Keylor Navas, goalkeeper for Pumas, has been officially nominated by Liga MX for the "Best Goalkeeper" award following his performance in the 2026 Clausura tournament. This recognition highlights his role in leading the university side to the league final and securing a historic 36-point regular season finish.
Navas’ Performance in the 2026 Clausura
Keylor Navas proved to be a defensive anchor for Pumas throughout the 17-match regular season. According to official league statistics, he recorded 73 saves, averaging 4.2 stops per game. His presence in the net was a primary factor in Pumas finishing the campaign with the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding only 17 goals.
Navas maintained a clean sheet in seven of his 17 regular-season appearances. His impact extended into the Liguilla, where he kept the opposition scoreless in the semifinal second leg against Pachuca and the final first leg against Cruz Azul. Since his debut for the club on July 26 of last year, against Querétaro, Navas has appeared in 42 official matches.
The Liga MX Awards Selection Process
The nomination for the "Best Goalkeeper" award serves as an official acknowledgment of Navas’ contributions to Pumas’ tactical success during the 2026 season. The award winner is determined through a public voting process. Fans interested in participating can cast their votes via the link provided.
Context of the Nomination
This nomination places Navas among the league’s top-performing players, setting the stage for his participation in the All-Star Game against the MLS. His statistical output in the 2026 Clausura—specifically his 4.2 saves per match—placed him just behind Mazatlán’s Ricardo González, who led the category with 78 saves.
The recognition reflects a notable season for Pumas, which saw the team reach the title match in Ciudad Universitaria. The club’s 36-point finish in the regular season stands as a historical record for the institution, a feat heavily attributed to the defensive stability provided by the captain.