'Chicharito' Hernández Signs with Atlético Dallas of USL Championship

Mexican football star Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández is embarking on a new chapter in his career, signing with the expansion team Atlético Dallas of the USL Championship. The announcement marks a significant acquisition for the second-tier professional league in the United States, as Hernández, 38, joins the club after leaving Guadalajara in late 2025.

Hernández has agreed to a two-year contract, with an option for a third season. In a statement, he expressed his commitment to the new franchise, stating, "I believe Dallas deserves a club that reflects its passion for soccer, its diversity, and its future. I want to contribute to creating a winning culture, inspire young players throughout North Texas, and give our supporters a team they can believe in from the start."

Atlético Dallas, which will officially debut in 2027 and play its home games at the Cotton Bowl, sees Hernández as a foundational player. He is the franchise's first signing. The club aims to rival Major League Soccer (MLS) by 2028, planning structural transformations and the introduction of promotion and relegation systems, a first for elite U.S. sports.

This move marks Hernández's return to playing in the United States, having previously played for LA Galaxy in MLS from 2020 to 2023. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, who is Mexico's all-time leading scorer with 52 goals, spent time as a sports commentator during the last World Cup before this new playing opportunity.