Mexico's Hector Herrera returns to Liga MX after 11 years, signs with Toluca following controversial MLS exit with Houston Dynamo

Héctor Herrera is back in Liga MX after concluding his contract with MLS side Houston Dynamo. His departure from MLS was marked by controversy involving a referee incident, effectively closing his chapter in American soccer and forcing the midfielder to consider his future elsewhere.

Toluca, now managed by Antonio Mohamed, identified Herrera as a key piece for their 2025 Clausura project. Reports suggest Mohamed specifically requested the former Atlético de Madrid midfielder, aiming to bolster the team's midfield with Herrera's leadership and playmaking ability.

Herrera's position as a free agent made it easier for Toluca to negotiate directly with the player without having to pay a transfer fee.

For Toluca, having the Pachuca youth product in their ranks represents a high-caliber addition for the upcoming tournaments, strengthening their midfield with a player of international experience and proven leadership.

Herrera has had a notable 11-year career in European football, where he played for top-level clubs like FC Porto in Portugal and Atlético Madrid in Spain. On FC Porto, he became one of the key figures in the midfield, eventually becoming captain and winning titles such as the Primeira Liga and the Super Cup of Portugal.

Subsequently, he moved to Atlético Madrid, adding the La Liga championship to his achievements in the 2020-2021 season, establishing himself as a reliable player in manager Diego Simeone's rotation. His experience and successes on the old continent position him as one of the most outstanding Mexican footballers in recent history.

Now that Herrera is back in Liga MX, he will seek to bring trophies to Los Diablos and return to the Mexican National Team.