Javier Hernández

Javier Hernández
--Steindy (talk) 16:03, 29 August 2019 (UTC) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Javier Hernández
Fullname	Javier Hernández
Nickname	Chicharito
Birth date	1988-06-01
Birth place	Guadalajara, Jalisco
Height	1.75 m
Position	Forward
Youthclubs	Guadalajara youth

Javier Hernández (born 1 June 1988) is a Mexican professional footballer who played as a forward for club and country. He came to prominence in Liga MX with Guadalajara's youth system before achieving international recognition at Manchester United F.C. and representing Mexico national football team at multiple FIFA tournaments. Known by the nickname "Chicharito", he has appeared in domestic leagues across England, Spain, Germany, and United States.

Early life and youth career

Hernández was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco into a footballing family that included his grandfather Tomás Balcázar and father Javier Hernández Gutiérrez, both of whom played for Guadalajara and appeared in national competitions such as the FIFA World Cup. He progressed through Guadalajara's youth ranks and featured in youth tournaments against rivals like Atlético de Madrid's academy and Club América's youth side, drawing attention from scouts representing Manchester United F.C., Real Madrid Castilla, and national under-20 setups including Mexico national under-20 football team.

Club career

After debuting for Guadalajara's first team in Liga MX, Hernández transferred to Manchester United F.C. where he scored on his debut at Old Trafford and contributed in campaigns including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. During a loan spell at Real Madrid C.F. he played alongside players from La Liga such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, then returned to Manchester United F.C. before moving to Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. He later signed for West Ham United F.C. in the Premier League and moved to LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer. His club career includes appearances in competitions like the FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Europa League, and CONCACAF Champions League.

International career

Hernández represented Mexico national under-20 football team at youth tournaments including the FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifiers and graduated to the senior Mexico national football team under managers such as Ricardo La Volpe and Javier Aguirre. He was Mexico's leading scorer at multiple editions of the FIFA World Cup, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup, and participated in regional tournaments like the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Copa América. Notable international performances include goals in friendlies and competitive fixtures against opponents such as United States men's national soccer team, Brazil national football team, Argentina national football team, and Costa Rica national football team.

Playing style and reception

Hernández has been described as a poacher and clinical finisher, drawing comparisons to strikers from Argentina and Spain due to his movement in the box and timing of runs. Coaches and pundits from clubs including Manchester United F.C., Real Madrid C.F., and Bayer 04 Leverkusen—as well as commentators on networks covering Premier League and La Liga—have praised his positioning, work-rate, and instincts in the penalty area. Analysts referencing specific matches in competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and Bundesliga have highlighted his ability to convert limited chances and influence results late in games.

Personal life

He is part of a football dynasty that includes relatives linked to Guadalajara and has maintained public ties with teammates and figures from clubs like Manchester United F.C. and Real Madrid C.F.. Off the pitch, Hernández has been involved in charitable activities and media appearances in Mexico and internationally, participating in events alongside organizations and personalities from CONCACAF and the wider football community.

Career statistics and records

Hernández's club statistics span appearances and goals across Liga MX, Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Major League Soccer, including goal tallies in competitions such as the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League. For the Mexico national football team he ranks among the nation's top scorers, with goal records noted in tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup. Milestones in his career reference matches at venues such as Old Trafford, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and international fixtures against teams like United States men's national soccer team, Brazil national football team, and Argentina national football team.

Category:Mexican footballers Category:Association football forwards