Héctor Herrera Joins Toluca, Returning to Mexican Football After 12 Years
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Loading... - Sylvie Payet
- 03 Jan 2025
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Héctor Herrera has officially made his return to Mexican football, signing with Toluca after spending 12 years playing abroad. The 34-year-old midfielder, who was once a key figure for the Mexican national team, joins the Diablos Rojos as a marquee addition aimed at strengthening their squad for the Clausura 2025 tournament.
Toluca announced Herrera's signing with a fiery welcome on their social media channels, stating: “There’s a new devil in hell. Welcome, Héctor Herrera!” The club, which boasts a rich history with 10 league titles, is counting on Herrera’s extensive experience to help them reclaim championship glory.
Herrera began his professional career at Pachuca, where he progressed through the youth ranks before making his debut. In 2013, he transferred to Porto, where he became the team captain and enjoyed significant success, winning a Primeira Liga title and two Super Cups over six seasons.
In 2019, Herrera signed with Atlético Madrid, contributing to the club's 2020-2021 La Liga title. He later moved to Houston Dynamo in 2022, where he celebrated a U.S. Open Cup victory in 2023. However, his time in Major League Soccer (MLS) ended controversially after he was expelled during the playoffs for spitting at a referee, which led to the club's decision not to renew his contract.
A veteran of three World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022) and a gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, Herrera has been a stalwart for El Tri, representing Mexico with distinction throughout his career.
Herrera’s signing comes at a pivotal time for Toluca, coinciding with a managerial change as Antonio Mohamed takes over from Portuguese coach Renato Paiva. After being eliminated in last year’s quarterfinals by Club América, Toluca is determined to mount a serious challenge for the Liga MX title in the upcoming season.
With Herrera's return to Mexico, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his experience and leadership will impact Toluca's performance in the league.
