Daniel Ríos

An experienced striker and a proven goal scorer in MLS, Ríos was acquired on loan from LIGA MX side Chivas de Guadalajara through 2025 with an option to purchase.

ATLANTA UNITED FC

Ríos spent the 2024 season on loan with Eastern Conference side Atlanta United FC, where he tallied the second-most goal contributions for the side with 10 goals and five assists across all competitions. The native of Mexico City, Mexico started 19 of his 37 appearances during his lone season with the Five Stripes.

CHIVAS DE GUADALAJARA

Currently in his second stint with Chivas, Ríos originally came through their academy at the beginning of his career. The forward was re-acquired by the LIGA MX side via transfer from Charlotte FC in 2023 and recorded one goal, as well as one assist, in six starts and 19 appearances across all competitions. Ríos also helped Chivas reach the 2023 LIGA MX Clausura Final.

CHARLOTTE FC

Prior to returning to Chivas, Ríos spent the 2022 season with Charlotte in their inaugural MLS season. The forward scored nine goals and added two assists in 17 starts and 30 appearances across all competitions. Ríos made history during his time with the Crown, as he racked up all four goals in the club’s 4-0 win over Philadelphia Union. Ríos was originally acquired by Charlotte via trade from Nashville SC.

NASHVILLE SC

At Nashville, Ríos posted six goals and one assist in 13 starts and 33 appearances across all competitions during the club’s first two seasons in MLS. In fact, Ríos was Nashville SC's first MLS signing and suited up for their USL Championship side in 2019 before the club made the jump to MLS in 2020. Ríos finished second in the USL golden boot race with 20 goals and added another goal in the USL Cup Playoffs as well as two assists during the regular season. In total, the forward started 31 of his 34 appearances with the USL team.

NORTH CAROLINA FC

Ríos had his first experience in the United States in 2018 when he was loaned to North Carolina FC of the USL Championship. He started 26 of his 32 appearances with the RailHawks and finished the season with 20 goals, which was tied for second in the golden boot race. The forward also added three assists.

CORAS FC

Across two seasons, Ríos recorded 13 goals, as well as an assist, in 26 starts and 31 appearances during a loan spell with Coras FC.

ZACATEPEC FC

The forward tallied four goals in 11 starts and 16 appearances during his loan at Zacatepec FC in 2017.

CHIVAS DE GUADALAJARA

During his first stint with Chivas, Ríos made three appearances with the first team as a member of the academy. He then signed his first professional contract and went out on loan three times to gain playing experience.

INTERNATIONAL

Internationally, Ríos previously represented Mexico through the U-18 to U-21 levels. The forward made four appearances and scored one goal with the U-20 side. His lone goal came in his debut during a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in 2014.

YOUTH

In his youth, Ríos spent time with Chivas’ academy sides and their second team.