Paulinho Names Gignac as Liga MX’s Best Foreigner After Legend Cardozo

Toluca’s star striker Paulinho has made a bold statement ahead of the Liga MX final. The Portuguese forward declared that Tigres’ André-Pierre Gignac is the most successful foreign player in Mexican football history, second only to his own club’s legend, José Saturnino Cardozo. Paulinho made these remarks during the final’s media day, setting the stage for a historic clash.

The 33-year-old is the current top scorer of the league, having won the scoring title in the last three consecutive tournaments. His prolific form helped Toluca secure the Clausura 2025 championship. Now, he faces Gignac’s Tigres in the Apertura 2025 final, directly confronting the player he just praised.

Historical Praise from a Modern Star

Paulinho’s comments carry significant weight. “Gignac has a great history in Mexico,” the Portuguese striker stated. “After Cardozo, he is the most successful foreigner in Mexico. I want to make history like him.” According to reports from outlets like Sports Illustrated Mexico, Paulinho emphasized the legacy he aims to build.

He acknowledged that matching such icons requires winning multiple titles. “To be on par with them, you have to win many championships,” Paulinho admitted. “They have many and have done a lot for Mexican football, I have not yet.” This humble admission underscores his respect for the veterans while highlighting his own ambition.

A Legacy Comparison and Final Showdown

The comparison is striking. While José Saturnino Cardozo holds the record with four Liga MX scoring titles, Paulinho has already achieved a unique three-peat—a feat neither Cardozo nor Gignac accomplished consecutively. Gignac himself has three scoring titles and is Tigres’ all-time top scorer with over 220 goals.

Where Gignac and Cardozo currently surpass Paulinho is in league championships. The Frenchman has five Liga MX trophies, and the Paraguayan legend won four. Paulinho has one and could secure his second starting this Thursday in the final. This direct duel adds a profound layer to the championship decider.

This final is not just about the Apertura 2025 trophy; it’s a pivotal chapter in the ongoing story of foreign legends in Liga MX, with Paulinho aiming to write his name alongside the greats he so openly admires.

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Q1: Who did Paulinho name as the best foreigner in Liga MX history?

Paulinho stated that José Saturnino Cardozo, the historic Paraguayan striker for Toluca, is the greatest. He immediately placed André-Pierre Gignac of Tigres as the second-best foreign player in the league’s history.

Q2: What has Paulinho achieved in his short time in Mexico?

Since arriving in the Apertura 2024, Paulinho has been the league’s top scorer for three consecutive tournaments (a tricampeonato). He also helped Toluca win the Clausura 2025 championship, totaling 45 goals in 63 games.

Q3: How does Gignac’s record compare to Cardozo’s?

José Saturnino Cardozo holds the record with four Liga MX scoring titles. André-Pierre Gignac has three scoring titles but is Tigres’ all-time top scorer and has won five league championships, one more than Cardozo’s four.

Q4: What is at stake in the upcoming final between Toluca and Tigres?

The Apertura 2025 final is a direct clash between Paulinho’s Toluca and Gignac’s Tigres. Beyond the title, it’s a symbolic battle where Paulinho can take a major step toward solidifying his own legacy against the player he praised.