Official: Javier “Chicharito” Hernández Signs with Atlético Dallas as Club’s First-Ever Player

One of Mexican football’s most iconic figures is returning to action. Atlético Dallas announced that Javier “Chicharito” Hernández has signed a two-year contract with a club option for a third season, making Mexico’s all-time leading goalscorer the first signing in the USL Championship expansion club’s history. The chance to be a key figure in a new project in the US convinced the player to move to Dallas.

Who is Javier “Chicharito” Hernández?

Full name Javier Hernández Balcázar, born June 1, 1988 in Guadalajara, Mexico. He is nicknamed “Chicharito” — meaning “little pea” in Mexican Spanish — a name inherited from his father, Javier Hernández Sr., who was also known as “Chicharo” (pea) during his own football career.

Chicharito is world renowned as Mexico’s all-time leading scorer, amassing 52 goals in 109 appearances over a 10-year run with the national team from 2009 to 2019, and is a fan favourite for his accomplishments with the national team, representing Mexico in three FIFA World Cup tournaments in 2010, 2014 and 2018, scoring goals in all three tournaments.

From 2006 to 2025, Chicharito’s nearly two-decade-long career featured countless goals for some of soccer’s biggest club teams, including Chivas de Guadalajara, Manchester United, Real Madrid CF, Sevilla FC, Bayer Leverkusen and West Ham United.

In all, the forward has tallied over 200 goals during his career for both club and country, appearing in over 400 matches across top-flight leagues in Mexico, England, Spain and Germany in addition to appearing in over 100 matches for Mexico.

Signing at a Glance

Career Timeline

Career Stats: Club Highlights

International Career

Leaving Chivas: A Final Farewell

Chivas officially announced Javier “Chicharito” Hernández as the first player who would not be under contract for the club ahead of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 tournament, following the conclusion of his second stint with the club after their participation in the Apertura 2025 tournament.

Hernández will return to the pitch after last playing for boyhood club Chivas in November 2025. Chicharito had said farewell to Chivas at the end of last year and had not made it clear whether he would continue playing.

His Role at the 2026 World Cup

He served as an analyst for Fox during the 2026 World Cup in North America, where Mexico was eliminated in the round of 16 by England. Hernández was part of the FOX broadcast team for the recent World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, serving as an analyst. It was during this broadcasting role that the idea of joining Atlético Dallas took shape, with the project clearly resonating deeply with the Mexican legend.

Who Are Atlético Dallas?

Atlético Dallas is a planned American men’s professional soccer team based in the Greater Dallas area, with a stadium at the Cotton Bowl with a capacity of 92,100. Founded in 2024, the team plans to make its debut in the USL Championship in 2027.

Atlético Dallas is part of USL Dallas, the parent organisation that also owns Dallas Trinity FC, one of the leading clubs in the USL’s Gainbridge Super League. Together, the organisation is building a comprehensive soccer ecosystem across North Texas through professional men’s and women’s soccer, youth development, community investment, and world-class facilities.

In February, the club announced that former LaLiga and Ligue 1 player Peter Luccin would serve as the team’s first manager.

The USL Championship is the second tier of football in the United States. The league recently announced major measures aimed at raising its profile, such as promotion and relegation between USL divisions and an expansion project that includes Atlético Dallas.

Atlético Dallas: Club Overview

Chicharito’s Own Words

Hernández said in a statement: “I believe Dallas deserves a club that reflects its passion for football, its diversity, and its future. 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.”

Hernández also said about joining the new team: “I’ve been fortunate to live the dreams that every young footballer hopes to experience. I’ve worn some of the biggest shirts in the world and played in incredible stadiums in front of passionate supporters. Opportunities like this, though, are different.”

On social media, Chicharito posted: “Hey Dallas, I’m here.”

What the Club Said

Sporting director Brian Corcoran said: “Javier gives us world-class quality on the field, but just as importantly he brings professionalism, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to winning. Those qualities become contagious inside a locker room, and they’re exactly what we want this club to represent from day one. His willingness to mentor, combined with the qualities he will bring on the field, makes this a perfect first signing for our club.”

After Retirement: A Role in the Club’s Future

Hernández has signed a two-year contract with Atlético Dallas, with an option for a third. After retiring, the Mexican will then have the possibility of joining the club’s football department in another role. This signals that Chicharito’s relationship with Atlético Dallas is being built for the long term, both on and off the pitch.

Read More: Real Madrid Send Counter-Offer to Vinicius Jr. Amid Arsenal’s Growing Interest

FAQs