Pumas player leaves the team after two Apertura 2026 matches

Mexican midfielder Ulises Rivas has officially announced his departure from Pumas UNAM, concluding a four-year tenure with the club. The announcement came just hours after Pumas achieved their first victory of the Apertura 2026 season, defeating Toluca. This win has temporarily eased criticism surrounding coach Esteban Solari's project.

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Today it's time to say goodbye to this incredible team after almost four years. To my teammates, staff, and kit men, simply thank you for making me feel at home from the beginning. The friendships and experiences we shared will not fade with time.

Rivas, 30, shared his farewell message on social media, expressing deep gratitude to his teammates, coaching staff, and kit men for making him feel at home. He also thanked the technical bodies and management for their trust and acknowledged learning much from them. "The friendships and experiences we shared will not fade with time," Rivas wrote, emphasizing the bonds formed during his time with the team.

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You are the soul of this great team.

Addressing the fans, Rivas stated he wore the Pumas colors with pride and always gave his best in training and matches. "You are the soul of this great team," he declared, highlighting the unique atmosphere of playing at Ciudad Universitaria. He specifically mentioned the unforgettable experience of singing the anthem before each game and hearing the roar of the crowd after a goal.

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Nothing compares to singing the anthem before each game, feeling CU roar after a goal, and receiving your support at every moment. That is never forgotten.

Rivas's departure marks the end of his 87-game spell with the club. His message concluded with the club's traditional chant, "Once a Puma, always a Puma. Goya!" The timing of his exit, following a crucial win, leaves the team preparing for its next match without one of its popular players.

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Once a Puma, always a Puma. Goya!