Javier Hernández facts for kids
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Hernández playing for West Ham United in 2019
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1 June 1988 | |||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico | |||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.75 m | |||||||||||||||
| Playing position | Striker | |||||||||||||||
| Club information | ||||||||||||||||
| Current club | Guadalajara | |||||||||||||||
| Number | 14 | |||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||
| 1997–2005 | Guadalajara | |||||||||||||||
| 2005–2006 | Chivas Coras Tepic | |||||||||||||||
| 2006–2009 | Tapatío | |||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† | |||||||||||||
| 2006–2010 | Guadalajara | 64 | (26) | |||||||||||||
| 2010–2015 | Manchester United | 103 | (37) | |||||||||||||
| 2014–2015 | → Real Madrid (loan) | 23 | (7) | |||||||||||||
| 2015–2017 | Bayer Leverkusen | 54 | (28) | |||||||||||||
| 2017–2019 | West Ham United | 55 | (16) | |||||||||||||
| 2019–2020 | Sevilla | 9 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| 2020–2023 | LA Galaxy | 74 | (38) | |||||||||||||
| 2024– | Guadalajara | 17 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| National team‡ | ||||||||||||||||
| 2007 | Mexico U20 | 2 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| 2009–2019 | Mexico | 109 | (52) | |||||||||||||
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Honours
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† Appearances (Goals). |
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Javier Hernández Balcázar (born 1 June 1988) is a famous Mexican professional footballer. People often call him Chicharito, which means little pea in Spanish. He plays as a striker for Liga MX club Guadalajara.
Chicharito is known for being very good at scoring goals. He is also fast and has great skills with the ball. Many people think he is one of the best Mexican football players ever.
He started his professional career at 18 with Guadalajara in 2006. He even won a league title with them! In 2010, he joined Manchester United, becoming the first Mexican player for that club. He played over 150 games and scored 59 goals for them. He won two Premier League titles and was named Player of the Year in his first season.
Later, Chicharito played for Real Madrid on loan and won the FIFA Club World Cup. He then moved to Bayer Leverkusen and later to West Ham United. In 2019, he joined Sevilla before moving to LA Galaxy in 2020. In 2024, he returned to his first club, Guadalajara.
Chicharito is also the top goalscorer for the Mexican national team. He has played in three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2018). He was also the top scorer and best player at the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Contents
Early Life and Football Dreams
Javier Hernández was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. He loved football from a very young age. He started playing in a local league when he was just seven years old.
His father, Javier "Chícharo" Hernández, was also a footballer. Chicharito lived in Morelia for four years while his dad played there. He went to elementary school and played for his school's football team.
At nine, Chicharito joined C.D. Guadalajara. He signed his first professional contract when he was 15. He almost played in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, a big youth tournament, but an injury stopped him. While playing football, he also studied business. His football heroes were Hugo Sánchez and Rafael Márquez.
Club Career Highlights
Starting with Guadalajara
Chicharito began his journey with Guadalajara's lower teams. He made his first team debut on 9 September 2006. He scored his first goal just five minutes after coming on as a substitute. Guadalajara won the league title that year.
He continued to improve over the next few seasons. In 2009, he scored two goals in a Copa Libertadores match. In the 2009 Apertura season, he was one of the top scorers with 11 goals. He also won the award for best forward in the 2010 Torneo Bicentenario.
Joining Manchester United
A Big Move to England
Manchester United noticed Chicharito in late 2009. Scouts watched him play and gave good reports. They decided to sign him quickly because he might play in the World Cup.
On 8 April 2010, Chicharito agreed to join Manchester United. The deal was kept a secret, even from his own agent and grandfather! As part of the deal, Manchester United played a friendly game against Guadalajara. This game opened Guadalajara's new stadium.
First Season Success: 2010–11
Chicharito played his first game for United on 28 July 2010. He scored his first goal for the club just 18 minutes after coming on. Two days later, he scored against Manchester United while playing for his old club, Guadalajara, in the friendly match.
He made his official debut on 8 August, scoring in a 3–1 win over Chelsea. His shot bounced off his face and into the net! On 16 August, he played his first Premier League game. He scored his first Champions League goal on 29 September against Valencia.
Chicharito scored many important goals in his first season. He became the top Mexican scorer in Premier League history. He scored two goals in a Champions League match against Marseille. He was even nominated for the Young Player of the Year award.
On 8 May, he scored a goal against Chelsea after only 36 seconds. This goal helped United get closer to winning the league title. Six days later, Chicharito won his first league title with United. They broke a record by winning their 19th league title. Fans voted him the best player of the year for his amazing debut season.
Injuries and More Goals: 2011–12
After playing in the Gold Cup, Chicharito got a minor concussion during training. This meant he missed some pre-season games. He made his first appearance of the 2011–12 season on 22 August.
On 10 September, he scored two goals in a big 5–0 win. He also scored a key goal against Liverpool on 15 October. On 24 October, he signed a new five-year contract with Manchester United.
He continued to score important goals, including winners against Everton and Swansea City. He suffered an ankle injury in November but returned early. He scored again in January and February, helping United in league and Europa League games.
Winning Another Title: 2012–13
Chicharito started his third season with United on 2 September 2012. He scored his first goal of the season against Wigan Athletic. On 23 October, he scored two goals in a Champions League comeback win against Braga.
He scored the winning goal against Chelsea in a close 3–2 match. On 10 November, he scored two more goals to help United win 3–2 against Aston Villa. He also scored against Newcastle United and two goals against Wigan on 1 January 2013.
Chicharito helped United win the FA Cup match against Reading. On 22 April, he won his second league title with United. He scored in Sir Alex Ferguson's last home game at Old Trafford. He also scored United's last goal of the season in a thrilling 5–5 draw.
Less Playing Time and Leaving United
In the 2013–14 season, Chicharito scored his first goal under new manager David Moyes. He scored the only goal in a League Cup win against Liverpool. He also scored two goals against Norwich City in the League Cup.
On 29 August 2015, it was announced that Chicharito could leave Manchester United. He played his final game for the club on 22 August in a draw against Newcastle United. He often came on as a substitute, and his goal-scoring record was very impressive for the time he played.
Loan to Real Madrid
On 1 September 2014, Chicharito joined Real Madrid on loan for a season. He made his debut on 13 September. On 19 September, he scored his first two goals for Real Madrid in a huge 8–2 win. His first goal was even named Goal of the Month!
He scored the winning goal on 22 April 2015 against Atlético Madrid. This sent Real Madrid into the Champions League semi-finals. He scored two more goals a few days later. After his loan, Real Madrid decided not to buy him, so he returned to Manchester United.
Moving to Bayer Leverkusen
On 31 August 2015, Chicharito signed a three-year contract with German club Bayer Leverkusen. He was given the number 7 shirt.
Top Scorer for Leverkusen
He made his German league debut on 12 September. Four days later, he scored his first Champions League goal for Leverkusen. On 23 September, he scored his first German league goal and was named Man of the Match.
Chicharito scored two goals in a Champions League draw against Roma. He also scored two goals in a cup match. He was named the German League Player of the Month for November and December.
On 12 December, Chicharito scored his first hat-trick for Leverkusen. He scored 15 goals in just 12 matches! He ended his first season as the club's top scorer with 17 goals. He was even included in the Team of the Season.
In his second season, 2016–17, he scored and assisted in a cup game. He broke his hand but returned to score his first league goal of the season. The following week, he scored a "perfect hat-trick" against Mainz. He also scored his 100th goal in European competitions. He was named Player of the Month for September and February. He finished as the club's top scorer again with 11 goals.
Playing for West Ham United
Back in England
On 24 July 2017, Chicharito joined English club West Ham United. He signed a three-year contract. He made his debut on 13 August against his old club, Manchester United. The following week, he scored his first two goals for West Ham.
In November, he got a hamstring injury while playing for Mexico. The manager, David Moyes, praised Chicharito as a "top goalscorer." On 20 January 2018, he scored an equalizing goal for West Ham. On 8 April, he scored his ninth goal against Chelsea.
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On 28 August 2018, Chicharito scored in a cup victory. In September, he missed some games due to glandular fever but recovered quickly. On 3 November, he scored his first league goal of the 2018–19 season.
On 22 February 2019, he scored his 50th career Premier League goal. He became the first Mexican to reach this milestone. On 16 March, he scored two goals, including a late winner, in a 4–3 victory. He was given the number 9 shirt for the next season. He scored his first goal of the 2019–20 season on 17 August.
Short Time at Sevilla
On 2 September 2019, Chicharito joined Spanish club Sevilla. He signed a three-year contract. He made his league debut on 15 September. Four days later, he scored his first goal for Sevilla from a free kick in a Europa League match. On 27 October, he scored his first goal in the Spanish league.
Joining LA Galaxy
On January 21, 2020, Chicharito signed a three-year contract with Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy. He became the highest-paid player in the league. He was named team captain. On February 29, he made his MLS debut. On July 13, he scored his first goal for the club. He ended the season with 12 games played and 2 goals.
In his second season, on April 18, 2021, he scored two goals for a 3–2 victory. The next week, he scored a hat-trick! His great play earned him the Player of the Month award. He finished the season as the club's top scorer with 17 goals. He was also named the club's Player of the Year.
In his third season, on February 27, 2022, he scored the only goal in a win. He was chosen to play in the 2022 MLS All-Star Game and was named captain. His contract automatically renewed for another year. He ended the 2022 season as the club's top scorer again with 18 goals. He won his second Player of the Year award.
On June 7, 2023, Chicharito suffered a torn ACL injury. This ended his 2023 season. He left the club on November 3.
Back to Guadalajara
On 24 January 2024, Chicharito returned to Mexico. He signed a two-year contract with Guadalajara. This is the club where he started his professional career back in 2006. One month later, he made his return debut for Guadalajara.
International Career for Mexico
Youth Teams
Chicharito was supposed to play for the under-17 team in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship. However, an injury kept him from joining the team that won the championship. Two years later, he played for the under-20 team in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He scored a goal in their opening game.
Senior National Team Debut
On 30 September 2009, Chicharito made his debut for the senior national team. He even made an assist in that game. In 2010, he scored two goals against Bolivia and two more against Gambia. He also scored against New Zealand and North Korea.
2010 FIFA World Cup
On 11 June, Chicharito played in his first FIFA World Cup game. He came on as a substitute against South Africa. On 17 June, he scored his first World Cup goal against France. He ran past the defenders and scored! By scoring, he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Tomás Balcázar, who also scored against France in a World Cup. He was named the man of the match.
On 27 June, Chicharito started his first World Cup game. He scored his second goal of the tournament against Argentina. FIFA said he was the fastest player in the 2010 World Cup.
Post-World Cup Friendlies
Chicharito scored against the 2010 World Cup winners, Spain, in a friendly game. He scored Mexico's first goal of 2011 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 26 March, he scored two goals in a friendly against Paraguay.
2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup
On 5 June 2011, Chicharito scored his first career hat-trick in a 5–0 win against El Salvador. He scored two more goals against Cuba. On 18 June, he scored the winning goal against Guatemala to send Mexico to the semi-finals.
He helped Mexico reach the Gold Cup Final with another goal in extra-time against Honduras. Mexico won the final 4–2 against the United States. Chicharito was the top scorer of the tournament with seven goals. He was also named the most valuable player.
2013 FIFA Confederations Cup
Chicharito was part of Mexico's squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. He scored a penalty kick against Italy. In the final group match, he scored both goals as Mexico beat Japan 2–1.
2014 FIFA World Cup
Chicharito scored five goals for Mexico during the qualification games. On 23 June, he scored Mexico's third goal against Croatia in a 3–1 victory. This win helped Mexico qualify for the next round.
2015 CONCACAF Cup
On 1 July 2015, Chicharito broke his collar bone in a friendly game. This meant he missed the Gold Cup that year. Mexico went on to win the tournament. In October, he was called up for the CONCACAF Cup play-off against the United States. Mexico won 3–2, and Chicharito scored the first goal.
Milestones and 2018 FIFA World Cup
On 5 June 2016, Chicharito scored in Mexico's win over Jamaica. This goal brought him close to the national team's scoring record. On 12 May 2017, he was selected for the FIFA Confederations Cup. On 27 May, he became Mexico's all-time top goalscorer with 47 goals!
He scored Mexico's first goal in the Confederations Cup against Portugal. On 27 March 2018, Chicharito played his 100th game for Mexico.
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Chicharito scored three goals for Mexico during the qualification games. He started in Mexico's first World Cup game against Germany. He made an assist in their 1–0 win. In the second group game, he scored his 50th international goal against South Korea. He was named FIFA Man of the Match.
With this goal, Chicharito became one of the highest-scoring Mexican players at the World Cup. He is tied with Luis Hernández with four goals. He also became the third Mexican player to score in three different World Cups.
Chicharito later asked not to be included in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup for personal reasons. He was also not included in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, even though he was playing well.
Style of Play
Chicharito is known as a "goal-poacher." This means he is very good at scoring goals from close range. He is praised for his smart movement without the ball. He is also fast and good at finding open spaces in the penalty box.
People say he can appear behind defenders to score from very close. His playing style has been compared to German striker Miroslav Klose. Rudi Völler, a director at Bayer Leverkusen, said Chicharito has an "incredible sense of where the ball will end up."
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson described Chicharito as quick and good with both feet. He also said Chicharito's style reminded him of former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Despite not being very tall, he is amazing at heading the ball.
Chicharito once said he has an intuition for knowing where the ball will land. He is good at outsmarting defenders. Former Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said Chicharito has a "knack for the goal." He also said Chicharito doesn't get upset about missed chances and always looks forward.
Personal Life
Chicharito comes from a family of footballers. His father, Javier Hernández Gutiérrez, played for Mexico in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. His grandfather, Tomás Balcázar, also played for Mexico in the 1954 FIFA World Cup.
On 26 May 2012, Chicharito became a Mexican ambassador for UNICEF. He helps encourage children and teenagers to stay in school. He said he felt "proud and committed" to this role.
Chicharito is a Roman Catholic. He is famous for his pre-game ritual. Before most games, he gets on his knees and prays.
He was featured on the North American cover of FIFA 14 and the Mexican cover of FIFA 15. He appeared alongside global star Lionel Messi.
In January 2019, Chicharito and his wife, Sarah Kohan, announced they were expecting their first child. Their son, Noah, was born on 16 June 2019. Their daughter, Nala, was born a year later on 5 October 2020.
Chicharito is good friends with fellow Guadalajara natives, Canelo and Marco Fabián.
His Nickname: Chicharito
Chicharito's nickname means little pea in Spanish. He even wears this name on his shirt. He got this nickname because his father, Javier Hernández Gutiérrez, was called Chícharo (pea). This was because his father had green eyes.
Honours
Guadalajara
- Mexican Primera División: Apertura 2006
Manchester United
- Premier League: 2010–11, 2012–13
- FA Community Shield: 2010
- UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2010–11
Real Madrid
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2014
Sevilla
Mexico
- CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2011
- CONCACAF Cup: 2015
Individual Awards
- Mexican Primera División Best Forward: Bicentenario 2010
- Mexican Primera División Golden Boot: Bicentenario 2010 (Shared)
- Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2010–11
- Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2015–16
- Bundesliga Player of the Month: November 2015, December 2015, January 2016, September 2016, February 2017
- LA Galaxy Player of the Year: 2021, 2022
- LA Galaxy Golden Boot: 2021, 2022
- MLS All-Star: 2022
- MLS Player of the Month: April/May 2021
- CONCACAF Men's Player of the Year: 2015
- CONCACAF Best XI: 2015
- CONCACAF Gold Cup Golden Boot: 2011
- CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP: 2011
- IFFHS World Goalgetter: 2011
Records
See also
In Spanish: Javier Hernández Balcázar para niños
- List of top international men's football goalscorers by country
- List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
- List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals
