Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Mexico’s all-time leading scorer and former captain for LA Galaxy, has responded to backlash over recent social media posts.
The uproar stemmed from two back-to-back videos in which Hernandez is seen boastingly criticizing modern gender roles. On Thursday morning, Chicharito took to his Instagram to post an apology for his sexist remarks.
“I deeply regret any confusion or discomfort my recent words may have caused; it was never my intention to limit, hurt, or divide,” he said.
Chicharito acknowledged his role in society and how he will strive to bring more sensibility to difficult topics.
“I believe change begins within,” he added. “I will take this opportunity to understand, grow, and continue working to be a better version of myself, grounded in honesty, love for my family, my values, and love for all of you”
This response comes after days of backlash from not only soccer fans but also the Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican Soccer Federation and Puma.
Last week, Chicharito posted several videos detailing what he said he believes is wrong with this generation of women.
He declared, “Women, you are failing. You are eradicating masculinity, making society hypersensitive.”
He went on to advise women to embrace what he calls their “feminine energy,” saying they should focus on “caring, nurturing, receiving, and cleaning.”
“You women need to learn to receive and honor masculinity,” he concluded.
In another post, Hernández mockingly said, “So you want a provider man, but to you, cleaning is patriarchal oppression? Interesting.”
Sheinbaum publicly called out Hernandez’s remarks as sexist and out of touch during her daily morning meeting on Wednesday.
“Chicharito is a very good soccer player,” she said. ‘But when it comes to his opinion on women… he still has a lot to learn.’”
Sheinbaum, who made history last year as Mexico’s first woman to hold the country’s top office, used the opportunity to condemn the country’s long sexist history.
“Women can be whatever we want to be, and it’s a relationship of equality,” she added.
Chicharito has long been recognized as one of Mexico’s greatest players, being the nation’s top goal scorer with 52 scores despite not playing with the team in over five years.
Hernández, also rose to international fame with contracts at Manchester United and Real Madrid, ultimately making his way back closer to home with the LA Galaxy. He became the club’s seventh all time great with 38 goals in 74 games and was the team captain in 2020.
Hernandez has since returned to Chivas, the club where he began his professional career in 2006.
The Mexican Soccer Federation issued a statement via X, detailing the country’s commitment towards gender diversity. They acknowledged Hernandez’ viral videos and said they, “ promote sexist stereotypes that are considered media violence and go against gender equality in sports.”
Their Commission on Gender and Diversity has now begun an investigation that will sanction this behavior, the federation explained that this will determine if there is a monetary fine or any other type of consequence placed on the soccer player.
Chivas, one of the soccer teams with the biggest fan bases in all of Mexico and Hernandez’ current team, also issued a statement on Wednesday.
Although the club did not directly call out Chicharito, they stated that “recent messages posted on social media represent an individual position that is unrelated to the principles and values of our institution.”
“We firmly reject any behavior, stance, or expression that reinforces stereotypes that limit the freedom, respect, and full development of all people, both within and outside of sports,” Chivas said.
Although Pumas, one of Chivas’ team sponsors, did not directly call out Chicharito, they took to their social media, posting, “We deeply regret the comments made by the player, which do not reflect the position or values of our brand.”
As of Thursday morning, the controversial videos are still up on Chicharito’s Instagram and TikTok.