Mexican forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández has signed a two-year contract with Atlético Dallas of the USL Championship, marking a high-profile arrival for the newly formed Texas franchise as it prepares for its 2027 debut at the historic Cotton Bowl.
A New Chapter in Texas for Hernández
Javier Hernández, 38, joins the ambitious USL Championship club as its first-ever signing, committing to a two-year deal with a club option for a third season. The deal brings the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Sevilla striker back to North American soccer following his departure from Liga MX side Guadalajara at the end of 2025.
Speaking in an official club statement, Hernández outlined his motivations for taking on a project in the second tier of American soccer rather than stepping away from the game. “Creo que Dallas merece un club que refleje su pasión por el fútbol americano, su diversidad y su futuro,” Hernández stated, emphasizing his intent to help build a lasting sporting culture in North Texas. “No vine aquí simplemente para terminar mi carrera. Vine para ayudar a construir el futuro del fútbol americano en Dallas.”
The Cotton Bowl and the USL’s Ambitious Horizon
Atlético Dallas will play its home fixtures at the Cotton Bowl, a venue boasting a seating capacity of more than 91,000 spectators. The franchise is slated to begin competitive play in 2027, serving as a cornerstone for the league’s broader strategic expansion.
The USL Championship, the second tier of professional soccer in the United States, has positioned itself for long-term growth. League organizers have outlined plans to introduce a promotion and relegation structure—an unprecedented move within elite American team sports—with aspirations to challenge the established Major League Soccer (MLS) landscape by 2028.
Career Pedigree and Recent Timeline
Hernández brings extensive international and club pedigree to his new side. As the all-time leading goalscorer for the Mexican national team with 52 goals, his career spans spells across Europe’s top leagues and a previous stint in MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy from 2020 to 2023.
Following the conclusion of his contract with Guadalajara in December 2025, Hernández had remained a free agent while working as a sports commentator during the most recent FIFA World Cup. His acquisition provides Atlético Dallas and the USL with immediate global recognition and elite-level experience.
What Comes Next
Related reading
