Pachuca and Monterrey represented Mexico at the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
For both sides, it was an opportunity to highlight their quality on a global stage whilst going toe-to-toe with some of the biggest clubs from around the world.
In the case of Pachuca, they suffered three straight defeats but were unlucky to not pick up any points. As for Los Rayados, they managed to reach the round of 16, before losing to Borussia Dortmund.
Nonetheless, both clubs had people talking, and certain players caught the interest of the world.
Here is our top five Liga MX players at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
5. Bryan González - Pachuca
The first goalscorer of a Mexican club at the Club World Cup, Bryan González hit the back of the net with a thunderous free-kick in Pachuca's opening game against RB Salzburg.
Beyond his goal, the 22-year-old left-back impressed as a dynamic attacking presence, confidently driving forward with the ball while also delivering crucial tackles and blocks in defence.
Pachuca had a difficult group, but González showed his qualities at both ends of the pitch against some of the best in the world.
4. Esteban Andrada - Monterrey
Esteban Andrada faced his fair share of criticism as Monterrey failed to make it beyond the Clausura quarter-finals, but he made amends with some excellent performances at the Club World Cup.
Playing his part in a historic 1-1 draw with Inter Milan, Andrada kept his cool to prevent the Italians from taking all three points before earning the Man of the Match award when Los Rayados kept a clean sheet in the second game against River Plate, a game where the Argentine goalkeeper needed to make six saves.
Monterrey gave their all at the competition, but Andrada can take pride in his two clean sheets, whilst helping the side reach the knockout rounds.
3. Elías Montiel - Pachuca
Interest in the 19-year-old Elías Montiel has continued to rise after his performances at the tournament.
Montiel proved to the world that he is a comfortable dribbler of the ball whilst being able to dig deep in duels against the likes of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Despite being unable to pick up any points at the Club World Cup, Montiel scored a consolation goal against Real Madrid to join Gonzalez as one of the standout players for Los Tuzos.
Pachuca's 2-0 loss to Al Hilal may just haven been the young midfielders last appearance for the club, given heightened interest from clubs in Europe.
2. Sergio Ramos - Monterrey
The legendary Sergio Ramos showed his class, honouring the fans after Monterrey's exit from the competition, but his own performances deserve recognition.
Ramos lit up the tournament opener, rising above Inter Milan's Francesco Acerbi to head Los Rayados into a shock lead. As the Italians pushed forward, the 39-year-old stood firm, tallying 11 clearances, two blocks, and four interceptions, performances that earned him the Man of the Match award.
Just like Andrada, the ex-Real Madrid star was instrumental in Monterrey’s clean sheets against both River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds, contributing with crucial tackles and well-timed blocks.
1. Nelson Deossa - Monterrey
Undoubtedly, the best Liga MX performance at the Club World Cup was from the Colombian midfielder, Nelson Deossa.
Joining Monterrey from Pachuca last season, it's taken the 25-year-old some time to adjust, but he came into his own this summer.
Deossa demonstrated that he is a natural ball carrier, physically dominant and lethal finisher in the middle of the park, topping off his performance at the tournament with a long-range goal against Urawa.
Whilst the Colombian was a second-half substitute against Inter Milan, he started against River Plate and showed why he was needed. Recording a 90% pass completion, 100% tackles won and forcing the Argentines to foul him seven times in the game.
As is the case with Montiel, Deossa has risen to the top of many clubs' wish list this summer, with impressive performances in all three of the matches he started.
Which players impressed you the most? Let us know!
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