San Diego FC to part ways with Mexican star Hirving Lozano

San Diego FC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps announced Friday that the team will move forward without Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. The star Mexican winger was the club’s first Designated Player.

“We’re working with him and his representatives to find the best solution and the best environment for him moving forward,” Heaps said. A reduction in playing time also played a factor in this decision.

This decision was made solely by the club and was not mutual, according to Mark Zeigler with the San Diego Union-Tribune. “Lozano will remain in camp but train on his own on the side indefinitely,” Zeigler shared on X.

It was an injury-riddled season for Chucky, who appeared in 31 games (including playoffs), scoring 11 goals and 11 assists. However, the relationship between Lozano and the club fractured on Oct. 4 in their game against Houston.

SDFC coach Mikey Varas subbed out Lozano at halftime, and his actions that night did not sit well with the club, resulting in him missing the final regular-season game. He also did not suit up in the club’s first-ever playoff game. Perhaps there’s more to the story.

Chucky later apologized via Instagram, saying, “I didn’t react in the right way, and I’ve already taken responsibility, addressed it, and moved forward.”

Chucky Lozano is taking responsibility for his actions and is fully committed to San Diego FC. Here’s what he wrote on his recent Instagram post:

“I didn’t react in the right way, and I’ve already taken responsibility, addressed it, and moved forward.”@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/CVbVeGfW3v

— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) October 24, 2025

Amahl Pellegrino replaced Chucky in the starting lineup, and the squad played at a high level. Pellegrino started all five playoff games, scoring three goals. The club re-signed him to a one-year deal back in December.

“Our focus is always on the collective, and it’s about pushing the team chemistry this year,” Varas told the media on Friday. “We’ve played plenty of games this year with a team without him (Lozano) in the roster, and that team played very, very well.”

Chucky was the fifth-highest-paid player in Major League Soccer last season, earning $7.6 million. Heaps said the team will look to add another designated player. The team is still searching for a true striker to pair alongside 2025 Newcomer of the Year, Anders Dreyer.

This decision did not come as a surprise to many, as San Diego successfully navigated late-season drama. They defeated both Portland and Minnesota to reach the Western Conference Finals.

With the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026, Lozano will need to find a new club and earn a spot on the Mexico National Team.

The Varas-led San Diego FC had an unforgettable inaugural season, achieving 63 regular-season points, scoring 64 goals, winning 19 matches, and featuring 15 different goal scorers.

The club recently began training for the upcoming season and will return to the pitch without Lozano next month. They will host Pumas in the CONCACAF Champions Cup at Snapdragon Stadium on Feb. 3.

Sebastian Sanchez

Sebastian Sanchez was born and raised in San Diego. He recently received his bachelor’s degree in Sports Journalism from Arizona State University. A passionate storyteller who has experience covering the Phoenix Mercury and Suns. He has also written for multiple news outlets, reporting on various sports at the college and high school levels.