Cuypers chooses Liga MX over MLS and gets Red Devils call‑up

Hugo Cuypers, the 29‑year‑old former striker of KV Mechelen and AA Gent, finally received his first call‑up for the Belgian national team, while emphasizing that he does not miss the MLS for a second and regards Liga MX as more intense in his recent interview.

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Unexpected call‑up and travel problems

National team coach Mark van Bommel surprised with Cuypers' call‑up for the Nations League matches against Turkey (away) and Italy (home). The 29‑year‑old forward had to undertake a long journey, but a fellow passenger fell ill, causing the plane to make an emergency landing in Florida. Because of the emergency landing, Cuypers missed his connecting flight in Madrid and therefore arrived late in Belgium. Cuypers said the journey lasted almost 24 hours and he slept barely three hours during that period.

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Why Liga MX feels better than the MLS

Cuypers, who now plays for Monterrey, previously played for Standard Liège, RFC Seraing, Ergotelis, Olympiakos, AJ Ajaccio, KV Mechelen and AA Gent. After an adventure with Chicago Fire he hoped for a return to Europe, but ultimately chose Monterrey and has no regrets about it. He claims that the Mexican league is stronger than the MLS and that a more European style of play, intensity and a level closer to Europe is applied.

According to Cuypers, MLS matches up to the play‑offs sometimes feel almost like training games, whereas Liga MX’s six to seven clubs regularly attract 40 000 to 50 000 spectators. He also points out the lack of emotion in the MLS, where football is not a priority for many players and supporters. Cuypers notes that many red cards are shown and that players sometimes act rashly, a situation he also partly sees in the media.

The phone call from Van Bommel last Thursday hit him deeply; he was moved and his parents became emotional. Earlier, he was told by then‑national coach Rudi Garcia that he was close to the World Cup squad, but he ultimately missed out. After his first call‑up, Cuypers sees the selection not as a reward, but as the next step and recognition for his work over the past years.