Europe, beware: Mexico's Liga MX Femenil has become a hotbed for star-studded players seeking new challenges, with France's Eugénie Le Sommer leading the charge. The French forward joined Toluca last summer, alongside former teammate Amandine Henry, and has quickly proven herself to be an asset in the league.
The Mexican league has been touted as one of the top five leagues in the world, thanks to its unique 18-team division structure and competitive schedule. With each team playing every other team twice in two separate competitions, the calendar is packed with games that stretch across a year. The result is crowds of thousands packing stadiums for each match, a far cry from the often sparse attendance figures seen in European leagues.
Le Sommer, who has spent 15 years at Lyon and won a Champions League title, says she was drawn to Mexico's "different" culture and her desire to enjoy something new before hanging up her boots. The French forward admits it was challenging to leave Europe behind but is thrilled with her decision so far, citing the league's high level of competition, dynamic atmosphere, and massive fan base.
"I've been really impressed by those attendances," she says. "It's like the USA or England, and I think in the future it's going to be even better. I think Europe can be afraid of what is happening here because they have the ability to attract top players."
Le Sommer's sentiments are echoed by her Toluca teammates, including fellow French compatriots Amandine Henry and Faustine Robert. The trio has formed a formidable attacking unit, with Le Sommer scoring a hat-trick in their opening-day 5-3 victory.
With two French coaches guiding the team, including Henry's former Lyon teammate Patrice Lair, Le Sommer says she's found it easy to settle into her new role. And despite having played an average of three games per week for years, she's relishing the extra opportunities on offer in Mexico.
"I think in Europe when you are not in the Champions League you don't have enough games," she explains. "I had national team games, Champions League, cups, so I played three times a week for a lot of years, but if you don't have that you have 22 games a season. That's why I like it here."
With Toluca on the upswing and Le Sommer firing on all cylinders, Mexico's Liga MX Femenil is rapidly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in women's football. As Europe takes notice of the league's growing talent pool, one thing is clear: the continent should indeed be afraid – of losing top players to this exciting new frontier.
The Mexican league has been touted as one of the top five leagues in the world, thanks to its unique 18-team division structure and competitive schedule. With each team playing every other team twice in two separate competitions, the calendar is packed with games that stretch across a year. The result is crowds of thousands packing stadiums for each match, a far cry from the often sparse attendance figures seen in European leagues.
Le Sommer, who has spent 15 years at Lyon and won a Champions League title, says she was drawn to Mexico's "different" culture and her desire to enjoy something new before hanging up her boots. The French forward admits it was challenging to leave Europe behind but is thrilled with her decision so far, citing the league's high level of competition, dynamic atmosphere, and massive fan base.
"I've been really impressed by those attendances," she says. "It's like the USA or England, and I think in the future it's going to be even better. I think Europe can be afraid of what is happening here because they have the ability to attract top players."
Le Sommer's sentiments are echoed by her Toluca teammates, including fellow French compatriots Amandine Henry and Faustine Robert. The trio has formed a formidable attacking unit, with Le Sommer scoring a hat-trick in their opening-day 5-3 victory.
With two French coaches guiding the team, including Henry's former Lyon teammate Patrice Lair, Le Sommer says she's found it easy to settle into her new role. And despite having played an average of three games per week for years, she's relishing the extra opportunities on offer in Mexico.
"I think in Europe when you are not in the Champions League you don't have enough games," she explains. "I had national team games, Champions League, cups, so I played three times a week for a lot of years, but if you don't have that you have 22 games a season. That's why I like it here."
With Toluca on the upswing and Le Sommer firing on all cylinders, Mexico's Liga MX Femenil is rapidly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in women's football. As Europe takes notice of the league's growing talent pool, one thing is clear: the continent should indeed be afraid – of losing top players to this exciting new frontier.
. I mean, who needs packed stadiums and a competitive schedule when you can have a bunch of mid-week games against mediocre teams? 
And don't even get me started on the whole "different culture" thing... like anyone really doesn't know what they're getting into when they join an all-woman's league in Mexico 
. But hey, if the women's game is looking for a boost, maybe Europe can finally learn to appreciate some quality competition and crowds beyond the 1000-person mark 
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. It's amazing to see star-studded players like Eugénie Le Sommer making a name for themselves in the league, and I've gotta say, it's a bit concerning for European leagues 
. The competitiveness, atmosphere, and fan base in Mexico are on another level – it's no wonder top players are flocking there to join the party 
. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to play 22 games a season compared to their usual 20-25? It's like a breath of fresh air for these talented women 
. I'm excited to see how this new frontier unfolds and whether Europe will be able to compete with the likes of Mexico when it comes to attracting top talent 
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I mean, we've all heard about Europe's struggles with attendance and player retention, but it seems like the Mexican league is the complete opposite 
. The fact that top players are flocking to join Eugénie Le Sommer and her teammates says a lot about the league's appeal. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to play in front of thousands of screaming fans on a regular basis? 
It's like the ultimate boost for any athlete's confidence. I think Europe has every right to be concerned - if Mexico can attract talent like this, it could give them a serious headache in the future 
European leagues need to step up their game if they want to keep attracting top talent like Le Sommer. The Mexican league is definitely on the rise and I love how passionate its fans are! Thousands of people packing stadiums every match? That's what makes football so special, right? 