Pumas sign Juninho to end their Liga MX title drought

Pumas have launched a new era with a clear objective: finally end their long championship drought. After being eliminated in the Play-In round of the Apertura 2025, the club’s board implemented deep structural and sporting changes in an effort to return the team to the top of Mexican football. The appointment of Antonio Sancho as sporting director marked the first step in a project built for immediate results.

As part of that rebuild, Brazilian striker Juninho Vieira emerged as one of the most exciting signings ahead of the Clausura 2026. Arriving from Flamengo, Juninho landed at Ciudad Universitaria with a clear mission — help Pumas break a Liga MX title drought that now exceeds 15 years. The forward showed strong motivation from day one and stressed that his focus is not on personal numbers, but on collective success.

“I know Liga MX is very competitive and I’m happy to be here. I’ve come to help the team win matches and collect three points,” Juninho said, revealing that conversations with friends already playing in Mexico played a key role in his decision to join Pumas.

The urgency surrounding the project is easy to understand. Throughout their history, Pumas have reached 14 league finals but lifted the Liga MX trophy only seven times. Their last championship dates back to 2011, when they defeated Monarcas Morelia — a celebration that now feels distant for the university fan base.

Since then, the club has endured a cycle of ups and downs, including lost finals such as the Apertura 2015 against Tigres and the Guardianes 2020 against León, along with frequent absences from the Liguilla. That inconsistency has increased pressure on the squad, which now places renewed hope in reinforcements like Juninho.

The Brazilian forward is scheduled to train with the team for the first time on Monday, January 5, as anticipation continues to build. With a new sporting project underway and optimism restored, Pumas believe the Clausura 2026 could finally mark the beginning of the end of their painful Liga MX title drought.