After parting ways with Sevilla in May 2024, Sergio Ramos remained without a club until February 2025, when he secured a move to Mexican side Monterrey.
The ex-Real Madrid and Spain captain reportedly turned down the chance to reunite with former coach José Mourinho at Fenerbahçe, instead opting for a surprising switch to Los Rayados. Ramos will don the number 93 jersey at Monterrey, a tribute to his iconic stoppage-time equalizer for Real Madrid against Atlético Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final. In this article we take a look at other surprise moves to Mexico's top division:
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André-Pierre Gignac - Tigres
French striker André-Pierre Gignac joined Tigres and went on to establish himself as one of the most successful foreign players in Liga MX history. A multiple Liga MX champion, Gignac played a key role in guiding Tigres to a Copa Libertadores final and a FIFA Club World Cup final. Over the course of a decade at Estadio Universitario, he scored more than 200 goals.
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Jeremy Ménez - Club América
French forward Jérémy Ménez, previously with Turkish club Antalyaspor, made the move to Mexico City powerhouse Club América in January 2018. During his time with Club América, Ménez found the net five times in 23 matches. However, his tenure was marred by an ACL injury in August 2018, leading to the termination of his contract a year later.
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Mauro Camoranesi - Santos Laguna, Cruz Azul
Mauro Camoranesi had a stint with Santos Laguna at the start of his career, he then returned to Liga MX once again, this time turning out for Cruz Azul. His time there included a runner-up finish in the 1999 Invierno tournament.
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Pep Guardiola - Dorados
Pep Guardiola concluded his playing career in Mexico with Dorados. During his six-month spell, he worked under coach Juanma Lillo, who would later become his assistant at Manchester City. Guardiola featured in only 10 matches for Dorados, scoring once in a season hindered by injuries.
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Ilie Dumitrescu - Atlante & Club America
The Romanian winger, Ilie Dumitrescu, remember fondly for his performances in the 1994 World Cup had brief spells Spurs, Sevilla and West Ham before making his way to Mexico, where he played for Club América and Atlante. He later returned to Romania to conclude his career with his former club, Steaua Bucharest.
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Mexico has been a destination for several high-profile footballers over the years, offering them new challenges and opportunities. Whether for a brief spell or an extended stay, these players have left their mark on Liga MX, contributing to the league’s rich footballing history.
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