Héctor Herrera

File:Hector Hérrera.jpg

Herrera began playing football for C.F. Pachuca's youth sides. As a youth, he was nicknamed Zorrillo (skunk), as well as Zorro (fox).

Herrera made his professional debut for Pachuca on 21 July 2010 in a 0–1 defeat to Major Soccer League side Chivas USA in a 2010 North American SuperLiga match.{{cite web |publisher=Soccerway |title=Chivas USA vs. Pachuca 1 – 0 |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/07/22/nc-america/super-liga/club-deportivo-chivas-usa/club-pachuca/941093/ |date=22 July 2010}} Herrera made his league debut for Pachuca in a 1–4 home defeat to Santos Laguna on 23 July 2011.{{cite web |publisher=Diario del Toluca |title=Mauro Cejas, orgulloso por el Preolímpico de Héctor Herrera |trans-title=Mauro Cejas, proud of the Olympic qualifying tournament of Héctor Herrera |url=http://diarioportal.com/2012/04/03/mauro-cejas-orgulloso-por-el-preolimpico-de-hector-herrera/ |language=es |date=3 April 2012 |access-date=1 June 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708115150/http://diarioportal.com/2012/04/03/mauro-cejas-orgulloso-por-el-preolimpico-de-hector-herrera/ |archive-date=8 July 2012 |url-status=dead}} Appearing 14 times for Pachuca in the 2011 Apertura, he was a shortlist candidate for best rookie of the tournament.{{cite web |work=Récord |author=Lindoro, Alex |title=Héctor Herrera, ilusionado con ganar el Balón de Oro |trans-title=Héctor Herrera excited about winning the Golden Bal |url=http://www.record.com.mx/futbol-nacional/2012-01-15/hector-herrera-ilusionado-con-ganar-el-balon-de-oro |language=es |date=15 January 2012}}

On 28 June 2013, it was announced that Herrera was transferred to Portuguese club Porto for €8 million.{{cite web |title=Herrera firmó con el Porto por 8 mde |url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/internacional/noticias/2013/06/28/herrera-firmo-con-el-porto-por-8-mde |website=Medio Tiempo |language=es |access-date=28 June 2013 |date=28 June 2013}}

Herrera was an unused substitute in his first season's opening Super Cup match against Vitória de Guimarães on 10 August, ultimately winning 3–0. Eight days later, Herrera made his Primeira Liga debut, coming on as a substitute for Lucho González in the 82nd minute in Porto's 3–1 victory over Vitória de Setúbal.{{cite web |title=Quintero brilló en el triunfo del Porto; Héctor Herrera debutó |url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/internacional/cronicas/2013/08/18/quintero-brillo-en-el-triunfo-del-porto-hector-herrera-debuto_48019 |website=Medio Tiempo |language=es |access-date=18 August 2013 |date=18 August 2013}} On 6 October, Herrera played his first 90 minutes in Porto's 3–1 away win over Arouca. On 18 September, Herrera made his UEFA Champions League debut against Austria Wien in a 1–0 group stage victory.{{cite web |title=Debuta en Champions |url=https://www.noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones/view/debuta-en-champions-828617}} On 22 October, Herrera set a new UEFA Champions League record for the fastest dismissal for two yellow cards when he was sent off in the sixth minute of the group stage match against Zenit Saint Petersburg.{{cite news |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-champions-porto-zenith-idINDEE99L0DG20131022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306214628/http://in.reuters.com/article/soccer-champions-porto-zenith-idINDEE99L0DG20131022 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 March 2016 |title=Hulk breaks Porto hearts as Zenit win on his return |publisher=Reuters |date=23 October 2013 |access-date=13 May 2014}} Herrera scored his first league goal with Porto on 20 December in a 4–0 win against Olhanense, scoring on a volley just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute.{{cite web |title=Anota Héctor Herrera su primer gol con el Porto |url=http://www.proceso.com.mx/360848/anota-hector-herrera-su-primer-gol-con-el-porto |work=Proceso |language=es |access-date=20 December 2013 |date=20 December 2013}} In his first season with Porto, Herrera played in 17 league matches, and in 33 across all competitions, scoring three goals in total, all of which were scored in the league.

File:Héctor Herrera.jpg

On 20 August 2014, Herrera scored his first goal in Champions League play in Porto's 1–0 win over Lille.{{cite web |title=Champions League: Hector Herrera leads Porto past Lille |url=http://sports.terra.com/soccer/champions-league-hector-herrera-leads-porto-past-lille,b2a17d32a25f7410VgnVCM3000009af154d0RCRD.html |website=Terra |access-date=20 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821104840/http://sports.terra.com/soccer/champions-league-hector-herrera-leads-porto-past-lille,b2a17d32a25f7410VgnVCM3000009af154d0RCRD.html |archive-date=21 August 2014 |url-status=dead}} On 25 November, he played an important role in Porto's 3–0 Champions League away win over Belarusian club BATE Borisov, scoring the first goal of the game and providing two assists, all in the second-half.{{cite web |title=Herrera pulls the strings as Porto march on |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0d7f933bb46e-97107ecc7606-1000--herrera-pulls-the-strings-as-porto-march-on/ |website=UEFA |access-date=20 November 2014 |publisher=UEFA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128061916/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000548/match=2014385/postmatch/report/index.html |archive-date=28 November 2014 |url-status=live}} Herrera was included in The Guardian{{'}}s year end list of "The 100 Best Footballers in the World".{{cite news |title=The top 100 footballers 2014 – interactive |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2014/dec/21/the-top-100-footballers-2014-interactive |publisher=Guardian News and Media |work=The Guardian |access-date=21 December 2014 |last1=Sport |first1=Guardian}}

On 22 August 2015, Herrera scored his first goal of the season in Porto's 1–1 draw against Marítimo at the Estádio dos Barreiros. In December, Herrera was given the Dragão de Ouro Award as the team's best player of the previous season, the first Mexican to win the honour.{{cite web |title=Hector Herrera wins Porto's Player of the Year award |url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/hector-herrera-wins-porto-player-of-the-year-award-dragoes-de-ouro-mexico-120115 |work=Fox Sports |access-date=10 December 2015 |date=1 December 2015}} On 12 February 2016, Herrera, wearing the captain's arm-band, scored the equalizer in Porto's 2–1 win over archrivals Benfica.{{cite web |last=Arnold |first=John |title=Herrera scores equalizer in Porto win over Benfica |url=http://www.goal.com/s/en-us/news/114/mexico/2016/02/12/20291462/herrera-scores-equalizer-in-porto-win-over-benfica |website=Goal.com |access-date=12 February 2016 |date=12 February 2016}}{{dead link|date=June 2018}} Herrera was called up for the final of the Taça de Portugal against Braga on 22 May 2016, playing in the 120 minutes of the match and failing to convert his penalty shot in the subsequent 3–2 shoot-out defeat.{{cite web |last=Apicella |first=Liam |title=Result: Braga spring Taca de Portugal surprise |url=http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/porto/result/result-braga-spring-taca-de-portugal-surprise_273255.html |website=Sports Mole |access-date=22 May 2016 |date=22 May 2016}}

On 15 April 2018, Porto defeated Benfica 1–0 at the Estádio da Luz, with Herrera scoring in the 90th minute from a shot outside the box. The win took Porto to the top of the table with 76 points, two ahead of Benfica with four matches remaining in the season.{{cite web |title=Hector Herrera stuns Benfica with late winner |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2018/04/15/5ad3b8ee46163fbe368b45d1.html |work=Marca |date=15 April 2018}} His goal was ultimately voted as the season's best.{{cite web |title=Héctor Herrera wins Porto's Best Goal of 2018 award |url=https://onefootball.com/en/news/hector-herrera-wins-portos-best-goal-of-2018-award-23559688 |work=OneFootball |first=Alex |last=Mott |date=6 January 2019}} On 5 May, after a 0–0 draw between Benfica and Sporting CP, Porto won the league title with two games left to play.{{cite web |title=FC Porto seal Portuguese Liga title after Benfica draw with Sporting |url=http://kwese.espn.com/football/portuguese-liga/story/3485433/fc-porto-seal-portuguese-liga-title-after-benfica-draw-with-sporting |website=ESPN FC |access-date=5 May 2018 |date=5 May 2018}} Herrera featured in the season's Team of the Year, one of five Porto players included.{{cite web |title=FC Porto lidera Onze do Ano |url=http://ligaportugal.pt/pt/epocas/20182019/noticias/geral/fc-porto-lidera-onze-do-ano/ |work=Liga Portugal |language=pt |access-date=8 July 2018}}

File:LocM-Por (8).jpg in 2018.]]

On 4 August 2018, Herrera began the 2018–19 season captaining Porto in their 3–1 win over Aves to clinch the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.{{cite web |url=https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/futebol-nacional/fc-porto-conquista-supertaca-pela-21-vez_d1091335 |title=FC Porto conquista Supertaça pela 21.ª vez |trans-title=FC Porto conquer Supercup for the 21st time |publisher=Rádio e Televisão de Portugal |language=pt |date=4 August 2018 |access-date=7 August 2018}} On 22 September, Herrera made his 200th appearance for Porto in all competitions following a 2–0 victory over Vitória Setúbal.{{cite web |title=Héctor Herrera se mete a la historia del Porto al sumar 200 partidos |date=22 September 2018 |url=http://www.record.com.mx/futbol-futbol-internacional-mexicanos-en-el-extranjero/hector-herrera-se-mete-a-la-historia-del |publisher=Récord |language=es |access-date=22 September 2018}} In March 2019, he captained Porto in their 4–3 aggregate victory over Roma in the Champions League round of 16, with Porto reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2014–15 competition.{{cite news |title=FC Porto 3-1 Roma |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47461879 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=7 March 2019}} On 30 March, Herrera, in captaining Porto to a 3–2 victory against Braga, made his 237th appearance in all competitions for the Dragões, placing him fifth in the club's all-time list of appearances by a foreign player, four games behind Lucho González.{{cite web |title=Héctor Herrera hace historia con el Porto |url=https://www.futboltotal.com.mx/futbol-internacional/hector-herrera-hace-historia-con-el-porto/2019/04 |website=Futbol Total |date=3 April 2019 |language=es |access-date=3 April 2019}}

Amid reports linking him to Atlético Madrid, Porto president Pinto da Costa confirmed Herrera would leave the club on the expiration of his contract.{{cite web |last=Eldridge |first=William |title=Porto confirm Hector Herrera is set to leave amid Atletico Madrid links |url=https://www.squawka.com/en/news/porto-hector-herrera-future-atletico-madrid |website=Squawka |date=15 May 2019|access-date=15 May 2019}} On 18 May, Herrera scored in his final Primeira Liga game with Porto in the team's 2–1 victory over Sporting CP, scoring a scissor kick from a corner kick.{{cite web |last=Yoesting |first=Travis |title=Hector Herrera Caps Six Years At Porto With 87th-Minute Scissor-Kick Goal To Beat Rival Sporting |url=https://the18.com/soccer-news/hector-herrera-goal-vs-sporting |website=the18.com |access-date=17 May 2019}} He was again included in the season's Team of the Year.{{cite web |url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/primeira-liga/artigos/fc-porto-domina-no-onze-do-ano-da-primeira-liga |title=FC Porto domina Onze do Ano da Primeira Liga|trans-title=FC Porto dominates the Primeira Liga Team of the Year |publisher=SAPO |language=pt |date=5 July 2019|access-date=8 July 2019}}

On 3 July 2019, Atlético Madrid announced via their website that they had reached an agreement with Herrera.{{cite news |url=https://en.atleticodemadrid.com/noticias/welcome-hector-herrera |title=Welcome, Héctor Herrera! |publisher=Atlético Madrid|access-date= 3 July 2019 |date=3 July 2019}} He signed a three-year contract, and was officially presented at the Wanda Metropolitano with the number 16 shirt.{{cite news |url=https://en.atleticodemadrid.com/noticias/hector-herrera-im-very-happy-to-have-joined-a-historic-club |title=Héctor Herrera: "I'm very happy to have joined a historic club" |publisher=Atlético Madrid |date=5 July 2019 |access-date=5 July 2019}} After failing to appear for Los Rojiblancos in the first month of the season,{{Cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/spanish-football/2019/09/15/5d7e653f46163f7d338b4611.html |title=Hector Herrera yet to get a sniff at Atletico Madrid |date=15 September 2019 |website=MARCA |language=en|access-date=19 September 2019}} he made his competitive debut on 18 September, coming on as a late substitute for Thomas Partey and scoring the equalizer in the 90th minute to salvage a 2–2 draw against Juventus in the opening group game of the UEFA Champions League.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/sep/18/atletico-madrid-juventus-champions-league-match-report |title=Héctor Herrera completes Atlético Madrid comeback against Juventus |date=18 September 2019|access-date=19 September 2019 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB}} Three days later, Herrera made his debut in La Liga as a starter against Celta de Vigo, playing 60 minutes in a scoreless draw.{{Cite web |url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/espana/nota/_/id/6100724/herrera-y-araujo-dejan-gratas-impresiones-en-el-empate-atletico-celta |title=Herrera y Araujo dejan gratas impresiones en el empate Atlético-Celta |date=21 September 2019|access-date=21 September 2019 |website=ESPN Deportes |language=es}} He was a starter in both Supercopa de España matches against Barcelona and Real Madrid, finishing runner-up against the latter in the final.{{cite web |title=Los reforzados y señalados del Atlético en la Supercopa |url=https://as.com/futbol/2020/01/13/primera/1578870337_363128.html?autoplay=1 |website=AS.com |date=13 January 2020 |language=es|access-date=13 January 2020}} He made 30 appearances across all competitions in his debut season with Atlético, though his playing time was mostly hampered due to injuries.{{cite web |title=Herrera comienza de nuevo |url=https://as.com/futbol/2020/05/21/primera/1590062610_707907.html |website=AS.com |date=22 May 2020 |language=es|access-date=22 May 2020}}

At the start of the 2020–21 season Herrera was on a positive run of form, featuring eight times in all competitions and starting in the team's last four games prior to the international break, before being ruled out of action in November. It was reported that he had suffered a grade two injury to his left thigh while on international duty with Mexico, and would be out of action for a month.{{cite web |title=Atletico Madrid dealt further setback as Hector Herrera ruled out |work=beIN SPORTS |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en/laliga/news/atletico-madrid-dealt-further-setback-as-he-1/1584768 |access-date=17 November 2020}} On his return on 1 December, Herrera, with 47, surpassed Javier Hernández as the Mexican with most UEFA Champions League appearances, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 group stage draw against Bayern Munich.{{cite web |url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/champions-league/hector-herrera-rompe-record-mexicano-mas-juegos-champions |title=Ni Chicharito ni Márquez; Héctor Herrera es el mexicano con más juegos de Champions |website=Medio Tiempo |language=es |date=1 December 2020}} He again faced a spell on the sidelines, both due to injury{{cite web |title=Héctor Herrera supera su lesión y regresa a entrenar al parejo con el Atlético de Madrid |url=https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/futbol-internacional/la-liga/2021/01/18/6005ac8422601d5a058b461c.html |website=MARCA |date=18 January 2021 |language=es|access-date=18 January 2021}} and testing positive for COVID-19 in February.{{cite web |title=Atletico Madrid star Lemar latest player in danger of missing Chelsea clash after positive Covid-19 test |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/lemar-atletico-madrid-missing-chelsea-clash-positive-covid/e8sh5kxum58e1kfdfvbhi4wku |website=Goal.com|access-date=9 February 2021}}

In December 2021, Herrera tested positive for COVID-19 a second time.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3549029/2021/12/30/atleticos-simeone-koke-griezmann-herrera-and-felix-isolating-after-positive-covid-19-tests/ |title=Atletico's Simeone, Koke, Griezmann, Herrera and Felix isolating after positive COVID-19 tests |website=The Athletic |date=30 December 2021|access-date=11 January 2022}}

On 2 March 2022, Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo announced that it had signed Herrera on a pre-contract agreement through the 2024 season with an option for 2025. He committed to the club as a Designated Player.{{Cite web |date=2 March 2022 |title=Houston Dynamo FC sign Mexican National Team captain Héctor Herrera as Designated Player |url=https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/houston-dynamo-fc-sign-mexican-national-team-captain-hector-herrera-as-designate |access-date=13 April 2022 |publisher=Houston Dynamo FC}}

On 3 November 2024, during a MLS Cup match, Herrera was sent off in the 65th minute for spitting towards a referee following a disagreement on a foul. He was handed a three-game suspension and was fined an undisclosed amount.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/hector-herrera-fined-suspended-after-houston-dynamo-vs-seattle-sounders|title=Héctor Herrera fined, suspended after Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders|publisher=MLS Soccer|date=13 November 2024}}

On 6 November, Houston Dynamo opted not to pick up Herrera's contract option and released him.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/houston-dynamo-move-on-from-hector-herrera-he-turned-this-club-around|title=Houston Dynamo move on from Héctor Herrera|publisher=MLS Soccer|date=6 November 2024}}

On 2 January 2025, Herrera made his return to Liga MX and joined Toluca.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.mx/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/14596399/toluca-hector-herrera-refuerzo-clausura-2025-liga-mx|title=Toluca anuncia a Héctor Herrera como refuerzo|publisher=ESPN México|language=es|date=2 January 2025}}

In 2012, Herrera was chosen by coach Luis Fernando Tena to participate in the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in the United States. Mexico went on to win the tournament by defeating Honduras in the final, thus qualifying to the 2012 Olympic Games held in London.

Herrera was a vital part in the Mexico squad that won the 2012 Toulon Tournament, and was awarded the Meilleur Joueur (Best Player), the most outstanding player of the tournament.{{cite web |publisher=Informa Uniradio |title=Héctor Miguel Herrera de Rosarito BC, es elegido mejor jugador en torneo de Toulon |trans-title=Héctor Miguel Herrera of Rosarito BC, is named best player of the Toulon tournament |url=http://uniradioinforma.com/noticias/deportes/articulo121273.html |language=es |date=1 June 2012}}

Herrera made the final cut for those participating in the 2012 Summer Olympics. Mexico won the gold medal after defeating Brazil 2–1 in the final.{{cite web |publisher=El Sol de Hidalgo |title=Miguel Herrera, un Zorro cabal |trans-title=Miguel Herrera, a full Fox |author=Cortés, Constancio |url=http://www.oem.com.mx/elsoldehidalgo/notas/n2498820.htm |language=es |date=10 April 2012 |access-date=29 May 2012 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924120728/http://www.oem.com.mx/elsoldehidalgo/notas/n2498820.htm |url-status=dead }}

File:Ger-Mex (16).jpg at the 2018 FIFA World Cup]]

In 2012, Herrera was called up by coach José Manuel de la Torre to play for Mexico in the World Cup qualifiers against Guyana on 12 October and El Salvador on 16 October. He made his senior national team debut against El Salvador, a 2–0 win for Mexico.{{cite web |title=Héctor Herrera, el 'zorro' que nació para conquistar Europa |url=https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/futbol/mexicanos-mundo/2017/04/19/58f6dbc1ca4741771d8b45f7.html |work=Marca |first=Tania |last=Suárez |date=19 April 2017 |access-date=7 November 2018}}

On 7 June 2013, Herrera was called up to participate in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.{{cite web |title=Oficializa México lista y numeración para Confederaciones |url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/seleccion-mexicana/noticias/2013/06/07/oficializa-mexico-lista-y-numeracion-para-confederaciones |work=Medio Tiempo |first=Juan Martín |last=Montes |date=7 June 2013 |access-date=8 November 2018}} He made only one appearance, in a 0–2 loss to host-nation Brazil, coming on as a substitute for Gerardo Flores in the 58th minute of the match.

On 8 May 2014, Herrera was included in the final 23-man roster participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup by Miguel Herrera.{{cite news |title=Mexico squad for 2014 World Cup: the 23 chosen by Miguel Herrera |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/05/mexico-squad-2014-world-cup |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News and Media |access-date=5 June 2014}} He was a starter in all three of Mexico's group stage matches, as well as playing in the 1–2 round-of-16 loss to the Netherlands.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27961190 |title=Netherlands 2–1 Mexico |date=29 June 2014 |access-date=30 June 2014 |publisher=BBC Sport}} On 4 September 2015, Herrera netted his first goal with Mexico in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, scoring off of a corner kick pass from outside of the box, tying the match 3–3.{{cite web |title=Ricardo Ferretti's debut sees Mexico draw with Trinidad and Tobago |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=434556 |work=ESPN |date=4 September 2015 |access-date=7 November 2018}} Four days later, he scored his second goal in a 2–2 draw against Argentina.{{cite web |title=Argentina salvages draw with Mexico thanks to late Messi, Aguero magic |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=420728 |work=ESPN |date=8 September 2015 |access-date=7 November 2018}}

Herrera was included in the roster for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.{{cite web |title=Chicharito, Vela headline Mexico's 23-man Gold Cup squad |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/mexico/story/2489345/mexico-announce-23-man-gold-cup-squad |work=ESPN |first=Tom |last=Marshall |date=12 June 2015}} Despite a dip in form following a superb season with Porto,{{cite web |title=Héctor Herrera, el gran desaparecido de Copa Oro |url=https://www.goal.com/es-mx/news/4773/m%C3%A9xico/2015/07/22/13784902/h%C3%A9ctor-herrera-el-gran-desaparecido-de-copa-oro |work=Goal.com |language=Spanish |date=22 July 2015}} he appeared in all games except the final against Jamaica as Mexico won 3–1.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/26/mexico-rolls-to-seventh-gold-cup-title-with-uncontroversial-win-over-jamaica |title=Gold Cup 2015 final: Mexico roll to seventh title with easy win over Jamaica |newspaper=The Guardian |date=27 July 2015|access-date=27 July 2015}} He was called up by interim manager Ricardo Ferretti to participate in the subsequent CONCACAF Cup – a play-off match to determine CONCACAF's entry into the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup – against the United States. Mexico won the match 3–2 during overtime.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/y=2015/m=10/news=mexico-claim-concacaf-s-spot-at-confederations-cup-2710781.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012142539/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/news/y=2015/m=10/news=mexico-claim-concacaf-s-spot-at-confederations-cup-2710781.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2015 |title=Mexico claim CONCACAF's spot at Confederations Cup |publisher=FIFA |date=11 October 2015|access-date=28 November 2016}}

On 17 May 2016, Herrera was listed on the roster for the Copa América Centenario by Juan Carlos Osorio.{{cite web |title=Mexico announces team for Copa America Centenario and it looks scary good |url=https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/mexico-announces-team-for-copa-america-centenario-and-it-looks-scary-good-051716 |work=Fox Sports |date=17 May 2016 |access-date=27 June 2018}} On 5 June, in Mexico's first group stage match against Uruguay, Herrera scored the third goal in the 3–1 victory.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/06/05/mexico-3-uruguay-1-copa-america-centenario-match-recap |title=Mexico 3, Uruguay 1 Copa America Centenario match recap |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=5 June 2016 |access-date=10 June 2016}}

On 8 June 2017, he was listed on the roster for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.{{cite web |title=Rafa Marquez leads Mexico's Confederations Cup squad |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/mexico/story/3140525/rafa-marquez-leads-mexicos-confederations-cup-squad |work=ESPN |first=Tom |last=Marshall |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=27 June 2018}} He would go on to appear in all five matches as Mexico lost the third place play-off against Portugal with a score of 2–1.{{cite web |title=Hector HERRERA |url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/players/player=329092/statistics.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224721/https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/players/player=329092/statistics.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 November 2018 |work=FIFA |access-date=8 November 2018}} With three assists, Herrera finished as the assist leader of the tournament.{{cite web |title=Hector Herrera – FIFA Player Index |url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/players/player=329092/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619042449/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/players/player=329092/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 June 2013 |publisher=FIFA}}

On 28 May 2018, Herrera captained the national team in a scoreless draw to Wales in preparation for the World Cup.{{cite web |title=Mexico captain Hector Herrera leads by example with 8/10 showing vs. Wales |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/club/mexico/203/blog/post/3511978/mexico-captain-hector-herrera-leads-by-example-with-8-10-showing-vs-wales |work=ESPN |first=Cesar |last=Hernandez |date=28 May 2018}}

On 4 June, Herrera was included in the final 23-man squad for the tournament.{{cite web |title=Convocatoria de la Selección Nacional de México |url=https://miseleccion.mx/convocatoria-la-seleccion-nacional-mexico-13/ |website=MiSeleccion.mx |language=es |access-date=4 June 2018}} In the first group stage match against Germany, which Mexico won 1–0, Herrera's performance was praised in particular.{{cite web |title=Hector Herrera quietly drives Mexico while Hirving Lozano grabs the headlines |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/mexico/203/blog/post/3531262/hector-herrera-quietly-drives-mexico-while-hirving-lozano-grabs-the-headlines |work=ESPN |first=Cesar |last=Hernandez |date=18 June 2018 |access-date=18 October 2018}}{{cite web |title=4 reasons why Mexico beat Germany |url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2018/6/18/17472808/world-cup-2018-mexico-germany-tactics-osorio-herrera |work=SB Nation |first=Conor |last=Dowley |date=18 June 2018 |access-date=18 October 2018}}{{cite web |title=Germany 0–1 Mexico player ratings as Mesut Ozil and Joel Kimmich flop, but Hector Herrera and Hirving Lozano star in shock win |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/germany-0-1-mexico-player-12728356 |work=Mirror |first=Alex |last=Smith |date=17 June 2018 |access-date=18 October 2018}} He would appear as a starter in all three group stage matches and the round-of-16 match against Brazil, where Mexico lost 2–0.{{cite web |title=Hector HERRERA |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player/329092/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113231/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player/329092/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 June 2018 |work=FIFA |access-date=7 November 2018}}

In May 2019, Herrera issued a statement via Twitter confirming that he would not form part of the national squad participating at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, citing fitness concerns as well as wanting to decide his "professional future" as his contract with Porto was expiring.{{cite web |title=Héctor Herrera confirma su baja de la Copa Oro |url=https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/futbol/copa-oro/2019/05/13/5cd8aedc22601dc5718b4632.html |website=Marca |date=12 May 2019 |language=es |access-date=13 May 2019}} Under Gerardo Martino, he reappeared with Mexico in the friendly match against the United States on 6 September, and played all 90 minutes in El Tri's 3–0 victory.{{cite web |title=Mexico ratings vs. USMNT: 'Chicharito', 'Tecatito', Herrera stellar in win |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/mexico/story/3936639/mexico-ratings-vs-usmnt-chicharitotecatitoherrera-stellar-in-win |website=ESPN |date=7 September 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}} The following month, Herrera captained Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League fixtures against Bermuda and Panama, scoring off of a free kick layoff in a 5–1 victory against the former.{{cite web |title=Con golazo ante Bermudas, Herrera cortó racha de dos años sin anotar con el Tri |work=Mediotiempo |url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/seleccion-mayor/hector-herrera-corto-racha-2-anos-anotar-seleccion-mexicana |publisher=Mediotiempo.com |date=12 October 2019}}{{cite web |title=Roberto Alvarado, Rodolfo Pizarro shine in Mexico's easy win over Panama |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/mexico-mex/story/3966299/roberto-alvaradorodolfo-pizarro-shine-in-mexicos-easy-win-over-panama |publisher=ESPN |first=Cesar |last=Hernandez |date=16 October 2019}}

In June 2021, Herrera participated in the Concacaf Nations League Finals,{{cite web |title=¿Quiénes son los convocados de México para la Concacaf Liga de Naciones 2021? |url=https://www.goal.com/es/noticias/convocados-seleccion-mexicana-liga-de-naciones-concacaf/6gvqzbyti0td1hns6t3v3juou}} reaching the final against the United States, losing 2–3.{{cite web |title=México pierde la final de la Nations League ante Estados Unidos en un partido de locura |work=MARCA |date=7 June 2021 |url=https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/futbol/seleccion-mx/2021/06/07/60bd9fa5e2704e22b88b457f.html}} He was included in the Best XI of the tournament.{{cite web |title=Pulisic, Lainez head up CNLF Best XI |date=8 June 2021 |url=https://www.concacaf.com/nations-league/news/pulisic-lainez-head-up-cnlf-best-xi/}} He participated in the subsequent CONCACAF Gold Cup,{{cite web |title=México va a la Copa Oro sin Chicharito Hernández y con Funes Mori |date=July 2021 |url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/selecciones/nota/_/id/8853729/mexico-convocatoria-copa-oro-funes-mori-incluido-chicharito-ausente}} appearing as captain in the first two group stage matches due to Héctor Moreno being unfit.{{cite web |title=Alan Pulido y Héctor Moreno estarían descartados para el debut en Copa Oro |url=https://www.90min.com/es/posts/alan-pulido-y-hector-moreno-estarian-descartados-para-el-debut-en-copa-oro |work=90 Min |date=10 July 2021 |language=Spanish |access-date=3 August 2021 |archive-date=3 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803162121/https://www.90min.com/es/posts/alan-pulido-y-hector-moreno-estarian-descartados-para-el-debut-en-copa-oro |url-status=dead }} Losing the final to the United States 0–1,{{cite web |title=¡Dolor de cabeza del Tata! México pierde Final de Copa Oro ante equipo B de EE.UU. |work=Mediotiempo |date=8 January 2021 |url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/copa-oro/unidos-vs-mexico-1-0-ee-uu-campeon-copa-oro |last1=Villar |first1=Enrique Martínez }} he was awarded the Golden Ball for best player of the tournament.{{cite web |url=https://www.concacaf.com/gold-cup/article/mexico-mf-hector-herrera-wins-best-player-award/ |title=Mexico MF Hector Herrera wins Best Player Award |publisher=CONCACAF |date=2 August 2021|access-date=2 August 2021}}

On 5 June 2022, Herrera played his 100th match for Mexico in a friendly game against Ecuador.{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/claro-mx/futbol/seleccion-mx/2022/06/06/629d438b268e3e012f8b45d0.html |title=Héctor Herrera cumple 100 partidos con la selección Mexicana |trans-title=Héctor Herrera celebrates 100 games with the Mexican national team |website=Marca |language=es |date=5 June 2022}}

In October 2022, Herrera was named in Mexico's preliminary 31-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and in November, he was ultimately included in the final 26-man roster.{{cite web|title=Lista de convocados de la Selección Mexicana al Mundial de Qatar 2022|url=https://www.tvazteca.com/aztecadeportes/lista-oficial-convocados-seleccion-mexicana-mundial-qatar-2022|work=Tvazteca.com|first=Omar|last=Moro|date=14 November 2022|language=Spanish}}

{{Quote box|width=33%|align=upright|quote="Physically [Herrera] is very strong. He seems sluggish, but he is very powerful. Porto have a good eye for signing players of great quality, and Herrera is one of them."|source=—Former Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola prior to their Champions League match against Porto in 2015.{{cite web |url=https://www.informador.mx/Deportes/Hector-Herrera-agradece-elogios-de-Pep-Guardiola-20150414-0164.html |title=Héctor Herrera agradece elogios de Pep Guardiola |trans-title=Héctor Herrera grateful of praise from Pep Guardiola |language=es |work=Informador.mx |publisher=El Informador |date=14 April 2015 |access-date=14 April 2015}}}}

Herrera is described as a box-to-box midfielder,{{cite web |title=Eric Gomez: Meet Hector Herrera, Mexico's $16 million midfielder |url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2012/08/24/3328879/eric-gomez-meet-hector-herrera-mexicos-16-million-midfielder |work=Goal.com |first=Eric |last=Gomez |date=24 August 2012 |access-date=8 November 2018}}{{cite web |title=Go For It Klopp – Why This 26-Year-Old Porto Midfielder Will Be A Perfect Option For Liverpool? |url=https://soccersouls.com/2016/06/10/why-this-26-year-old-porto-midfielder-will-be-a-perfect-option-for-liverpool/ |first=Harsh |last=Vaidya |work=Soccersouls.com |date=10 June 2016 |access-date=8 November 2018 |archive-date=8 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224603/https://soccersouls.com/2016/06/10/why-this-26-year-old-porto-midfielder-will-be-a-perfect-option-for-liverpool/ |url-status=dead }} capable of halting opposing advances and able to distribute the ball or shoot the ball on target.{{cite web |title=In-form Hector Herrera to play a massive role for Mexico in coming months |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/mexico/203/blog/post/3262823/in-form-hector-herrera-needs-to-play-a-decisive-role-for-mexico-in-the-coming-months |work=ESPN |first=Nayib |last=Moran |date=7 November 2017 |access-date=8 November 2018}} He is also known for his pace and dynamism,{{cite news |title=AC Milan Given Chance to Sign Porto's Mexico International Midfielder Hector Herrera |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/02/09/ac-milan-given-chance-sign-portos-mexico-international-midfielder-hector-herrera |newspaper=Sports Illustrated |access-date=9 February 2018}} as well as being capable of breaking up opposition attacks with his tough tackling and starting his team's own forays forward with his sharp distribution and tireless running.{{cite web |title=11 other players Liverpool could realistically sign this summer |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/11-other-players-liverpool-could-realistically-sign-summer |publisher=Future Publishing |work=FourFourTwo |access-date=7 July 2016 |date=7 July 2016}}

Herrera has cited Juan Román Riquelme as an idol and an influence on his playing style.{{cite web |title=Héctor Herrera: "Desde niño me he fijado en Riquelme" |url=http://www.marca.com/2014/11/10/futbol/futbol_internacional/mexico/1415641977.html |work=Marca |first1=Diego |last1=Acedo |first2=Joseba |last2=Arroyo |date=10 November 2014 |access-date=5 October 2018}}

In June 2019, Herrera obtained Portuguese Citizenship after residing in Portugal for six years.{{cite web |title=Hector Herrera já tem passaporte português |url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/primeira-liga/artigos/hector-herrera-ja-tem-passaporte-portugues |website=Desporto |access-date=4 July 2019}}

{{updated|match played 3 November 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/hector-miguel-herrera/85145/ |title=H. Herrera |website=Soccerway |access-date=25 November 2014}}{{cite web |title=Héctor Herrera Stats, News, Bio |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/146866/hector-herrera |publisher=ESPN |access-date=24 August 2016}}

{{reflist|1|group=lower-alpha}}

{{updated|match played 12 September 2023}}{{cite web |url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/49086/Hector_Herrera.html |title=Héctor Herrera |website=National Football Teams |author=Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann}}

:Scores and results list Mexico's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Herrera goal.{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/hector-miguel-herrera/85145/ |title=H. Herrera |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=14 October 2016}}

Porto

• Primeira Liga: 2017–18
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2013, 2018

Atlético Madrid

• La Liga: 2020–21{{cite web | last=Serrano | first=Rodrigo | title=Héctor Herrera is the fourth Mexican footballer to win LaLiga | website=Diario AS | date=22 May 2021 |url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/05/22/soccer/1621714982_324328.html | access-date=18 December 2024}}
• Supercopa de España runner-up: 2020

Houston Dynamo

• U.S. Open Cup: 2023{{cite web | last=Gutierrez | first=Israel | title=Houston Dynamo beats Inter Miami to win team's second U.S. Open Cup | website=ESPN | date=27 September 2023 |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/686735 | access-date=18 December 2024}}

Toluca

• Liga MX: Clausura 2025

Mexico U23

• Olympic Gold Medal: 2012{{cite news |last=Irvin |first=Duncan |date=11 August 2012 |title=Mexico Wins Soccer Gold Medal, 2–1 |url=http://london2012.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/11/live-coverage-of-mexico-brazil-soccer-final/ |access-date=21 April 2025 |newspaper=New York Times}}
• CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship: 2012{{cite web |url=http://trireport.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/mexico-wins-olympic-qualifying-tournament/ |title=Mexico wins olympic qualifying tournament; Mexico U-23 2, Honduras U-23 1 |work=Tri Report |date=3 April 2012}}
• Toulon Tournament: 2012{{cite web |url=http://www.festival-foot-espoirs.com/festival-foot-espoirs/match-festival-foot.php?%26match%3D16 |title=Festival International "Espoirs" de Toulon et du Var |access-date=4 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701010402/http://www.festival-foot-espoirs.com/festival-foot-espoirs/match-festival-foot.php?&match=16 |archive-date=1 July 2013}}

Mexico

• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2015
• CONCACAF Cup: 2015
• CONCACAF Nations League runner-up: 2019–20{{Cite web |title=USA 3–2 Mexico (Jun 6, 2021) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/570981/mexico-united-states |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=ESPN |language=en}}

Individual

• Toulon Tournament Best Player: 2012{{cite web |url=http://www.festival-foot-espoirs.com/festival-foot-espoirs/recompense-festival-foot.php |title=Festival International "Espoirs" de Toulon et du Var |access-date=1 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524051405/http://www.festival-foot-espoirs.com/festival-foot-espoirs/recompense-festival-foot.php |archive-date=24 May 2012}}
• FC Porto Player of the Year: 2014–15
• FIFA Confederations Cup Assist Leader: 2017
• CONCACAF Best XI: 2017,{{cite web |title=2017 CONCACAF Award Winners Announced |url=https://awards.concacaf.com/en/article/2017-concacaf-award-winners-announced |website=CONCACAF |access-date=19 December 2017 |date=19 December 2017 |archive-date=22 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051433/https://awards.concacaf.com/en/article/2017-concacaf-award-winners-announced |url-status=dead}} 2018,{{cite web |url=https://www.concacaf.com/en/awards/news/mexico-leads-way-in-concacaf-men-s-best-xi |title=Mexico leads way in Concacaf Men's Best XI |website=concacaf.com |date=15 January 2019 |access-date=16 January 2019 |archive-date=17 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117013330/https://www.concacaf.com/en/awards/news/mexico-leads-way-in-concacaf-men-s-best-xi |url-status=dead}} 2021{{cite web|title=2021 Concacaf Awards|date=24 January 2022 |url=https://www.concacaf.com/concacaf-awards/}}
• Primeira Liga Team of the Year: 2017–18, 2018–19
• SPJF Goal of the season: 2017–18{{cite web |url=http://sjpf.pt/?pt=news&op=OP_SHOW_DETAIL&id=9510 |title=Golo de Héctor Herrera eleito o melhor da época |publisher=SJPF |language=pt |trans-title=Héctor Herrera's goal elected season's best |access-date=24 August 2018 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614021252/http://sjpf.pt/?pt=news&op=OP_SHOW_DETAIL&id=9510 |url-status=dead }}
• IFFHS CONCACAF Best XI: 2020{{cite web |title=CONCACAF MEN TEAM 2020 by IFFHS |url=https://www.iffhs.de/posts/839 |work=IFFHS |date=16 December 2020}}
• CONCACAF Nations League Finals Best XI: 2021{{cite tweet |author=CONCACAF |user=CNationsLeague |number=1402064406738092034 |date=7 June 2021 |title=Here is the Best XI of the Concacaf Nations League Finals|access-date=7 June 2021}}
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Golden Ball: 2021
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2021{{cite web |url=https://www.concacaf.com/gold-cup/article/turner-funes-mori-named-to-best-xi/ |title=Turner, Funes Mori named to Best XI |publisher=CONCACAF |date=3 August 2021|access-date=3 August 2021}}
• MLS All-Star: 2023,{{cite web|title=2023 MLS All-Star Team Roster|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/all-star/2023/news/2023-mls-all-star-team-roster|website=Major League Soccer|access-date=July 17, 2023|date=July 7, 2023}} 2024
• MLS Best XI: 2023{{cite web|title=2023 MLS Best XI presented by Continental Tire|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2023-mls-best-xi-presented-by-continental-tire|website=Major League Soccer|date=November 28, 2023|access-date=November 28, 2023}}

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Héctor Herrera}}

• {{Liga MX player|66158|Héctor Miguel Herrera López}}
• {{MedioTiempo|hector-miguel-herrera-lopez|Héctor Miguel Herrera López}}
• {{FIFA player|329092}}
• {{NFT player|49086}}
• [http://www.goal.com/en-us/people/mexico/28609/h-herrera Héctor Herrera] at Goal.com {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920180504/http://www.goal.com/en-us/people/mexico/28609/h-herrera |date=20 September 2016 }}
• {{Olympics.com|hector-herrera}}
• {{Olympedia}}

{{Deportivo Toluca squad}}

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