(Photo credit: Sean Thomas-Imagn Images)

Two-time MLS All-Star midfielder Hector Herrera rejoined the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday.

After spending 2025 at Liga MX power Toluca, the 35-year-old Mexican star signed with Houston through the 2026 MLS season with an option through June 2027.

Herrera recorded eight goals and 22 assists in 82 matches across all competitions with the Dynamo from 2022-24. An All-Star in 2023 and 2024, he made the MLS Best XI in 2023 after captaining Houston to the U.S. Open Cup title.

'It is an honor to welcome Hector back home to Houston,' said Pat Onstad, the club's president of soccer. 'He is a respected leader both on and off the field, and a player whose influence helped change the trajectory of this club during his first stint -- guiding us to the club's fourth trophy in 2023 and a club point record in 2024.

'His return reflects a shared ambition to build on past success. While his role will evolve, we know Hector's leadership and winning mentality will elevate the standards of our club. He returns with a deep connection to the city and a clear understanding of what it takes to bring trophies back to Houston.'

In addition to the U.S. and his native Mexico, Herrera's decorated career includes stints with Spain's Atletico Madrid and Portugal's FC Porto. Internationally, he earned 105 caps and helped Mexico win the 2012 Olympic gold medal.

'As a team, we are all thrilled that Hector has rejoined the Dynamo ahead of the 2026 campaign,' said head coach Ben Olsen. 'With that excitement comes a shared mentality of commitment to competing and fighting for every result this season, pushing to reach our ultimate goal of bringing another trophy to the city of Houston.

'Hector is a strong teammate, leader and winner, proven by the success he has helped cultivate at every stop of his career. He returns home to a place he loves, reinvigorated and will strengthen the squad's standards every day as we look to make our city proud.'

Herrera and the Dynamo open the 2026 MLS season at home against the Chicago Fire on Feb. 21.

--Field Level Media