Javier Hernandez signs autographed for fans before appearing as a broadcaster at a World Cup 2026 match in Guadalupe, Mexico. Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images
Mexican soccer superstar Javier "Chicharito" Hernández has signed with Atlético Dallas in hopes of helping the new men's soccer franchise establish strong roots in the city.
Why it matters: The 38-year-old's return to football has created a lot of buzz around USL Championship's Atlético Dallas expansion team, which will begin play in 2027.
The team will share the Cotton Bowl with its sister franchise, Dallas Trinity FC.
The big picture: North Texas' sports market now has several soccer teams competing for fans — Frisco-based FC Dallas, its affiliate North Texas FC, Atlético Dallas and Dallas Trinity FC.
How it works: USL Championship has been around since 2011 but is trying to rival Major League Soccer, which has been the top professional U.S. league since 1996.
While MLS is a closed league with 30 clubs, USL Championship plans to introduce a promotion and relegation structure similar to England's Premier League to make the sport more exciting for fans.
Fun fact: Hernandez represented Mexico in three World Cups and was an analyst for Fox Sports during the 2026 tournament.
What they're saying: "I almost started resenting this sport rather than being grateful and that's why I came back to say, 'No, this is going to be an amazing chapter too,'" he said at a news conference yesterday.
He added that he would like to see professional teams in the U.S. invest more in their middle-tier soccer players so they too can have an opportunity to become soccer stars.
