The worst-kept secret in professional soccer was confirmed today when San Diego FC announced the signing of forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano on Thursday morning.
Lozano started his professional career with Liga MX side Pachuca and most recently with Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven. He made 70 appearances with the senior Mexican national team including his most famous appearance on June 17, 2018, in the opening round of the World Cup when El Tri defeated then defending champion Germany. The goal, which came in the 35th minute, caused the ground to shake and set off seismic sensors in Mexico City due to the celebration that ensued, according to experts.
“Signing a player of the international stature of ‘Chucky’ Lozano is the biggest possible endorsement of our project in San Diego,” said San Diego FC owner and chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour. “His journey from Pachuca, Mexico to the world stage resonates with how Right to Dream provides opportunities for talent everywhere, and we hope that story can inspire and motivate the next generation of talent in San Diego and around the world.”
El Chucky already has teammates who have been announced for the inaugural 2025 Major League Soccer season including former San Diego Loyal goalkeeper Duran Ferree, midfielder Jeppe Tverskov, and forward Marcus Ingvartsen.
Born in Mexico City, 11-year-old Lozano joined the youth academy of C.F. Pachuca in 2006. On Feb. 8, 2014, Lozano made his Liga MX debut against Club América where he scored five minutes after his substitution in the 1-0 victory at the Estadio Azteca winning the Liga MX Clausura 2016 championship and the Concacaf Champions League in 2017 with Pachuca.
After his first stint with PSV from 2017 to 2019, he signed with Napoli of Italian Serie A on Aug. 23, 2019, where he would go on to win the Serie A and Coppa Italia titles before returning for a second stint with PSV Eindhoven in 2023.
