Mexican Championship. Primera. Women
The Mexican Women's Primera Division Championship, known as Liga MX Femenil, is the top tier of women's club football in Mexico. Launched in 2017 by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), it has rapidly elevated the sport, leveraging the infrastructure of Mexico's storied male Liga MX. Featuring 18 teams from top men's clubs, it delivers professional standards, packed stadiums, and fierce rivalries that captivate fans across the nation.
History and foundation
Born from the global surge in women's soccer post-2015 World Cup, Liga MX Femenil kicked off in July 2017 with 18 inaugural teams. Chivas de Guadalajara claimed the first Apertura title, edging Pachuca in a thrilling final. Monterrey followed in Clausura. A standout moment: Tigres UANL's dynasty from 2021, securing three straight titles amid packed Estadio Universitario crowds. The league navigated COVID disruptions, emerging stronger with TV deals on TUDN and Azteca. Fun fact: It boosted Mexico's national team to the 2023 World Cup Round of 16, many stars hailing from here.
Tournament format
The season splits into Apertura (July-December) and Clausura (January-May), each with a 17-game regular season round-robin. Top 6-8 teams advance to playoffs: quarterfinals, semis, and a single-match final often at the higher seed's home or neutral venue. No annual super champion, but winners qualify for CONCACAF tournaments. Play-in rounds add drama for borderline qualifiers.
Interesting facts
High-scoring affair with 3.2 goals per game average, spiking to 3.8 in recent years. Top scorers shine: Gisele Marques (Pachuca) over 50 career goals; Renata Cliche (Tigres) netted 20 in 2023 Apertura. Standouts include Blanca Felix (America) for playmaking, keeper Blanca Nunez (Toluca) with 100+ clean sheets. Academy products like Alicia Evans fuel Mexico's national team success.