Mexico City, July 2025 – Aaron Ramsey embarks on Mexican adventure with Pumas UNAM. In a daring combination of ambition and cultural trailblazing, former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey embarks a signature with Liga MX historically significant club Pumas UNAM. The 34-year-old, who was a free agent after leaving Cardiff City, will join the Mexico City club on a one-year deal with optional extension and become the first high-profile British player to play in Mexico’s top league.
From Cardiff’s Relegation to Pumas’ Revival
Ramsey’s exit from his hometown club Cardiff City came after a turbulent season with the Bluebirds. However, re-signing with Cardiff in 2023, Ramsey had his season ravaged by injury. Moreover, he only managed to make 10 appearances in the league. In a funny twist of fate, following Omer Riza’s departure, he actually finished the season as interim manager for the last three Championship games. Notheless, the club ended the season in free fall, drawing two and losing one to fall all the way to League One. He has had discussions about a managerial role but his aim to be a player prevailed. “The World Cup is a massive carrot being dangled,” he said in April, referring to Wales’ potential qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Why Mexico? The World Cup Catalyst
Ramsey passed expensive offers from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to join Pumas, a team that finished 10th in the recently concluded Clausura season, but offers passionate fans and the chance to compete for the CONCACAF Champions Cup. His decision is tactically personal:
Road to 2026: Aaron Ramsey, captain of Wales (86 caps, 21 goals) wishes to represent his country in the World Cup which has the first match in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He is still in the limelight playing for a club in Mexico City.
Agent Links: Puma’s coach Efraín Juárez is with the same agency as Ramsey, so while Juárez was able to get Ramsey to Mexico, he was negotiating his own transfer.
Historic Opportunity: Acknowledging the importance of the move, Ramsey said during the announcement, “I am excited to be joining such a historic club”. Pumas announced his arrival on social media as he is a player whose name “shines on the biggest stages in the world”.
Adapting to Liga MX: “Google, YouTube, and Stuff Like That”
At his unveiling, Ramsey admitted his Liga MX knowledge came partly from casual research. “Google, some YouTube, and stuff like that”. Yet he expressed genuine enthusiasm: “I’ve seen some matches and I am very impressed… I’m here to do my part”. His new chapter begins urgently. Pumas open the Apertura campaign on July 12 against Santos Laguna. Therefore, Ramsey could debut in a July friendly against Spain’s Leganés.
🚨🏴 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Aaron Ramsey (34) has signed for Mexican side Pumas UNAM! ✅
Clubs he has played for: Cardiff City, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest (loan), Juventus, Rangers (loan), OGC Nice… now, time for the Mexican league. 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/nwHXF8RhLQ
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 4, 2025
Ramsey brings a sterling pedigree:
Arsenal Icon: Ramsey made 369 appearances in 11 seasons. He scored 64 goals and is the scorer of 2 FA Cup Final winning goals (2014, 2017).
Global Pedigree: Titles with Juventus, Olympian, and was on Euro 2016 Team of the Tournament.
Leadership: Aaron Ramsey now captain Wales from a position that Gareth Bale used to captain. He also helps brings Wales through a transformation in all areas. Furthermore, he help them integrate into a “..footballing nation with a vision of the future..”.
Pumas is one of Mexico’s “big four” clubs. But they are trophy-less since 2011. However, they gain a midfielder renowned for late runs and big-game composure. Ramsey also eyes marquee fixtures like the Leagues Cup clash against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on August 6.
A New Chapter in Ciudad Universitaria
Ramsey bid farewell to Cardiff with “a lot of different emotions,” but embraced his Mexican odyssey as a “new adventure”. For Pumas, his signing signals ambition; for Ramsey, it’s a calculated step toward World Cup glory. He settles in Mexico City, a potential World Cup stage. The Welshman’s journey from Arsenal’s hero to Liga MX pioneer captivates two continents.
Ramsey’s debut for Pumas expected to be in July 12 at Santos Laguna.
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