Chicharito Responds to the Controversy Over Sexist Comments
Chivas striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández has reacted to the controversy generated by his sexist comments on social media. These comments earned him a financial sanction from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and criticism from the country’s president.
“I deeply regret any confusion or discomfort that my recent words may have caused; it was never my intention to diminish, hurt, or divide,” the soccer player wrote on social media.
Javier “Chicharito” Hernández
In his post, the 37-year-old player added: “As a father, man, and member of this community, my priority is to act with respect, humility, and responsibility. I am listening, reflecting, and committed to expressing myself with greater clarity and sensitivity, especially on such delicate issues.”
Last week, in an online post that has not yet been deleted by the player, Hernandez stated: “Women, you are failing, you are eradicating masculinity, turning to hypersensitive society.”
Later, she added: “Don’t be afraid to be women, to let yourselves be guided by a man.”
In another post from last week, which remains on his Instagram page, Chicharito said to the camera: “They want a man to provide, but for you, cleaning is patriarchal oppression… interesting.”The FMF announced on Wednesday that it had initiated an investigation and fined Hernández for “promoting sexist stereotypes.” The striker’s club, Chivas, issued a statement stating that the “recent messages posted on social media represent an individual stance, which are contrary to the principles and values of our institution. The club has taken the relevant measures in accordance with its internal regulations.”
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, also responded on Wednesday.
“Chicharito is a very good soccer player,” said the 63-year-old scientist, chosen last year as the first president in the 200-year history of the country. “But regarding his opinion on women… he still has a lot to learn.”
Sheinbaum described the former Mexican international’s ideas as “very sexist.”
“I am a mother, I am a grandmother, I am also a housewife,” said the president. “But I am also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Women can be whatever we want.”
Hernández, a divorced father of two, had a low profile on social media before working closely with life coach Diego Dreyfus, who began creating content on YouTube with Hernández and his then-wife while the footballer was at West Ham. Many attribute much of Chicharito’s new personality to Dreyfus.
“I believe that change begins with oneself,” Hernández added in his social media post on Thursday. “I will take this opportunity to understand, grow, and continue working to be a better version of myself, from a place of honesty, love for my family, my values, and love for all of you. Thank you for your understanding, dedication, affection, and company on this journey.”
In the field, the forward who played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy, has scored only two goals since his return in 2024 to the club of his childhood, Chivas de México. Hernández, the all-time leading scorer for the national team, has not represented El Tri since 2019.
