When you speak to Mexican soccer enthusiasts about Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, one pivotal moment consistently comes to mind: the 2018 World Cup.
At just 22 years old, the emerging Mexican talent stunned the world with a breathtaking game-winning goal against the reigning champions, Germany. This remarkable 1-0 victory not only marked a historic achievement but also represented a significant leap forward for the fast-rising player with immense potential. It was at that moment that supporters of El Tri began to envision the remarkable contributions Lozano could make in future World Cups.
Fast forward to just a few months before this summer’s World Cup, where San Diego FC’s marquee signing for 2025 is expected to be a key player for Mexico, but Lozano’s status within the club—and consequently his place in the national team—is now in doubt.
Following San Diego FC’s impressive 5-0 win against CF Montreal in their MLS season opener last Saturday, Lozano was conspicuously absent from the game day roster. It wasn’t due to injury or an inability to play; the club simply chose not to include him on the field or the bench, and this situation is unlikely to change anytime soon.
“Our stance remains unchanged,” sporting director Tyler Heaps stated to ESPN ahead of the match. “Hirving is not and will not be part of our sporting plans this year.”
This decision was initially made public in January, with both the sporting director and the club holding firm on their intention to explore options for the league’s fifth-highest earner from the previous season.
Despite the investment of approximately $12 million for his signing in 2024, what could be the reason behind the club’s desire to part ways with the 30-year-old Mexican international? Why exclude the standout player who played a crucial role in drawing fans to San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium during their inaugural season?
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Lozano started the club’s debut MLS season strong, but tensions between him and the club intensified after a reported locker room incident in October. A source revealed to ESPN that a “heated” exchange took place between Lozano and head coach Mikey Varas over a substitution decision.
The fallout from this altercation led to Lozano being left off two game-day rosters, including San Diego’s inaugural playoff match, before he made a return in November. His last appearance for San Diego FC came on November 29, when he substituted in during a 3-1 playoff defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Addressing Lozano’s fit within the team, Heaps emphasized that there wasn’t a singular moment that dictated Chucky’s fate with the club. Instead, he noted that Lozano’s decisions throughout the year did not align with the organization’s vision and long-term culture, adding that he “was not completely aligned” on the field.
“That was evident in both games and training sessions,” Heaps noted.
However, as the World Cup approaches and the MLS season kicks off, it’s apparent that Lozano prefers to remain in San Diego.
With a no-trade clause granting him the ability to accept or decline any transfer, Lozano expressed in December, “I’m happy here in San Diego,” and stated that he would not consider winter offers.
A source confirmed that there has been considerable interest in Lozano from clubs in Europe and Mexico, as well as within MLS, where the transfer window is currently open. By mid-January, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano affirmed Lozano’s position, stating he “doesn’t plan or want to leave.”
It appears Lozano and his representatives have explored options for him to secure playing time if he desires.
“Interest in Hirving’s services exists,” Heaps stated. “He’s a very talented player, and clubs inside and outside the league recognize that he could excel at another team.”
What if no agreement is reached by the March 26 transfer window for MLS? Could Chucky remain with San Diego and continue to train separately as he is currently?
“That’s our situation,” Heaps acknowledged to ESPN. “If we struggle to reach an agreement with Hirving and his representatives and another club, we expect him to continue training alone until the next window opens, at which point we hope to resume discussions.”
This ситуациив has understandably raised concerns for Mexican national team manager Javier Aguirre, who has indicated his uncertainties about Lozano’s inclusion in the World Cup after using him sparingly last year.
Although Lozano was sidelined by a hamstring injury that kept him off the previous summer’s Gold Cup roster, the reality is that he did not earn as many national team appearances in 2025 as other wide attackers like Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado, Alexis Vega, César Huerta, or Julian Quiñones.
“I’ve discussed this situation with him several times,” Aguirre informed reporters in January. “While our conversations are private, it’s clear that I have stronger arguments for players who are consistently playing—him and others. I know there are personal circumstances, such as being in Europe and not playing regularly… but I prefer players who are fit and in good form.”
“This is his decision. He’ll need to contemplate what this means, and we’ll see what unfolds.”
This was followed by Lozano being excluded from the Mexico squad for a friendly against Iceland on February 25. Given that Chucky is not playing for San Diego, it would have been relatively straightforward for him to attend the camp—if he were in Aguirre’s plans.
Heaps mentioned that he has engaged in discussions with El Tri about Lozano’s status with San Diego.
“I understand from discussions with the Mexican national team staff that they require him to play,” Heaps noted. “We have reiterated our intentions for Hirving this year, and I know they’ve also communicated with him and his representatives. It creates a complex situation for the national team when considering a player who is not actively playing and lacks form.”
Why might Chucky be hesitant to seek a new club? If he is not aiming for a World Cup spot, he’s still earning a $6 million base salary and enjoying life in sunny San Diego. Regardless of his playing status, he has a contract, and San Diego FC continues to pay him.
Whether it’s a calculated move to win over public opinion or a genuine desire to engage with the local community, the former Napoli and PSV Eindhoven playmaker has recently utilized social media to express his connection to San Diego FC.
On the same day as the club’s latest win, he shared an Instagram story stating: “May this season be played with pride, character, and heart,” featuring images of Snapdragon Stadium’s crowd and a cartoon depiction of Lozano donning a hoodie with the No. 11.
For now, however, Chucky is training alone at San Diego’s facilities during this World Cup year. He arrives in the afternoons, away from the first team, resulting in minimal interaction with his teammates. As a contracted player still obliged to fulfill his responsibilities—however limited they may be—he has access to the facilities and trainers at his disposal.
While Chucky may be risking his career’s future in this standoff, could San Diego FC also be taking a calculated risk? The fact that he remains listed on the club’s roster only amplifies his absence on the field. However, the club’s other options for his position have alleviated concerns, evidenced by their commanding victory against Montreal.
Playing in Lozano’s former left-wing role, Amahl Pellegrino scored his first goal of the 2026 season in the 47th minute, followed by Bryan Zamblé, an 18-year-old making his MLS debut, who found the net in the 85th minute, solidifying the dominant 5-0 win. Zamblé’s goal, featuring a cut inside the box and a near-post shot with his right foot, echoed Chucky’s famous 2018 World Cup strike, symbolizing a generational shift.
Earlier this month, San Diego passed their first major challenge of the season with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Liga MX giants Pumas in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Given the club’s success without him, it makes sense why they are not ruling out the possibility of buying out Lozano’s contract if a deal isn’t reached before the MLS transfer window closes.
“That’s a topic we’ve discussed internally,” Heaps confirmed. “We’re hopeful, but the expectation is that it won’t come to that, and we can collaboratively find a solution.”
Heaps added, “This isn’t about ensuring Hirving never plays again. We’re not trying to recoup every dollar of the transfer fee. Our goal is to cooperate and find a resolution that benefits both parties, especially in regards to his long-term career.”
Club leadership appears to support the front office’s strategy of moving forward without Lozano.
“These decisions are made by the managers, and we must respect their perspective,” said club chairman Mohamed Mansour to local media last Saturday concerning Lozano. “There’s a specific playing style, and the managers know what they aim for.”
Thus, the saga of Chucky Lozano continues.
Questions remain. Will San Diego continue to thrive without him? Will he represent Mexico in this summer’s World Cup? But perhaps the most straightforward question revolves around the former rising star from just two World Cups ago: When will Hirving Lozano return to competitive soccer?