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USL CHAMPIONSHIP

Chicharito sees different opportunity in joining Atlético Dallas

Mexico's all-time leading scorer is 1st signee for Championship expansion club

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández has been referred to a "God-like" figure in North American soccer by U.S. legend Landon Donovan.
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The player simply known as Chicharito — or Little Pea in English — is coming to the USL Championship.

Next season.

Javier Hernández, Mexico’s all-time leading scorer, was for expansion side Atlético Dallas on Monday. The 38-year-old received a two-year contract with a club option for a third, pending league and federation approval. Financial details were not disclosed.


The move comes five months after the club announced in February former La Liga and Ligue 1 player will serve as Atlético Dallas’ first manager.

The club is set to begin play in 2027 with its home matches taking place at the Cotton Bowl. Atlético Dallas will be the Championship’s 26th team. currently has 13 clubs in its Eastern Conference and 12 in the West, one of which is New Mexico ϼ.

“I've been fortunate to live the dreams that every young footballer hopes to experience,”  Hernández said in a statement. “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.” 

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández was worn some famous kits during his 20-year club career, including Manchester ϼ and Read Madrid. In 2027, he'll wear Atlético Dallas'.

Hernández’s 20-year club career has spanned across some of the world’s notable leagues from Liga MX to the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, MLS and back again, playing for Chivas Guadalajara, Manchester ϼ, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham ϼ, Sevilla and LA Galaxy. His second stint with Chivas, however, was mired by injuries, criticism and reprimands.

But during that span, he helped Chivas win the Mexican league in 2006, Manchester ϼ capture two Premier League titles in 2010-11 and 2012-13 and an FA Community Shield in 2010, Real Madrid win the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup and Sevilla the 2019-20 Europa League trophy. Overall, Hernández recorded 199 goals in 541 club caps. 

He scored 52 more times in 109 appearances for Mexico from 2009-19 that included three World Cups, one Concacaf Gold Cup, one Copa América and two Confederations Cups, a tournament that is now defunct. Mexico won the 2011 Gold Cup.

Hernández recently served as an analyst for Fox during the 2026 World Cup. 

“You talk about God-like? This guy, when he walks through any stadium in America, it’s like Jesus walking through. These people love him, it’s insane,” U.S. soccer great Landon Donovan said on his . “… It was so nice to be around him and spend time with him off the field.

“… He is so humble, treats every intern, PA, every hair and makeup girl with so much respect, always please and thank you. He’s so kind. He prepares like crazy. This is his first time doing it and he really cared, and it was so awesome to see that from someone you went to battle with for so long. I cannot say enough good words about him. The guy was phenomenal.”

But Atlético Dallas’ draw to Hernández appears to be more than what he brings on the pitch — playing or analysis wise. According to , Hernández’s deal also includes future plans for the forward to move into Atlético Dallas’ sporting department.

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, Mexico's all-time leading scorer, was announced as the first signing for USL Championship side Atlético Dallas on Monday.

“Javier gives us world-class quality on the field, but just as importantly he brings  professionalism, accountability and an unwavering commitment to winning,” sporting director Brian Corcoran said in a statement. “Those qualities become contagious inside a locker room and they're exactly what we want this club to represent from Day 1. His willingness to mentor, combined with the qualities he will bring on the field makes this a perfect first signing for our club.” 

In other words, something different. For Hernández and potentially for Dallas.

The USL Championship will see in 2027.

“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.”

David Glovach covers New Mexico ϼ and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at dglovach@abqjournal.com or via X .

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