Erik Lira

Érik Antonio Lira Méndez (born 8 May 2000) is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Liga MX club Cruz Azul, which he captains, and the Mexico national team.

Club career

Pumas UNAM Lira began his career in 2013 when he joined the youth academy of Pumas UNAM. Five years later, he moved to Necaxa, making his professional debut on 1 August 2018, in a Copa MX match against Tampico Madero. He eventually returned to Pumas, where he marked his Liga MX debut on 3 August 2020, contributing to a victory over Atlas. He made his debut for the club on 9 January against Tijuana. On 26 June 2022, he won his first professional title when Cruz Azul defeated Atlas on penalties to win the Supercopa de la Liga MX. Lira made his debut as club captain on 31 August 2024 in a 4–1 home victory over América in the Clásico Joven.

On 1 June 2025, Cruz Azul won the CONCACAF Champions Cup after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the final, marking Lira's second title with the club. Following the departure of Ignacio Rivero on 6 January 2026, Lira was officially appointed as the permanent club captain. Four months later, he lifted his first trophy as captain on 24 May, when Cruz Azul defeated Pumas UNAM 2–1 on aggregate to win the Clausura 2026 championship. At the start of the 2026–27 season, Lira secured his second trophy as captain, and his fourth overall with the club, by winning the Campeón de Campeones.

In late August 2026, Cruz Azul and Monaco reached an agreement for Lira’s transfer, but the deal collapsed on 1 September after the French side failed to offload Folarin Balogun before the deadline.

International career In May 2021, Lira was called up by Jaime Lozano to participate with the Mexico under-23 team for June friendlies against Romania, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. On 27 October, Lira made his senior national team debut under Gerardo Martino in a friendly match against Ecuador.

On 10 October 2023, Lira was included Ricardo Cadena's Mexico under-23 roster for the Pan American Games. Mexico attained the bronze medal after defeating the United States 4–1 in the third-place match.

Lira was named in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted on home soil.

Career statistics Club

International

+ Appearances and goals by national team and year National team Year Apps GoalsMexico 2021 2 0 2022 1 0 2023 1 0 2024 1 0 2025 12 0 2026 12 0 Total 29 0

Honours Cruz Azul Liga MX: Clausura 2026 Campeón de Campeones: 2026 Supercopa de la Liga MX: 2022 CONCACAF Champions Cup: 2025

Mexico U23 Pan American Bronze Medal: 2023

Mexico CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2025 CONCACAF Nations League: 2024–25

Individual Liga MX Best XI: Apertura 2021 Liga MX All-Star: 2021, 2022, 2025, 2026 Liga MX Best Center-back: 2025–26