(Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez will continue his playing career in Texas after signing with USL Championship expansion club Atletico Dallas.

The 38-year-old Mexican striker agreed to a two-year contract that includes a club option for a third season. Hernandez becomes the first player signed by Atletico Dallas, which will begin play in 2027 under head coach Peter Luccin.

The agreement is subject to approval from the league and federation.

'I didn't come here simply to finish my career,' Hernandez said. 'I came here to help build the future of football in Dallas.'

Atletico Dallas will play its home matches at the Cotton Bowl while competing in the USL Championship, a second-tier professional soccer league in the United States below MLS.

Hernandez has not played competitively since appearing for Chivas in November 2025. He became a free agent after scoring three goals across all competitions during his final season with the Mexican club.

The move extends a career that has also included stops with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United, Sevilla and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

'I've been fortunate to live the dreams that every young footballer hopes to experience,' Hernandez said. '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.'

Hernandez scored 52 goals in 109 appearances for Mexico, making him the national team's all-time leading scorer. He last played internationally in 2019 and worked as a television analyst during the 2026 World Cup.

His addition gives Atletico Dallas an established name around which to begin building their inaugural roster. Luccin, a former Atletico Madrid midfielder, was appointed as the club's first coach in February.

Dallas will be the eighth club of Hernandez's senior career and marks his return to American soccer after playing for the Galaxy from 2020-23.

--Field Level Media