مدير عام كرة القدم
- This is his fourth season with the club
- He didn’t play in Matchday 1 against León
- His contract reportedly won’t be renewed
The recent controversy surrounding Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández’s sexist remarks has amplified the criticism he’s faced in recent months since returning to his boyhood club, Chivas, after a successful run in Europe and MLS. His second stint has been widely disappointing: just three goals in 34 matches, with little playing time under the various coaches who’ve managed the now 37-year-old striker.
Despite being Mexico‘s all-time leading scorer and one of the most accomplished Mexican players to have played in Europe, Hernández has continued to benefit from a level of respect. But with his poor performances and now his off-field controversy – which led to fines from Chivas and the Mexican Football Federation – critics are urging him to step aside.
Among those critics is seven-time Liga MX champion Ricardo ‘Tuca’ Ferretti, now an analyst at ESPN, who had a blunt message: “He should retire now – he should leave football, not let football leave him.”
“I thought this season would go well for him because he had time for a proper preseason,” Ferretti added. “But he had surgery early on, then another issue, and then he pulled something during warm-up. It’s all taking a toll.”
Ferretti says Chivas should not renew his deal after the Apertura 2025 and urged Hernández to protect his legacy: “Because of all the injuries and his current situation, he should really consider retiring. We remember him as a great player in Europe – ريال مدريد, مانشستر يونايتد, Leverkusen, the national team. Let’s not ruin that image.”
On FOX Sports, former striker Carlos Hermosillo said Hernández no longer fits into Gabriel Milito’s system and drew a parallel with his own retirement: “I left when I felt I couldn’t perform anymore – I didn’t want to sit on the bench.”
Eduardo de la Torre recalled that he considered retirement at 31 due to physical issues and urged Chicharito to do the same: “It’s time to give others a chance.”
According to FOX Sports Mexico, Chivas does not plan to offer Hernández a new deal when his contract ends this season. Chicharito is currently dealing with a calf issue from his last appearance and is questionable for this weekend’s match, depending on whether he joins full training.
It’s worth noting that Hernández arrived at Chivas with a torn ACL from his time in MLS, delaying his debut in Liga MX. Since then, he’s suffered an ankle injury, multiple muscle strains, a knee sprain, and other knocks that have affected his performance.
In 2025, he’s dealt with a fresh ankle issue, a facial injury, recurring calf problems, and more muscle-related setbacks. The result? Just three goals in 34 games.
At Chivas, the all-time leading scorer for the Mexican national team earns an annual salary of $2.5 million.
The Red and Whites will host Atlético de San Luis Saturday in Matchday 3.
