Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, the Mexican national team’s all-time top scorer, signed a two-year contract with the option of a third with Atlético Dallas, an expansion club that will begin competing next year in the USL Championship, the second division of professional soccer in the United States.
“I believe Dallas deserves a club that reflects its passion for soccer, its diversity and its future. I want to help create a winning culture, inspire young players in North Texas and give our fans a team they can believe in from the beginning. I didn’t come here simply to finish my career. I came here to help build the future of soccer in Dallas,” Hernández said in a statement.
The 38-year-old forward played in three World Cups with Mexico and set a mark of 52 goals in 109 international matches. His club career includes stints at Manchester United (2010-2014, 37 goals in 103 appearances), LA Galaxy in MLS (2020-2023, 38 goals in 74 games) and a recent season with Guadalajara in Liga MX. He was also an analyst on the FOX broadcast for the 2026 World Cup.
Brian Corcoran, athletic director of Atlético Dallas, highlighted the player’s contribution:
“Javier brings world-class quality to us on the field, but, just as important, he brings professionalism, responsibility and an unwavering commitment to winning. Those qualities become contagious within a locker room, and are exactly what we want this club to represent from day one. His willingness to coach, combined with the qualities he will bring on the field, makes this the perfect inaugural signing for our club.”
The team, which will debut in the USL Championship in 2027, already named Peter Luccin, a former LaLiga and Ligue 1 midfielder, as its first coach last February.
