LOS ANGELES (Friday, Nov. 3, 2023) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has parted ways with forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who is out of contract and will not return to the Galaxy for the 2024 campaign. With the departure of Hernández, the Galaxy have opened up a Designated Roster slot for the 2024 season.
“We are grateful to Javier for his dedication and contributions to the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach and Sporting Director Greg Vanney. “In four seasons with the Galaxy, Javier was a passionate leader for our club on and off the field. We wish him all the best moving forward.”
In 82 career games played (71 starts) in four seasons played (2020-23) across all competitions for the LA Galaxy, Hernández tallied 39 goals and six assists. Notably, Chicharito ranks seventh all-time in club history with 38 goals scored in 74 career regular-season appearances for the Galaxy. A two-time MLS All-Star (2021, 2022), Hernández was named the LA Galaxy Player of the Year twice in 2021 and 2022, claimed the club’s Golden Boot award in back-to-back seasons in 2021 and 2022 and was recognized as the Galaxy’s Humanitarian of the Year during the 2022 season. Last season, Hernández led the club and was ranked tied for fourth in MLS with 18 goals scored and added two assists in 32 regular-season games played (20 starts).
Hernández last played for the LA Galaxy during the club’s 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal match against Real Salt Lake on June 7 when he sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.
