Héctor Herrera Returns to Houston Dynamo on Deal Through 2026
Héctor Herrera has officially rejoined the Houston Dynamo, signing a contract through the 2026 MLS season with a club option for 2027. The 35-year-old midfielder’s return comes just one year after a controversial exit marked by a disciplinary incident and a contract declination. The club announced the signing on Wednesday, framing it as a homecoming for the former Mexican international who, according to sources close to the player, never desired to leave the organization.
Contract Details and Roster Move
Herrera arrives as a free agent after a successful 2025 campaign in Liga MX with Toluca. During his time away, he helped the Mexican side secure both the Clausura and Apertura titles, ending a 15-year trophy drought for the club. His new deal with Houston secures his presence for the upcoming season, with the potential to stay through mid-2027. Dynamo General Manager Pat Onstad described the move as a reunion with a “respected leader,” noting that Herrera’s influence had previously altered the club’s trajectory.
Context of the 2024 Departure
The midfielder’s return follows a turbulent conclusion to his first stint in Houston. In November 2024, the Dynamo declined Herrera’s contract option following a heated playoff loss to the Seattle Sounders. That match ended with Herrera receiving a red card for spitting at referee Armando Villarreal, an action captured by VAR that drew a significant suspension and public criticism from the club’s front office at the time.
While Onstad acknowledged in 2024 that the spitting incident was “unacceptable” and signaled a need for higher standards, the tone has shifted with Herrera’s return. “His return reflects a shared ambition to build on past success,” Onstad stated upon the signing. “He returns with a deep connection to the city and a clear understanding of what it takes to bring trophies back to Houston.”
Performance and Concerns
Herrera’s first tenure with the Dynamo (2022–2024) was statistically significant; he recorded 8 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances and captained the team to the 2023 U.S. Open Cup title. However, questions regarding his age and durability remain. Now 35, Herrera joins a roster that struggled to maintain consistency in his absence, finishing 12th in the Western Conference in 2025. Critics point to his age and the nature of his previous exit as potential risks, though his recent championship run in Mexico suggests he remains capable of contributing at a high level.
Looking Ahead
Herrera is expected to join the team immediately for the preseason. The Dynamo, led by head coach Ben Olsen, are looking to reintegrate the veteran into a midfield that lacked his distribution and leadership during the 2025 season. While his role is expected to evolve compared to his previous Designated Player status, the club is banking on his experience to stabilize the squad as they approach the 2026 campaign.
