Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández faces mounting criticism after a disappointing return to Chivas, with just three goals in 34 appearances and off-field controversies further tarnishing his reputation. As his contract runs down, critics urge the veteran striker to consider retirement.
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, once regarded as one of Mexico’s brightest football stars, now finds himself under intense scrutiny as his second stint with Chivas continues to falter. The 37-year-old striker, who has struggled to replicate the form that made him a household name at clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, is facing mounting criticism due to both his underwhelming performances and recent off-field controversies.
Struggling for Form at Chivas
Since returning to his boyhood club, Chivas, after a successful career in Europe and MLS, Hernández has been a shadow of his former self. In 34 appearances, he has managed to score just three goals, a dismal return for a player once touted as one of Mexico’s greatest forwards. His struggles are compounded by his minimal playing time under various coaches, who have been reluctant to feature him regularly due to his lack of impact on the pitch.
Hernández’s disappointing spell in Liga MX has only worsened as he deals with a series of injuries that have significantly hampered his ability to contribute on the field. Despite having a proper preseason to prepare for the season, the striker has battled with various fitness issues, including a calf injury, ankle problems, and muscle strains. These setbacks have left many questioning whether he can still be the player he once was.
Criticism from Football Legends
The criticism of Hernández’s form and fitness has come from several notable figures in Mexican football, including seven-time Liga MX champion Ricardo ‘Tuca’ Ferretti. Now an analyst for ESPN, Ferretti was blunt in his assessment, saying, “He should retire now – he should leave football, not let football leave him.” He pointed out that Hernández’s injuries and declining performances were taking a toll, and advised him to step away from the game before tarnishing his once-illustrious legacy.
“I thought this season would go well for him because he had time for a proper preseason,” Ferretti added. “But he had surgery early on, then another issue, and then he pulled something during warm-up. It’s all taking a toll.” Ferretti’s message echoed the concerns of many who believe Chicharito’s time in football may have run its course.
Similarly, former striker Carlos Hermosillo, speaking on FOX Sports, suggested that Hernández no longer fits into the tactical plans of Chivas’ manager, Gabriel Milito. He drew parallels between Hernández’s current struggles and his own decision to retire, emphasizing that players should bow out gracefully before they become a liability to their teams.
Eduardo de la Torre, another former Mexican footballer, also urged Hernández to consider retirement. “It’s time to give others a chance,” said de la Torre, recalling how he had considered retiring at 31 due to physical issues.
Chivas’ Plans and Contract Situation
The mounting criticism of Chicharito’s form seems to have influenced Chivas’ decision-making. FOX Sports Mexico reports that the club does not plan to offer Hernández a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season. This news, while not entirely unexpected given his struggles, is still a significant turn in the career of Mexico’s all-time leading scorer.
Hernández’s recurring injuries, including an ACL tear from his time in MLS and various other setbacks, have severely limited his contributions since returning to Liga MX. He arrived at Chivas with high hopes, but has since failed to meet expectations, managing just three goals across 34 matches. Now, as he deals with fresh injuries in 2025, the question of whether he should continue playing is becoming more pressing.
Salary and Future Uncertainty
Despite his declining form, Chicharito remains one of the highest-paid players in Liga MX, earning a reported $2.5 million annually at Chivas. However, with his contract reportedly not being renewed and his performances faltering, the future of the veteran striker is uncertain. He faces the possibility of ending his career in a disappointing manner, which would certainly be at odds with the image of the dynamic and prolific forward who once made waves in Europe.
What’s Next for Chivas?
Chivas will face Atlético de San Luis in their Matchday 3 clash on Saturday, with Hernández’s participation in the match in doubt due to his ongoing calf issue. As the team moves forward, the club will need to decide how to handle the situation surrounding their star striker, with many fans and pundits alike urging Chicharito to consider his future in the game.
