Chivas striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernández has addressed the backlash following his sexist comments, for which he received a fine from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF). He expressed regret for the confusion and discomfort his words caused, acknowledging the criticism he faced, including from the country’s president.
Hernández stated, "I am sincerely thankful to those who supported me. I shared my views respectfully, which has made me a better person. I truly regret the misunderstanding and discomfort that my recent comments have generated."
As a father and member of the community, he emphasized the importance of acting with respect and responsibility, vowing to be more sensitive in discussing such topics. Last week, he made a controversial online statement urging women to not be afraid to be led by men, which remains on his Instagram.
In response to the uproar, the FMF announced an investigation and fined Hernández for promoting sexist stereotypes. His club, Chivas, released a statement indicating that the messages do not align with the institution’s principles and that they are taking appropriate action according to their internal regulations.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also weighed in, recognizing Hernández as a talented player but criticizing his views on women as needing improvement. Sheinbaum pointed out that women can take on any role they desire, stating, "I am a mother, a grandmother, and also the commander-in-chief."
Hernández has worked with life coach Diego Dreyfus following a low-profile phase on social media. He expressed in a recent post, “I believe that change starts with myself. I will grow from this experience and strive to become a better version of myself.”
On the pitch, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy forward has struggled, scoring only twice since rejoining his childhood club in 2024. He also hasn’t played for the national team since 2019.
Fan Take: This situation highlights the growing accountability athletes face regarding their public statements, especially on sensitive topics like gender roles. For soccer fans, it underscores the need for players to embody the values of respect and inclusivity, which could ultimately shape the culture of the sport.
