Houston Dynamo Confirm Héctor Herrera Return on 2026 Deal
Houston Dynamo have confirmed the return of Héctor Herrera, bringing an end to weeks of speculation by securing the veteran midfielder on a contract for the 2026 MLS season with a club option running through June 2027.
The 35-year-old will pull on the No. 16 shirt once again, a familiar sight for Dynamo supporters after his influential first spell in Texas.
Herrera’s comeback was immediately embraced by the club, with Houston launching a limited-time promotion offering $16 tickets for the home opener against Chicago Fire on February 21, a clear nod to his jersey number and enduring popularity.
Club president Pat Onstad described the move as a significant step for the organization, pointing to Herrera’s leadership during a period that delivered the 2023 U.S. Open Cup and a club-record points total in 2024. His return, the club believes, fits a broader plan to build on a proven foundation rather than start anew.
The context around Herrera’s signing is shaped by both history and ambition. During his first stint from 2022 to 2024, he made 82 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing 22 assists while captaining the side to silverware and a Western Conference final. His departure, however, was clouded by controversy after his final appearance ended with a red card for spitting at a referee, followed by the club’s decision not to renew his deal.
BBVA Stadium is expected to provide a warm reception this time around, with Houston looking to blend experience and fresh energy in midfield. Early signs suggest Herrera may not be the central figure he once was, but rather a guiding presence within a reshaped squad.
Houston’s midfield picture could evolve further, with reports linking the Dynamo to Polish midfielder Mateusz Bogusz from Cruz Azul. Such a move would place Herrera alongside added technical quality, allowing his game intelligence and control to complement younger legs around him.
After leaving MLS, Herrera returned to Mexico with Toluca and added to his trophy collection, winning both the Clausura and Apertura titles in 2025. Despite 34 appearances across all competitions, he never fully cemented himself as the focal point of the side, operating more as a rotational option within a deep squad.
Now back in MLS, Herrera begins a second chapter in Houston with a different role and a clear purpose. For the Dynamo, the deal is less about star power and more about stability, leadership, and rediscovering the standards that once pushed the club to the top end of the Western Conference.