Erik Lira

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.

Cruz Azul

On 4 January 2022, Lira signed with Cruz Azul on a contract extending through December 2025. 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. The deal collapsed on 1 September after the French side…

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.

Club

As of match played on 6 September 2026

International

As of match played on 5 July 2026

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