Javier “Cicarito” Hernandez, Mexico’s all-time all-time scorer and former captain of the LA Galaxy, responded to a backlash against recent social media posts.
The uproar comes from two consecutive videos where Hernandez appears to boast about the modern gender role. On Thursday morning, Chikarito took him to Instagram and posted an apology for his sexist remarks.
“I deeply regret the confusion and discomfort that my recent words may have caused. I was never intended to limit, hurt, or split it,” he said.
Chicharitho acknowledged his role in society and how he strives to bring more sensibilities to difficult topics.
“I think the change starts in the middle,” he added. “I will use this opportunity to become a better version of myself and continue to understand and grow this opportunity as I am honestly rooted in my love for my family, my values, my love for you.”
This response comes after days of backlash from football fans as well as Mexican president Claudia Sinbaum, Mexican football federation and Puma.
Last week, Chicharito posted several videos detailing what she said she believed this generation of women were wrong.
He declared, “Woman, you’re failing. You’re eradicating masculinity and being sensitive to society.”
He advises women to embrace what is called “female energy,” and says they should focus on “compassion, nurture, receiving, cleaning.”
“Your women need to learn to receive and respect masculinity,” he concluded.
In another post, Hernandez said, “So you want a guy from a provider, but for you, cleaning is patriarchal oppression? Interesting.”
Sheinbaum publicly called on Hernandez’s remarks to be sexist and not in contact during his daily morning meeting on Wednesday.
“Chikalit is a very good footballer,” she said. “But as far as he comes to his opinion of women… he still has a lot to learn.”
Sheinbaum, who made history as Mexico’s first woman last year, took advantage of the opportunity to condemn the country’s long sexist history as she held the country’s top office.
“Women are equal relationships if they want to be,” she added.
Chikarito has long been recognized as one of Mexico’s greats and is the country’s top goal scorer with a score of 52 despite not playing with the team for over five years.
Hernandez also became international fame with his contract with Manchester United and Real Madrid, and eventually approached the house alongside the LA Galaxy. He became the club’s seventh greatest with 38 goals in 74 games and served as team captain in 2020.
Hernandez later returned to Civas, the club where he began his professional career in 2006.
The Mexican Football Federation issued a statement via X, detailing the country’s commitment to gender diversity. They acknowledged Hernandez’s viral video, saying it “is considered media violence and promotes sexist stereotypes against gender equality in sports.”
Their committee on gender and diversity has now launched an investigation to sanction this action. The federal explained that this will determine whether there are financial fines or other types of consequences imposed on football players.
Cibas, one of the largest fanbase soccer teams for Mexico and Hernandez’s entire current team, also released a statement Wednesday.
The club did not call Chicharitto directly, but said, “recent messages posted on social media represent individual positions that are unrelated to the principles and values of our institutions.”
“We firmly reject actions, attitudes or expressions that reinforce stereotypes that limit freedom, respect, and full development of all people in and outside of sports,” Civas said.
Pumas, one of Chivas’ team sponsors, did not call Chicharito directly, but posted on social media, “I deeply regret any comments made by players who do not reflect the position or values of the brand.”
As of Thursday morning, the controversial video is still available on Chicharito’s Instagram and Tiktok.
