As the Liga MX Liguilla quarterfinals approach, all eyes are on the impact of high-profile signings made prior to the postseason. Several clubs invested heavily in bolstering their rosters with established stars, hoping to gain an edge in the chase for the Apertura 2025 title. This report examines how those marquee players have performed, separating those who have thrived under pressure from those who have yet to justify their acquisitions.
Some Stars Shined, Others Delivered, But Some Didn’t Live Up to Expectations
The marquee signings for the eight teams that qualified for the Liguilla playoffs will need to step up this week as they guide their squads in pursuit of the coveted Apertura 2025 title.
Among the teams battling in the quarterfinals are several players brought in to be leaders at the most important moment of the season.
Some have shone brightly, others have met expectations, but several high-profile additions to Liga MX didn’t deliver on their promise during the regular phase.
How Did the Star Signings Perform in the Liguilla?
América made a splash with the signing of the French international for the Apertura 2025 season, and he has largely delivered, despite some inconsistent performances throughout the tournament. When focused on attacking, he’s a force down the left flank, but hasn’t maintained that level of play every week.
He’s the second-leading player in Liga MX in successful offensive one-on-one battles, but leads the league in successful offensive one-on-ones that resulted in a goal (36% effectiveness). He’s also second on his team in accurate crosses from the left and América’s leading shooter.
Minutes: 663
Goals: 3
Assists: 2
The Argentina World Cup champion arrived at Tigres as a major signing, following ten seasons with Atlético de Madrid where he won a LaLiga title, a Europa League, and a Super Cup. His performance has lived up to the hype, becoming the leading goalscorer for the felinos during the Apertura 2025 with eight goals, and also playing a key role in the Leagues Cup with five more.
He was involved in 12 of the team’s goals under Guido Pizarro this season.
Minutes: 1,801
Goals: 8
Assists: 4
The midfielder arrived from Necaxa as one of the team’s key acquisitions for the semester, and he has delivered on that promise. He’s among the top assist leaders in Liga MX with five assists throughout the tournament. He was a constant threat in the opponent’s half, registering 30 shots on goal during the regular season.
Minutes: 1,347
Goals: 3
Assists: 5
The French forward arrived surprisingly at age 29 with hopes of dominating Mexican soccer. However, that hasn’t materialized, and Monterrey hasn’t been able to justify the high salary they’re paying the former Manchester United striker.
He never earned a starting spot and the flashes of brilliance he showed weren’t enough to translate into goals.
Minutes: 289
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
The former forward from Tijuana was one of the most anticipated additions to Chivas’ attack and has delivered, participating in six goals throughout the tournament.
EfraÃn has become one of the Rebaño’s top offensive performers, leading the team in accurate crosses (17), goal contributions, accurate passes in the final third, and ranking second in successful offensive one-on-ones.
Minutes: 1,054
Goals: 2
Assists: 4
The Mexican-American arrived this summer to Guadalajara from PSV. The right-back was a starter for much of the Apertura 2025, but it was in the closing stages of the regular season that he truly adapted to Liga MX, with his passes leading to goals.
Minutes: 827
Goals: 0
Assists: 5
