The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has formally sanctioned Javier “Chicharito” Hernández following a series of videos on TikTok and Instagram in which he promoted views widely condemned as sexist. The FMF, supported by Liga MX and Liga MX Femenil, classified the remarks as “media violence” and inconsistent with gender-equality principles, triggering both a financial penalty and an official warning (“apercibimiento”) against the 37-year-old striker.
What Happened, and What He Said
In the social videos, Hernández urged women to “let themselves be guided by a man,” accused them of “eradicating masculinity,” and criticized modern feminism as encouraging hypersensitivity. He also urged men to reclaim leadership and promoted the idea of women embracing traditional roles like cleaning and caregiving.
These comments provoked swift and widespread backlash. Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, publicly rebuked him, stating:
“He’s a very good footballer, but in terms of his opinion about women… he still has a lot to learn”.
Institutional Responses and Internal Measures
Chivas Guadalajara, Hernández’s club, explicitly distanced itself from his remarks, stating that his views do not reflect the club’s values. The club confirmed it took internal disciplinary steps in accordance with league regulations, while carefully avoiding naming him directly in their statement. Similarly, the FMF’s Gender and Diversity Commission—established in 2023—initiated an investigation aimed at preventing sexist behavior in Mexican soccer and issued the fine and warning. They also reserved the right to enact more severe sanctions should Hernández repeat such conduct.
Why It Matters
- This marks the first-ever case in which the Mexican Federation has penalized a player for overtly misogynistic statements, signalling an institutional shift toward accountability within the sport.
- The incident attracted national attention beyond sports media. The head of the Secretaría de las Mujeres also condemned the comments, emphasizing that women must be free from limiting stereotypes and empowered in all areas of life.
- Players from the Chivas Femenil team and other women’s football athletes expressed disapproval, amplifying the reach and weight of the backlash in both the sports world and broader public discourse. Mexican
Consequences and Outlook
The financial penalty’s exact amount has not been disclosed, but the warning (apercibimiento) carries explicit implications: if Hernández repeats behavior deemed contrary to FMF policies, he could face harsher sanctions—including suspension or further disciplinary action.
To date, Hernández has not issued a public response addressing either the controversy or the Federation’s actions. As of his return to Chivas in January 2024, his on-field form has been modest, with just two goals in over 25 appearances during his league tenure—a narrative that has fueled commentary suggesting he focus more on football than social commentary.
Broader Implications
This move by the FMF reflects growing pressure on sports institutions in Mexico to enforce gender equality standards and challenge entrenched stereotypes. As the country grapples with broader social shifts, Hernández’s case may serve as a pivotal moment in how athletes are held accountable for their public speech—especially on issues of gender and power dynamics. Mexican
In summary: Javier Hernández’s public remarks have crossed a threshold for Mexican soccer’s governing bodies. The imposed sanction—financial fine and formal warning—combined with widespread criticism from political figures, women’s organizations, and his own club, illustrates a turning point in addressing sexist discourse in sports.
