As soon as seen as a haven for international soccer icons searching for to reignite their careers, Liga MX’s luster is beginning to fade. In latest months, followers in Mexico have witnessed a sluggish however plain exodus of star names. After James Rodriguez’s anticipated departure from Membership Leon, one other former European standout has quietly packed his luggage — whereas Sergio Ramos continues to ponder his personal unsure future at Monterrey.
Sergio Ramos’ arrival in Mexico was headline materials. The previous Actual Madrid captain, a legend of each Spain and Europe, joined Monterrey in early 2025 following a brief return to Sevilla. It was a daring transfer, one which turned the highlight towards Liga MX as soon as extra.
Now, captain underneath coach Domenec Torrent, Ramos has already notched seven targets in 26 appearances, main his facet to the 2025 Membership World Cup Spherical of 16. However together with his contract set to run out in December, the Spaniard has admitted his future is up within the air. “Sure, it’s true that my contract ends in December, however hopefully we are able to keep right here as a result of we’re very completely satisfied and cozy,” Ramos stated.
Whereas the Spaniard nonetheless enjoys adoration in Monterrey, his star attraction displays a broader sample of Liga MX’s fleeting relationship with European veterans — a league that may seduce huge names however typically struggles to maintain them.
Sergio Ramos of Monterrey.
James Rodriguez: From stardom to uncertainty
The story of James Rodriguez completely captures this paradox. Leon had guess huge on the Colombian playmaker after his departure from Rayo Vallecano. His signing was some of the glamorous in latest Liga MX historical past, coming with expectations of worldwide relevance and business attraction.
However these expectations shortly crumbled. Leon’s disqualification from the FIFA Membership World Cup, coupled with inconsistent kind, created a poisonous combine. Based on ESPN, Membership Leon has determined to not renew James Rodríguez’s contract, which expires on the finish of the Apertura 2025 season.
Now 34, James is reportedly exploring choices each inside Mexico and overseas, although “a transfer to MLS may very well be difficult as a result of its calendar,” per ESPN. Because the 2026 World Cup looms, he hopes to take care of kind to captain Colombia one final time on soccer’s grandest stage.
James Rodriguez of Leon
One other ex-Europe star bows out
Whereas Ramos and James have stored their futures within the headlines, one other ex-European star has already stated goodbye to Mexico. After months of accidents and private turmoil, Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey has terminated his contract with Pumas UNAM, bringing his brief Mexican chapter to an abrupt finish.
Ramsey, who joined the membership in July 2025 after leaving Cardiff Metropolis, was hailed as a marquee signing — the primary British participant of his caliber to characteristic in Liga MX. However actuality quickly clashed with expectation. The 34-year-old managed simply six appearances and one purpose earlier than accidents derailed his season.
Worse but, tragedy struck off the sector. Ramsey’s beloved canine, Halo, went lacking in Guanajuato in early October. Distraught, the midfielder launched a social media marketing campaign providing a $20,000 reward for her secure return. “What I’d do to carry you one final time, Halo,” he wrote in a heartbreaking Instagram publish.
Based on ESPN Mexico, the emotional pressure of the incident, mixed with ongoing muscle accidents, left Ramsey “utterly distracted” and unable to report for coaching. Finally, each participant and membership agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
In a short assertion, Ramsey admitted: “It was not a simple selection, however I consider it’s the greatest determination for me at this second.” He has since returned to the UK to be together with his household and is contemplating retirement or a transition into teaching.
