Introduction
Nicolás Larcamón and Necaxa shared a gloomy outlook last semester. The Argentine coach was unemployed following a brief, unremarkable stint at Brazil’s Cruzeiro. Meanwhile, the Aguascalientes-based team finished among the bottom six in the Apertura 2024 Liga MX standings.
Their paths crossed at the start of 2025, when Necaxa’s management offered Larcamón a two-year contract. Now, they confirm a resurgence in tandem.
Necaxa’s Revival and Larcamón’s Impact
For the first time in six years, Necaxa will contest Liga MX quarters, finishing fifth in the Clausura 2025 under Larcamón’s guidance.
Their last quarters appearance was in the Apertura 2019, also marking their most recent achievement of surpassing 30 points (31, equal to the Clausura 2025 total).
Larcamón’s Coaching Philosophy
Ricardo Peláez, Necaxa’s all-time leading scorer and two-time Liga MX champion, highlights Larcamón’s coaching qualities:
- Empathy and Person-Centric Approach: Peláez emphasizes Larcamón’s ability to connect with players, considering their individual needs before focusing on their skills.
- Fair Decision-Making: He stresses the importance of just and transparent decisions, fostering trust among players.
- Player Involvement: Larcamón encourages player participation and opinions, making them feel valued and part of the process.
Necaxa’s Recent Performance and Player Contributions
Necaxa has shown remarkable improvement, boasting the second-best attack in the Clausura 2025 with 36 goals scored. Key contributors include Diber Cambindo (second-highest scorer with 11 goals) and José Paradela (second-highest assister with 7).
Peláez commends both Larcamón and the players for their roles in this success:
- Offensive Strategy: The team’s attacking style and impressive goal tally are testaments to Larcamón’s strategic acumen.
- Player Commitment: The players’ dedication and hard work have been crucial in executing the team’s offensive plans.
Necaxa’s Historical Context and Current Standing
Historically, Necaxa has not been a consistent Liguilla participant. This will be only their second appearance in six years, having previously managed only Play-In stage participation.
Moreover, Necaxa endures the second-longest title drought among current Liga MX teams, with their last championship dating back to the Invierno 1998 season, surpassed only by Puebla’s most recent title in 1990.
Economic Value and Team Composition
Necaxa’s squad is ranked eighth in Liga MX’s most valuable teams, with a market value of 49.6 million euros, according to Transfermarkt. This places them behind Chivas and Pachuca, with America leading at 90.9 million euros.
The team made only two winter market acquisitions – Diber Cambindo and José Paradela, who played on loan the previous season. Their impressive performances led to the activation of buy-back options from Cruz Azul and River Plate, investing 5.8 million euros.
Additional signings were loan acquisitions solidified under Larcamón, including Diego De Buen, Iván Rodríguez, and Pavel Pérez. Conversely, Necaxa sold Heriberto Jurado, a 20-year-old Mexican homegrown talent, to Cercle Brugge in Belgium for 1.65 million euros.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Nicolás Larcamón? An Argentine football coach who recently led Necaxa to a resurgence in Liga MX after a brief, unsuccessful stint at Brazil’s Cruzeiro.
- What is Necaxa’s recent performance in Liga MX? Necaxa finished 5th in the Clausura 2025 with the second-best attack, qualifying for Liga MX quarters for the first time in six years.
- What are Necaxa’s economic values and team composition? Necaxa’s squad is ranked eighth in Liga MX’s most valuable teams, with strategic acquisitions and sales shaping their current roster.
