Tuesday, July 28, 2026
HomeFútbolUSLChicharito Becomes Atlético Dallas’ First-Ever Player

Chicharito Becomes Atlético Dallas’ First-Ever Player

Mexico’s all-time leading scorer returns to the United States after joining the USL Championship expansion club ahead of its inaugural 2027 season.

Atlético Dallas has made a historic first addition to its roster, signing legendary Mexican striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández ahead of the club’s inaugural season.

The club announced Monday that Hernández signed a two-year contract with an option for a third season. The agreement remains subject to league and federation approval. He becomes the first player signed in Atlético Dallas history.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernández becomes first signing in Atlético Dallas’ Club History (Photo Credit: USL)

Atlético Dallas is scheduled to begin competing in the USL Championship in 2027, with its home matches taking place at the historic Cotton Bowl. The USL Championship operates as the second division of professional soccer in the United States, below Major League Soccer. Former Atlético Madrid midfielder and FC Dallas interim manager Peter Luccin will lead the expansion club as its first head coach.

For Hernández, the move represents more than another stop at the end of a decorated playing career.

“I didn’t come here simply to finish my career,” Hernández said. “I came here to help build the future of football in Dallas.”

The 38-year-old joins Atlético Dallas after most recently playing for Chivas de Guadalajara, where his professional career originally began in 2006. Hernández returned to Chivas in 2024 and remained with the Liga MX club through the end of 2025.

His career has taken him to some of the most recognizable clubs in world soccer. After establishing himself with Chivas, Hernández transferred to Manchester United in 2010. He scored 37 goals in 103 Premier League appearances and won two league titles during his time in England.

Hernández later spent a season on loan with Real Madrid before joining German club Bayer Leverkusen. He subsequently returned to the Premier League with West Ham United and later played for Sevilla in Spain.

In 2020, Chicharito moved to Major League Soccer and joined the LA Galaxy. He recorded 38 goals and six assists in 74 regular-season appearances before returning to Chivas. Atlético Dallas will now become the eighth club of his senior career and mark his return to American soccer.

Earlier this month, Hernández remained involved in the sport during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, serving as a studio analyst for FOX Sports. The position marked his television broadcasting debut, as he offered analysis and perspective throughout the tournament, which concluded on July 19.

He will now shift his attention back toward playing as Atlético Dallas builds its roster and prepares for its first season.

The arrival of Mexico’s all-time leading scorer provides Atlético Dallas with an internationally recognized figure around whom it can establish its identity. Hernández will also bring nearly two decades of experience at the highest levels of European, Mexican and American soccer to a club beginning its history from the ground up.

Atlético Dallas will formally introduce Hernández during a press conference at the Cotton Bowl on July 29. A free public player presentation is also scheduled for July 31 at Gilley’s South Side Ballroom, while details regarding his official jersey unveiling will be announced at a later date.

Article: Alex Amen

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