Former Manchester United striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has issued a formal apology after facing significant criticism and disciplinary action for making sexist comments during a recent TikTok broadcast.
The 37-year-old, currently playing for Liga MX club Chivas, was fined and formally warned by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) after he was found to have made remarks that “promoted sexist stereotypes,” which the federation described as a form of “media violence” that undermines gender equality in sport.
In the video, Hernandez suggested that women are "failing" and “eradicating masculinity,” adding: “Don’t be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man.” The comments sparked widespread condemnation across Mexico, including from political leaders and within the footballing community.
On Thursday, Hernandez posted a written apology on Instagram, expressing remorse and distancing himself from the sentiments his comments appeared to promote. “It was never my intention to hurt or divide. I deeply regret any confusion or discomfort my recent words have caused,” he wrote. He went on to say he is “listening, reflecting, and committed to expressing myself with better clarity and sensitivity,” vowing to use the incident as an opportunity for personal growth.
Among the most prominent critics was Mexico’s newly elected president, Claudia Sheinbaum—the country’s first female head of state—who responded pointedly: “Chicharito is a very good footballer, but when it comes to his opinion on women... he still has a lot to learn.”
The FMF, along with Mexico’s top men’s and women’s professional leagues, confirmed that the incident is under formal review by the Gender and Diversity Commission. They warned that “more severe measures” would be imposed should similar behavior recur.
Chivas, Hernandez’s current club and the one that launched his career, released a statement saying the striker’s remarks were “contrary to the principles and values” of the institution. The club added that “appropriate action” had been taken, though no specifics were provided.
Hernandez, Mexico’s all-time leading goalscorer, began his professional career at Chivas before moving to Manchester United in 2010, where he won two Premier League titles. He later had stints with Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United, Sevilla, and LA Galaxy before rejoining Chivas in 2023 on a two-year deal.
