5 Things to know about Houston Dynamo star Hector Herrera

Houston Dynamo star midfielder Hector Herrera is about to embark on the 2022 World Cup with his national team Mexico. As he gets ready to take on 31 other competing countries, here are five things to know about the Houston Dynamo star midfielder.

1. Gold medallist

Hector Herrera managed to be a part of Mexico's squad in the 2012 Olympics, where they won gold after beating Brazil in the final. Only 22 years old at the time, he managed to start in the midfield. He played a crucial role as a box-to-box midfielder. His teammates in the team at the time include Premier League striker Raul Jimenez.

2. Club Career

Although he is now playing in the MLS for Houston Dynamo, Herrera began his career in Mexico playing for Pachuca in the Liga MX. After graduating their youth system and playing over 50 games for them, he embarked on a new journey. Transferring to FC Porto, this is where he made a name for himself. He was a key part of their succes in the top flight of Portuguese football and in the Champions League. In between Porto and Houston, he played three years at Atletico Madrid. His time there included winning the league in 2020-21. Playing alongside Koke, Saul and others, he continued solidifying his reputation.

3. International Career

Herrera has appeared 102 times in the Mexico uniform since 2012. Having represented them at Under 20s and Under 23s levels, he always seemed like he would have a long career in the national team. During this period he has competed at two World Cups in 2014 and 2018, been a star play in all Confederations Cup's and the CONCACAF Nations League. In the most recent edition of the nations league, he was awarded a spot in the Best XI of the Tournament. This showed that even though he has gotten older, he is still full of class and skill.

4. Portugal citizen

Having played over six years with FC Porto in Portugal, Herrera was eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. He was successful in his application and now holds an EU passport along with his Mexican passport.

5. Personal Life

Not much is known about Herrera's personal life. The Dynamo player has three older brothers that helped launch his career in football. Now, he is currently in a relationship with Chantal Mato, who he married in 2015. Like many footballer wives, she can be considered a social media influencer, boasting over 100,000 Instagram followers. Together they have two children, one girl and one boy, named Valentina and David.

Herrera's Mexico will play against Poland, followed by Argentina and Saudi Arabia. They will be looking to escape the group in second place and advance into the World Cup knockout stage.