Cucho Hernández is a Colombian footballer who began his professional career at Deportivo Pereira. Known for his attacking skill, he competed for clubs including SD Huesca and the Columbus Crew before transferring to the La Liga club Real Betis in 2025. He earned major honors such as the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup, establishing himself as a significant goalscorer across his professional career.
Born in 1999 in Pereira, Colombia, he transitioned from a teenage prodigy at Deportivo Pereira into a significant attacking presence, eventually securing titles and individual accolades across multiple professional environments.
Early Development in Colombia
Hernández began his youth training at Indubolsas, eventually representing the Risaralda team during a 2014 victory in the Pereira City Cup. He joined Deportivo Pereira in 2015, making his professional debut at age 15. By 2016, he served as team captain and finished the season as the tournament's top goalscorer with 20 goals. In December 2016, he moved to América de Cali on loan, where he debuted in the top flight of Colombian football in early 2017.
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After signing with Granada CF and subsequently being assigned to Watford, Hernández spent several seasons on loan in Spain. His tenure at SD Huesca proved productive, with 16 goals scored during a 2017–18 campaign that secured the club's first promotion to La Liga. He later represented RCD Mallorca and Getafe CF, navigating challenges including injuries and disciplinary suspensions. He returned to Watford in 2021, marking his Premier League debut with a goal against Aston Villa.
Major League Soccer Success
In June 2022, Hernández joined the Columbus Crew for a club-record fee of USD $10 million. He made an immediate impact, becoming the first player in league history to score his first four goals in under 90 minutes of play. His 2023 season was particularly notable; he recorded two hat-tricks, earned MLS Player of the Month honors for September, and played a pivotal role in securing the MLS Cup. He also contributed to the 2024 Leagues Cup victory, earning both Man of the Match and tournament Best Player honors.
Move to Real Betis
Following a highly productive stint in professional soccer, Hernández transitioned back to the Spanish league. On 3 February 2025, he completed a transfer to the La Liga club Real Betis. The agreement between the two clubs included a provision entitling his former team to a percentage of any future transfer fees.
Fast facts
- Born: 1999, Pereira, Colombia
- Professional debut: 6 April 2015
- Former clubs include: Deportivo Pereira, América de Cali, SD Huesca, RCD Mallorca, Getafe CF, Watford, Columbus Crew
- Current club: Real Betis
- Columbus Crew transfer fee: USD $10 million
- Major awards: 2023 MLS Cup Champion, 2023 MLS Cup MVP, 2024 Leagues Cup Best Player
Questions readers ask
What was the result of Hernández's move to Real Betis?
He joined the club on 3 February 2025 for an undisclosed fee.
How many hat-tricks did he record during the 2023 season?
He scored two hat-tricks for the Columbus Crew that season.
