Chicharito Under Fire for Sexist Remarks, Fined by Mexican Soccer Federation

Mexico City, Jul 24 (AP) Soccer star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is under scrutiny from Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and others over controversial remarks on gender roles posted on his social media.

At a Wednesday news conference, Sheinbaum remarked, “Chicharito is a very good soccer player. But when it comes to his opinion on women ... he still has a lot to learn.” She labeled the former Mexico international's comments as “very sexist.”

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid striker, who currently plays for Chivas, was sidelined due to injury and missed the opening matches of the Apertura tournament. Over the weekend, he shared several reels and videos, primarily on Instagram.

In one of his posts, the 37-year-old stated, “Don't be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man.” He further commented, “Women, you are failing, you are eradicating masculinity, making society hypersensitive.”

Hernandez is still celebrated as the all-time leading scorer for the Mexican national team, boasting 52 goals. He returned to Mexico last year with Chivas, with whom he debuted professionally in 2006.

In another post, he contended, “You women need to learn to accept and honor masculinity.” Speaking directly to the camera in one video, he suggested, “You want a man to provide, but for you, cleaning is patriarchal oppression... interesting.”

President Sheinbaum, a 63-year-old scientist, made history as the first female president of Mexico since its independence 200 years ago. “I'm a mother, a grandmother, a housewife,” she said. “But I'm also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Women can be whatever we want.”

Hernandez—divorced and a father of two—is known for kneeling on the pitch to pray before matches. He began creating content for YouTube, documenting his life as a player and his marriage, after hiring life coach Diego Dreyfus, widely credited for Hernandez's outspoken persona.

Criticism has mounted following his recent statements, with suggestions that he should focus on soccer, particularly as his performance has underwhelmed since his return, with only two goals in 25 matches.

In response to the controversy, the Gender and Diversity Commission of the Mexican Soccer Federation and Chivas fined Hernandez. The federation stated, “Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández's social media statements promote sexist stereotypes that are considered media violence and contradict gender equality in sport.” They withheld the fine amount but warned of stiffer penalties for repeat offenses.

Chivas, without naming Hernandez, emphasized its stance against “behavior that reinforces stereotypes that limit freedom, respect, and full development for all individuals, both inside and outside of sports.”

This instance marks the federation's first penalty for misogynistic comments by a player. Previously, businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, owner of Mazatlán and Puebla clubs, faced no consequences for harsh remarks about female journalists.

Hernandez has been excluded from the national team since 2019 due to organizing an unauthorized party in New York following a match against the United States.

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