Controversial Statements by Javier “Chicharito” Hernández
Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, renowned Mexican soccer player, is under scrutiny after making controversial statements regarding gender roles on his social media platforms. President Claudia Sheinbaum, addressing the situation at a press conference, remarked on Wednesday,
“While Chicharito is an exceptional athlete, he needs to gain a deeper understanding of issues concerning women.”
Criticism of Gender Views
Sheinbaum characterized Hernández’s recent comments as “profoundly sexist,” highlighting the disconnect between his sporting prowess and his views on gender equality. The forward, known for his impressive record as the all-time top scorer for the Mexican national football team with 52 goals and who currently plays for the Chivas, attracted criticism following a series of posts over the weekend, particularly on Instagram.
In one of his videos, the 37-year-old urged women to embrace traditional gender roles, saying,
“Don’t be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man,”
and later added,
“You women need to learn to accept and honor masculinity.”
These remarks have sparked backlash, with many advising the athlete to focus solely on his professional career, especially considering his subpar performance since his return to the Mexican league last year.
Performance and Accountability
Hernández has only managed to score twice in his first 25 games since rejoining Chivas, the club where he began his career in 2006.
President Sheinbaum, who made history as the first female leader of Mexico last year, emphasized the diverse roles women can assume:
“As a mother, grandmother, and housewife as well as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, women are capable of anything we aspire to.”
The criticism of Hernández has intensified partly due to the lack of accountability within Mexican football for misogynistic comments. The Mexico Football Federation’s code of ethics allows for penalties for offensive statements, yet no action has been taken against individuals like businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, who faced backlash earlier this year for derogatory remarks aimed at female journalists.
Hernández’s Background and Social Media Presence
Notably, since 2019, Chicharito has not participated in national team activities, amid controversies involving unauthorized gatherings after a match against the USA. Meanwhile, neither Chivas nor the Mexican Football Federation has released a statement regarding Hernández’s recent comments or any potential repercussions.
Hernández, who is a divorced father of two, has built a social media presence reflective of his experiences, especially after collaborating with life coach Diego Dreyfus, which helped shape his public persona. Their partnership has seemingly contributed to the athlete’s willingness to speak on personal views, despite the backlash that has ensued.
