Mexican football legend Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has issued a public apology after facing widespread condemnation for sexist remarks made in a recent TikTok video, which led to sanctions from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and his club, Guadalajara.
The 37-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker sparked outrage by asserting that women were “failing” and “eradicating masculinity.” In the now-viral clip, Hernandez encouraged women to embrace roles centered around caregiving, domestic work, and subordination to men, saying:
“Don’t be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man who only wants one thing: to see you happy.”
The comments were swiftly denounced by Mexican football authorities and political leaders. President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the remarks as embodying a “very macho idea” of women, noting that while Hernandez is a “great footballer,” he still “has a lot to learn.”
In a statement, the FMF condemned Hernandez’s statements, saying they “promote sexist stereotypes and go against gender equality in sport,” and labeled them a form of “media violence.” The federation confirmed that Hernandez had been fined and officially warned.
Responding to the backlash, Hernandez took to Instagram on Thursday to issue a formal apology. “I deeply regret any confusion or discomfort my recent comments may have caused,” he wrote. “It was never my intention to mock, hurt, or divide… I listen, I reflect, and I commit to expressing myself with greater clarity and sensitivity, especially on such sensitive issues.”
Widely considered one of Mexico’s greatest footballers, Hernandez enjoyed a prolific career in Europe and Major League Soccer, scoring 59 goals in 157 appearances for Manchester United and becoming Mexico’s all-time leading international scorer with 52 goals in 109 matches.
The controversy has reignited conversations around gender roles and equality in sports, with fans and officials urging public figures to use their platforms responsibly.
Written By Rodney Mbua
