos Rodríguez | Midfielder | Cruz Azul |
Juan Brunetta | Midfielder | Tigres |
Sergio Canales | Midfielder | Monterrey |
Alexis Vega | Winger | Toluca |
Ángel Correa | Forward | Tigres |
Armando González | Forward | Chivas |
Paulinho | Forward | Toluca |
Complete Analysis of Liga MX Apertura 2025 Best XI
Beyond González, the Apertura 2025 best XI consists exclusively of players from the four semifinal clubs.
Apertura 2025 finalists Tigres secured four selections, establishing them as the most heavily featured team in this distinguished honor. Veteran goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán is accompanied by central defender Joaquim, dynamic midfielder Juan Brunetta, and 2022 World Cup winner Ángel Correa, who fulfilled the high expectations surrounding his summer arrival at the club.
Consecutive Liga MX titleholders Toluca contributed three players to the selection. The ageless Jesús Gallardo represents the sole fullback on the roster and is accompanied by two exceptional attacking talents. Alexis Vega emerged as the final's hero and is joined by the prolific Portuguese forward Paulinho, who has consistently found the scoresheet throughout his three campaigns in Mexico.
Cruz Azul stands as the only other club with multiple representatives in the XI. Commanding center-back Willer Ditta received recognition for what may be his finest Liga MX season, alongside midfielder Carlos Rodríguez, who orchestrated La Maquina's impressive push toward the final.
Ex-Spain international Sergio Canales serves as Monterrey's sole representative in the XI, with the previously mentioned González completing the roster.
Several prominent omissions from the selection include Mexican prodigy Gilberto Mora, USMNT and Club América standout Alejandro Zendejas, plus the former Real Madrid pair of Sergio Ramos and James Rodríguez.
Toluca head coach Antonio Mohamed, who captured his fifth Liga MX championship during the Apertura 2025, received manager of the season accolades.