Chivas most fans, America most hated

Chivas Guadalajara is the most loved team in Mexico and America the most hated, at least according to a recent Mitofsky opinion poll carried out in January this year.

Chivas is the favourite team of 25 percent of all Mexican football fans with arch-rivals in second place on 24 percent. Chivas play with an all-Mexican roster whereas America pride themselves on importing skilful foreigners. The reason behind Chivas maintaining the number one spot despite a poor run of form over the last six months could be down to the success of former player Chicharito at Manchester United and their run to the final of last year’s Copa Libertadores.

A total of 41 percent of those questioned said America was their most hated team. Chivas was in second on 13 percent.

In terms of popularity, Cruz Azul are the third most supported Mexican team with 11 percent. The Mexico City team’s support slipped to the lowest point in the last five years despite them finishing top of the general table last season.

Making up the last spot of Mexico’s traditional ‘big four’ is Pumas with 8 percent. Behind them were Monterrey and Santos on 6 percent. Toluca’s support fell to just 3 percent.

There is a saying in Mexico that the president is always a Chivas fan because if the team wins the title people are happy and not focussing on the country’s pressing problems.