Hernandez fined after sexist remarks spark backlash

By Martin Graham

Javier Hernandez has been fined and formally cautioned following comments deemed sexist, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced. The 37-year-old striker, who currently plays for Chivas in Liga MX, made several statements on TikTok that the FMF said promoted harmful gender-based stereotypes.

According to the governing body, the remarks were classified as “media violence” and contradicted values of gender equality within the sporting community. In his video, Hernandez claimed that women were “failing” and “eradicating masculinity.” He also suggested that women should not hesitate to “be led by a man.”

The statements, made the previous weekend, drew widespread criticism. President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female head of state, publicly responded by saying that although Hernandez was a “very good soccer” player, he still had “a lot to learn” regarding views on women.

Club and leagues issue reaction as investigation launched

In response, the FMF, along with both the top-tier men’s and women’s leagues in Mexico, released a joint message. The organizations confirmed that the Gender and Diversity Commission had opened an investigation and warned that stronger disciplinary steps could follow if Hernandez were to repeat such behavior.

Chivas, Hernandez’s current club, also distanced themselves from the striker’s remarks. The team described his comments as being out of line with the institution’s core principles and stated that internal action had been taken, without specifying what that entailed.

Career overview and return to Mexico

Hernandez first joined Manchester United from Chivas in 2010. He spent four seasons at Old Trafford, contributing to two Premier League title wins.

After leaving England, the striker had stints with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen before rejoining the Premier League with West Ham United in 2017. Following three years in London, he moved to Sevilla and later signed for LA Galaxy, where he played four seasons in Major League Soccer.

He returned to Chivas in 2023, signing a two-year contract with the club where his professional career began. Hernandez remains Mexico’s all-time leading scorer.