Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, a forward, has left the LA Galaxy, per the club’s announcement today. He has an expiring contract and won’t be joining the team in 2024. Hernández’s departure has allowed the Galaxy to release a Designated Roster spot for the 2024 campaign.

Greg Vanney, head coach and sporting director of the LA Galaxy, said, “We are grateful to Javier for his dedication and contributions to the LA Galaxy.” “During his four seasons with the Galaxy, Javier led our team with passion both on and off the field. We want the best for him going forward. 

Hernández scored 39 goals and provided six assists in 82 career games (71 starts) during his four seasons (2020–23) as a member of the LA Galaxy in all competitions. Notably, with 38 goals in 74 regular-season games with the Galaxy, Chicharito is ranked ninth all-time in club history.

Hernández, a two-time MLS All-Star (2021, 2022), won the LA Galaxy Player of the Year title twice (2021 and 2022), won the Golden Boot award for the team twice (2021 and 2022), and was honored as the Galaxy’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2022. Hernández guided the team and finished tied for fourth in the Major League Soccer standings with 18 goals and two assists in 32 games during the regular season (20 starts). 

Hernández suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the LA Galaxy’s 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal match against Real Salt Lake on June 7. This was Hernández’s last game for the team.