Chicharito: Not the Legend We Were Sold | OneFootball

Javier “Chicharito” Hernández is one of the most recognizable names in Mexican soccer. His career has taken him from Chivas de Guadalajara to giants like Manchester United and Real Madrid, and most recently back to Chivas. His return was marketed as a homecoming — the return of a savior. But reality has not matched the hype. Three goals and numerous missed chances later, it’s time to re-examine what Chicharito really represents — not just for Chivas, but for Mexican soccer as a whole.

Let’s Be Clear: Chicharito is a Good Player

He had an explosive start in Liga MX and earned his move to Europe on merit. His first season with Manchester United was impressive, and yes, he scored some important goals during his time abroad. But the label of “superstar” that’s followed him throughout his career doesn’t quite hold up under scrutiny.

He is, statistically, Mexico’s all-time top scorer — but numbers alone don’t tell the full story. More than half of his goals came in friendly matches. Many others were scored in group-stage games of tournaments like the Gold Cup, often against lower-tier teams such as Cuba or El Salvador (with all due respect). He never scored in a final for Mexico.

A Murky Legacy

Contrast that with players like Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who found the net against Brazil in the 1999 Confederations Cup final and delivered in Copa Oro finals. Or Oribe Peralta, whose two goals secured Mexico the Olympic gold medal in 2012. These are players who stepped up when it mattered most — on the biggest stages, under real pressure. That’s the kind of legacy that defines greatness.

And that’s what I mostly criticize about Chicharito: he didn’t appear when it mattered. In the moments where legends are made, he was often absent.

World Cup

Even his World Cup record — four goals — deserves a closer look. Two of those goals were practically handed to him by Rafael Márquez, who delivered the decisive passes or created the play that left Chicharito with a simple finish. His goal against Argentina came in a lopsided loss. His goal against Croatia, while helpful, was not a defining moment in Mexican soccer history.

The Madrid Years

Many fans also point to his lone goal for Real Madrid against Atlético in the Champions League as a career highlight — and while it was decisive, it was largely created by Cristiano Ronaldo and remains an isolated moment during a loan spell where he was never a key player.

Now compare that to someone like Hugo Sánchez — five-time top scorer in La Liga, 38 goals in a single season (all with one touch), and a key figure for Real Madrid during their golden era. Or Rafael Márquez, who captained both club and country, won the Champions League with Barcelona, and anchored Mexico’s defense across multiple World Cups. These are Mexico’s true world-class players. Chicharito simply isn’t in the same category.

Time to Re-evaluate

The problem is not just with Chicharito himself, but with the narrative that surrounds him. Elevating players based on marketing, charisma, or shirt sales sends the wrong message. It tells younger players that media appeal is more important than consistency, leadership, or performing in clutch moments.

Chicharito deserves credit for what he’s accomplished — but also honest evaluation. It’s time we stop mistaking popularity for greatness, and start rewarding those who deliver when it matters most.