Ronald Hernández Bio
Ronald José Hernández Pimentel, born on 21 September 1997, is a Venezuelan professional footballer who plays as a right-back. He currently represents Major League Soccer club Atlanta United and is also a member of the Venezuela national team. Standing 1.71 m tall, Hernández has built his career across Venezuela, Norway, Scotland, and the United States, gradually establishing himself as a reliable defender in multiple leagues.
Known for his pace, positional awareness, and ability to contribute in attack from the right flank, Hernández brings international experience to every squad he joins. His journey from a youth prospect at Zamora in his home country to a senior international with Venezuela reflects years of steady development and a willingness to adapt to new footballing environments.
Early Life and Background
Ronald José Hernández Pimentel was born on 21 September 1997 in Barinas, a city in western Venezuela known for producing a number of notable footballers. Growing up in a country where soccer serves as a central cultural activity, Hernández was introduced to the sport at a young age and developed his early skills through local youth programs. Barinas provided the foundation for his technical growth, allowing him to refine the defensive and attacking instincts that would later define his playing style.
As a young player in Venezuela’s competitive youth system, Hernández quickly drew attention for his speed and discipline on the right side of the field. His progression through age-group football in Barinas eventually caught the eye of scouts from Zamora, one of the country’s most established clubs. This early recognition set the stage for his transition into professional football and a career that would eventually take him to multiple continents.
Path to Soccer
Hernández’s path into professional soccer began in 2015 when he joined the youth setup of Zamora FC, a club based in the Venezuelan city of Barinas. The academy provided him with structured training, competitive match experience, and the opportunity to develop alongside other promising young players from the region. His performances in the youth ranks earned him a place in Zamora’s senior squad later that year, marking the official start of his professional career.
During his time with Zamora’s senior team from 2015 to 2017, Hernández gained valuable first-team experience in the Venezuelan top flight. The exposure helped him adapt to the physical and tactical demands of senior football while continuing to sharpen his defensive skills. In 2017, his development attracted the attention of clubs abroad, and on 17 August of that year, he signed with Norwegian side Stabæk, opening a new chapter in his career and beginning his international journey.
Ronald Hernández Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Hernández began his professional career with Zamora FC, the club where he had risen through the youth ranks. From 2015 to 2017, he featured for Zamora’s senior team in the Venezuelan top division, gaining experience in a competitive league and establishing himself as a promising right-back. His time at Zamora allowed him to transition smoothly from academy football to the demands of senior competition.
His consistent performances during this period attracted international attention. The Norwegian club Stabæk identified him as a player with significant potential and secured his signature in August 2017. This move represented Hernández’s first step outside Venezuela and laid the groundwork for the diverse career that followed.
Stabæk Era (2017–2020)
On 17 August 2017, Hernández signed for Norwegian side Stabæk, beginning a new phase of his development in European football. He was also registered with the club’s reserve team, Stabæk 2, where he continued to gain competitive minutes. The Norwegian Eliteserien provided a different footballing environment, and Hernández worked to adapt his game to the technical and physical requirements of European competition.
Throughout his time at Stabæk and Stabæk 2 from 2017 to 2020, Hernández developed a reputation as a dependable defender capable of supporting attacking play. His progress in Scandinavia eventually drew the attention of clubs in larger European leagues, setting up his next career move.
Aberdeen Era (2020–2022)
On 31 January 2020, Hernández signed for Scottish top-flight team Aberdeen on a four-and-a-half-year deal. In doing so, he became the club’s first ever Venezuelan player, marking a historic moment for both the player and the franchise. The move represented a significant step up in his career, joining a club with a strong tradition in Scottish football.
Hernández struggled to settle in Scotland, as the COVID-19 pandemic began shortly after his arrival at the club. He made six appearances for Aberdeen, all in the Scottish Premiership, before leaving the club on compassionate leave in December 2020 to be with his family in Venezuela. During this period, he was linked with a move to MLS club Atlanta United, with whom Aberdeen had a strategic partnership. Although his time at Aberdeen was limited, his brief spell opened the door to opportunities in Major League Soccer.
Atlanta United Era (2021–Present)
On 18 February 2021, Hernández signed with Major League Soccer club Atlanta United on loan for the 2021 season. He made his debut for Atlanta United’s reserve affiliate, Atlanta United 2, on 1 May against OKC Energy, starting in the 1–0 victory. Hernández then made his Atlanta United first-team debut on 3 July in a 3–0 defeat against the Chicago Fire, coming on as a substitute for George Bello. On 21 July, Hernández scored his first goal for Atlanta United in a 1–1 draw against FC Cincinnati, announcing his arrival in MLS.
On 17 January 2022, Aberdeen confirmed that Hernández had signed for Atlanta United for a substantial transfer fee, making the move permanent. He has since continued to feature for Atlanta United and its reserve side, contributing to both squads across multiple seasons.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones in Hernández’s career came on 31 January 2020, when he became the first Venezuelan player to sign for Aberdeen. His first goal for Atlanta United, scored on 21 July 2021 in a 1–1 draw against FC Cincinnati, marked another important moment, confirming his ability to contribute offensively as a full-back.
Ronald Hernández Family
Personal Life
Ronald José Hernández Pimentel was born in Barinas, Venezuela, where his immediate family is based. In December 2020, he left Aberdeen on compassionate leave to be with his family in Venezuela, highlighting the close relationship he maintains with his loved ones. He has also been part of the Venezuelan national team setup since 2017, representing his country at under-20, under-21, and senior levels.
International Career
Hernández was called up to the Venezuela under-20 side for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, an important step in his international development. He has since represented Venezuela at the under-21 level and has been a member of the senior Venezuela national team since 2017. His international experience adds a valuable dimension to his club career and reflects his standing within Venezuelan football.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Hernández remains part of Atlanta United’s roster, providing depth and experience on the right side of the defense. Having been with the club since 2021 and fully signed in 2022, he is well integrated into the team’s system and familiar with the demands of Major League Soccer. His continued presence at Atlanta United offers stability and tactical flexibility for the coaching staff.
With his international experience and familiarity with multiple leagues, Hernández is expected to remain a contributing member of the Atlanta United squad throughout 2025. His versatility, defensive reliability, and ability to support attacking play position him as a valuable asset for the team’s pursuit of success in the MLS campaign.