Liga MX is Mexico’s top professional football league, where 18 clubs compete in two tournaments, “Apertura” (July to December) and “Clausura” (January to May).
It was founded In 1943, and It’s ranked first in CONCACAF’s league ranking and draws big crowds which makes it the most-attended football league in America and fourth In the world.
The league, also known as Liga BBVA MX, uses a playoff system (“Liguilla”) to determine champions for each tournament. Meanwhile, promotion and relegation were suspended until 2026 starting in 2020.
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Complete List of Liga MX Founders
- Club América
- Club Necaxa
- Chivas Guadalajara
- Atlante Fútbol Club
- Veracruz Sporting Club
- Atlas Fútbol Club
- Club Deportivo Marte
- Moctezuma de Orizaba
- Albinegros de Orizaba
- Asturias
1. Club América
Club América is one of the pioneers in Mexican football and we can trace its roots back to the football scene of 1916. According to history, some college students from Colegio Mascarones and Colegio Marista de la Perpetua joined together, forming the teams Récord and Colón.
In a bid to create a stronger squad, these two teams merged which gave birth to América On October 12, 1916. In 1918, the club briefly adopted the name Club Centro Unión, only to revert to América two years later.
The team faced a challenge to prove itself in the Primera Fuerza, the Mexican Football League at the time, where acceptance depended on winning three crucial games.
América succeeded, securing its place among the football elite of Mexico City. Then, América clinched its first Primera Fuerza title during the 1924–25 season.
The victory against Asturias firmed América’s prowess, leading to three consecutive titles. In 1926, América became the first Mexican club to play internationally.
2. Club Necaxa
Club Necaxa is also one of the founding members of the Liga MX. Over the years, Necaxa has clinched eight Copa MX titles and achieved notable triumphs in the Campeón de Campeones in 1966 and 1995.
The club has also tasted success on the international stage with two CONCACAF Champions League victories between 1975 (when they were known as Atlético Español) and 1999.
Despite facing challenges in the first division, Necaxa experienced a period of relegation to the Mexican second division, the Ascenso MX.
However, the club made a resilient comeback in 2016. Club Necaxa’s football legacy extends beyond Liga MX, as they previously participated in the old Primera Fuerza of the Mexico City league, winning four titles during their time.
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3. Chivas Guadalajara
Chivas is a huge part of Mexican football history as they were among the first teams to kick off the Liga MX. Remarkably, they stand among the seven teams that have never faced relegation.
Then again, they proudly boast the honor of being the only club in Mexico that refrains from signing foreign players. This strategy has proved successful, with Chivas nurturing talents like Javier Hernández, Carlos Vela, and Carlos Salcido, who have achieved international acclaim.
The team’s iconic red, white, and blue colors symbolize “Fraternity, Union, and Sports,” linking back to their founder’s hometown, Bruges.
Chivas’ success is undeniable, clinching 12 league titles and holding the record for the longest winning streak at the start of a season, an impressive 8 consecutive wins.
Internationally, they’ve made their mark in Copa Libertadores, reaching the semifinals twice (2005 and 2006) and finishing as runners-up in 2010.
4. Atlante Fútbol Club
Atlante Fútbol Club is another professional football team from Mexico City that holds a notable place in the country’s soccer history. Established in 1916, Atlante was part of the original lineup when the Mexican Primera División kicked off in 1943.
And they’ve clinched three national league championships, with two triumphs in their hometown, Mexico City, and the latest in 2007 after relocating to Cancún before eventually returning to their roots.
Impressively, they’ve bagged the Copa México thrice and secured the CONCACAF Champions Cup / CONCACAF Champions League twice.
The team’s journey took a turn after the 2013–14 season when they found themselves in Liga de Expansión MX, Mexico’s second-tier league, following relegation from Liga MX. However, Atlante showed their resilience by claiming victory in the Apertura 2021 and Apertura 2022.
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5. Veracruz Sporting Club
Veracruz Sporting Club is also one of the founding members of Liga MX. The club was founded in 1908 by local Spaniards, Ángel and Mariano Rivera, having initially played in the Liga Amateur de Veracruz.
In 1931, they joined the Liga Amateur del Distrito Federal after the departure of México FC and Real Club España. However, changes in the 1920s led to the Primera Fuerza admitting clubs from Mexico City.
Veracruz Sporting Club then returned to their local Liga Amateur de Veracruz, clinching 12 titles before the league folded in 1943.
This decision came as the Mexican league in Mexico City turned professional, allowing teams nationwide to participate.
In a move, Veracruz Sporting Club merged with local rival Iberia de Córdoba in 1942-43 to form the renowned Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz.
This marked the end of a remarkable era for Veracruz Sporting Club, which had seen them play memorable games and secure 12 domestic titles along with victories in various friendly matches.
6. Atlas Fútbol Club
Atlas Fútbol Club is one of the ten Liga MX founders and the club was formed in 1918. After a stint in Liga MX, Atlante found itself in the Liga de Expansión MX or Ascenso MX following relegation at the close of the 2013–14 season.
Regardless of this setback, the club maintained its stability and continued to contribute to football. This club boasts an impressive track record, having clinched three Liga MX titles, three Copa MX, two Campeón de Campeones, and two CONCACAF Champions League trophies.
7. Club Deportivo Marte
Club Deportivo Marte, one of the league’s founding clubs, dominated the amateur era, clinching two titles out of three in the 1928–29 season.
The first triumph in their debut year was proof of their quality as they finished with 14 points from 8 matches, including 7 victories.
At that time, a win earned you 2 points. In the 1950s, they packed their bags and shifted to Cuernavaca, Morelos. However, Marte secured the Primera División de México (Liga MX) title.
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8. Moctezuma de Orizaba
Before the Mexican first division underwent professionalization, this team played an important role in the Liga Mexicana de Football Amateur Association, being one of the founders of Liga MX.
It was founded in 1932 by workers from the Moctezuma brewery in Orizaba. The brewery owner was Impressed by their dedication, and he stepped in to sponsor the club which led to the adoption of the name Club Moctezuma de Orizaba.
The team then got to the amateur league in Veracruz. Moctezuma became the first club from Veracruz to participate in the Mexico City amateur league in 1940.
Their success story includes winning the Campeón de Campeones title in 1947 and securing victory in the Copa México twice, during the 1942–43 and 1946–47 seasons. These triumphs underscored the club’s impact, even though its journey came to an end in 1950.
9. Albinegros de Orizaba
Founded in 1898 as the “Orizaba Athletic Club,” Club Deportivo Albinegros de Orizaba is one of the Liga MX founders.
This football club, formed under the vision of Scottish migrant Duncan Mac Comish Mac Donald, initially embraced various sports, including cricket. In 1903, Albinegros became Mexico’s inaugural football champion, competing in the old Primera Fuerza.
They were among the pioneering teams in the debut of the Primera División de México, the nation’s first professional league In 1943. On December 18, 2019, Orizaba faced an unfortunate end, dissolving due to Veracruz’s disassociation.
10. Centro Asturiano de México
Centro Asturiano de México is a sports hub in Mexico City which was founded on February 7, 1918, by a group of Asturian immigrants, including José Menéndez Aleu, Ángel H. Díaz, and Antonio Martínez.
The club originally focused on football, and later, It expanded to host a variety of activities, including badminton, basketball, golf, and more.
Centro Asturiano de México became a multifaceted sports and recreational center. However, Club Asturias made its mark in the Liga Mexicana de Football Amateur Association, the precursor to the professionalized Primera División de México in 1943.
From 1919 to 1943, the team participated in the league, securing titles in 1922–23 and 1938–39. As Mexican football professionalized, Asturias clinched its third title in the inaugural professional season In 1943–44. In 1950, the club decided to disaffiliate, and this marked the end of Asturias’ senior championship era.
Pataka is a consistent and avid follower of the round leather game. He communicates his passion by editing soccer posts for various soccer platforms.