Javier Hernández signs two‑year deal with USL expansion club Atlético Dallas

Javier Hernández Atlético Dallas USL Championship retirement thoughts two‑year contract

Mexican striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, 38, announced a two‑year contract with the newly founded Atlético Dallas, becoming the franchise’s first ever signing. He will wear the number 14 and join the club as it prepares to debut in the USL Championship in 2027.

Hernández left CD Guadalajara in December after a difficult second spell that left him considering retirement. He said a year‑long sabbatical was taken because he “didn’t want to play” and that Atlético Dallas “gave me back the desire to play.” The move follows his four‑season stint (2020‑2023) with Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS and earlier spells with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Sevilla and other European clubs. He cited mental‑health reasons for his break and expressed excitement about returning to the United States as the sport grows there.

Entities: Atlético Dallas · Club Deportivo Guadalajara · Javier Hernández · Los Angeles Galaxy · USL Championship · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] Hernández previously played four seasons (2020‑2023) with LA Galaxy in MLS. (existing)
[● 2 SOURCES] He ended his tenure with CD Guadalajara in December before becoming a commentator. (existing)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The reported salary for Hernández is about $350,000 per season. (First article provides the figure.)
[● 4 SOURCES] Hernández is the first player signed in Atlético Dallas history. (existing)
[● 2 SOURCES] The move “returned his desire to play football” after a sabbatical and retirement considerations. (Second and third articles quote Hernández saying the signing revived his passion.)
[● 2 SOURCES] Javier “Hernández Chicharito” Hernández signed a two‑year contract with Atlético Dallas. (Both the second and third articles state the contract length.)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The $350,000 salary is roughly one‑tenth of Hernández’s previous earnings at Chivas (~$3.5 million per year). (First article compares the two figures.)
[● 3 SOURCES] Atlético Dallas will begin competition in the USL Championship in 2027. (existing)
[● 3 SOURCES] The move restored Hernández’s desire to play after a sabbatical and consideration of retirement. (new)
[● 3 SOURCES] Javier Hernández is 38 years old. (new)
[● 2 SOURCES] Hernández will wear the number 14 jersey at Atlético Dallas. (new)
[● 3 SOURCES] Javier Hernández signed a two‑year contract with Atlético Dallas. (new)