Mexico's all-time leading scorer Javier "Chicharito" Hernández has signed a two-year contract with USL expansion side Atlético Dallas, the club announced on Monday, July 27.
Hernández is the first signing for Atlético Dallas, which will begin play in the second-tier USL Championship in the 2027 season.
The 38-year-old striker most recently played in Mexico with Chivas, which he departed in November 2025.
“From the very beginning, our dream wasn't simply to launch another professional soccer club,” said Matt Valentine, founder and chairman of Atlético Dallas.
“Our dream was to build a club that truly belongs to Dallas. Javier believed in that vision. His career speaks for itself, but it's his leadership, humility, competitive spirit, and genuine
love for the game that make him the perfect person to help write the first chapter in Atlético Dallas history.”
Chicharito is BACK‼️@atleticodallas has announced Javier "Chicharito" Hernández as its first signing in club history! ✍️
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) July 27, 2026
➡️ https://t.co/F3O55gpwRL pic.twitter.com/RLM1XD3MvN
After a successful career abroad with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Bayer Leverkusen and West Ham, Hernández moved to MLS with the LA Galaxy in 2020. He then returned to boyhood club Chivas in 2024.
Hernández scored 52 goals in 109 appearances from 2009 to 2019 with the Mexico men's national team. The striker played at the World Cup in 2010, 2014 and 2018, scoring goals in all three tournaments.
Hernández worked as an analyst for Fox Sports at the 2026 World Cup.
“I believe Dallas deserves a club that reflects its passion for football, its diversity, and its future,” Hernández said. “I want to help create a winning culture, inspire young players across North Texas, and give our supporters a team they can believe in from the very beginning.
"I didn't come here simply to finish my career. I came here to help build the future of football in Dallas.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mexico star Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez joins USL's Atletico Dallas
