Javier Hernández facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Javier Hernández

Hernández playing for West Ham United in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Javier Hernández Balcázar
Date of birth	(1988-06-01) 1 June 1988 (age 37)
Place of birth	Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Striker
Team information
Current team	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	28	(2)
International career‡
2007	Mexico U20	2	(1)
2009–2019	Mexico	109	(52)
Medal record Men's football Representing  Mexico CONCACAF Gold Cup Winner 2011 United States Team
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15 April 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 7 November 2019

Javier Hernández Balcázar (born 1 June 1988), known by his nickname Chicharito, is a Mexican professional footballer. He plays as a striker for the Liga MX club Guadalajara. His nickname "Chicharito" means "little pea" in Spanish. He is famous for his quickness, great finishing skills, and ability to find open space on the field. Many people consider him one of the best Mexican football players ever.

Hernández started his professional career at 18 in 2006 with Guadalajara, where he helped them win the Primera División title. In 2010, he joined Manchester United, becoming the first Mexican player for the club. He played over 150 games for United, scoring 59 goals and winning two Premier League titles. He also won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in his first season. After a loan spell at Real Madrid in 2014, where he won the FIFA Club World Cup, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. Two years later, Hernández returned to England to play for West Ham United. In 2019, he joined Sevilla before moving to LA Galaxy in 2020. In 2024, Hernández returned to his first club, Guadalajara.

Javier Hernández is also a key player for the Mexican national team. He is their all-time leading goalscorer. He played in the 2010, 2014, and 2018 FIFA World Cups. He was the top scorer and most valuable player at the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Early Life and Football Dreams

Javier Hernández was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. He loved football from a very young age, starting to play in a league when he was just seven. His father, Javier "Chícharo" Hernández, was also a footballer. Javier lived in Morelia, Michoacán, for over four years while his dad played there. During that time, he went to elementary school and played for his school's football team.

When he was nine, Hernández joined the youth academy of C.D. Guadalajara. He signed his first professional contract at 15. He was supposed to play in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, a big youth tournament, but an injury kept him from joining the team that ended up winning the championship. While playing football, Hernández also studied business administration at a university. His football heroes growing up were Hugo Sánchez and Rafael Márquez.

Club Career Highlights

Starting Strong at Guadalajara

Hernández (left) playing for C.D. Guadalajara against Laredo Heat

Hernández began his senior career with C.D. Guadalajara's reserve team, Chivas Coras, in 2005–06. He made his first team debut for Guadalajara on 9 September 2006. He came on as a substitute and scored a goal five minutes later in a 3–0 win. That year, Guadalajara won the league title.

In the 2009 Apertura season, Hernández was one of the top scorers with 11 goals. He continued his great form in the 2010 Torneo Bicentenario, scoring 10 goals in 11 games and winning the award for the tournament's best forward.

Joining Manchester United

A Secret Transfer to England

Hernández playing for Manchester United against the MLS All-Stars in July 2010

Manchester United first noticed Hernández in October 2009. Scouts watched him play in Mexico and gave positive reports. Because he was young, United planned to wait, but his chance to play in the World Cup made them act quickly. The deal was kept very secret, even from his agent and grandfather.

On 8 April 2010, Hernández agreed to join Manchester United. He became the club's first Mexican player. As part of the deal, Manchester United played a friendly match against C.D. Guadalajara to open their new stadium. On 27 May, his work permit was approved, and the transfer became official on 1 July.

First Season Success: 2010–11

Hernández played his first game for United on 28 July 2010, scoring his first goal against the MLS All-Stars. Two days later, he scored against Manchester United while playing for his old club, Guadalajara, in a friendly match. He then switched teams at halftime.

He made his official debut on 8 August, scoring in a 3–1 win against Chelsea in the 2010 FA Community Shield. His first Premier League goal came on 16 October against West Bromwich Albion. He scored his first two goals in a league game against Stoke City on 24 October. By 4 January 2011, he became the highest-scoring Mexican player in Premier League history.

Hernández playing against West Brom at Old Trafford during the 2010–11 season

Hernández continued to score important goals, including two against Marseille in the UEFA Champions League on 15 March, helping United reach the quarter-finals. On 8 May, he scored the opening goal against Chelsea after just 36 seconds, helping United get closer to winning the league title. Six days later, he won his first league title with United, their record-breaking 19th.

He finished his first season with 20 goals and won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, chosen by the fans. He also played in the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final against Barcelona. The International Federation of Football History and Statistics named him the "World Goalgetter 2011" for scoring 13 international goals.

Injuries and More Goals: 2011–12

After playing in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup for Mexico, Hernández suffered a minor concussion during training in July 2011. He missed some early games but returned on 22 August. On 10 September, he scored two goals in a 5–0 win against Bolton Wanderers.

On 24 October, Hernández signed a new five-year contract with Manchester United. He continued to score crucial goals, including winners against Everton and Swansea City. He suffered an ankle injury in December but returned earlier than expected. He scored important goals in the UEFA Europa League and the Premier League, including two against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 5–0 win.

Winning Another Title: 2012–13

Hernández during a training session with Manchester United in 2012

In his third season, Hernández scored his first goal on 15 September 2012 against Wigan Athletic. On 23 October, he scored two goals in a 3–2 comeback win against Braga in the Champions League. Five days later, he scored the winning goal against Chelsea in a 3–2 victory.

On 10 November, he scored two goals as United came back from 2–0 down to beat Aston Villa 3–2. He continued his scoring form into 2013, scoring two goals against Wigan on 1 January and another two in an FA Cup match against Fulham.

Hernández helped United win his second league title on 22 April 2013, after a 3–0 victory over Aston Villa. He scored the opening goal in manager Sir Alex Ferguson's final home game at Old Trafford against Swansea City. He also scored United's last goal of the season in a thrilling 5–5 draw against West Bromwich Albion.

Less Playing Time and Departure: 2013–15

Under new manager David Moyes, Hernández scored his first goal of the 2013–14 season on 25 September 2013, in a League Cup win over Liverpool. He scored two more goals in the League Cup against Norwich City on 29 October.

On 29 August 2015, it was announced that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal had told Hernández he could leave the club. Hernández played his final match for Manchester United on 22 August in a goalless draw against Newcastle United. He often came on as a substitute during his time at United, and his goal-scoring rate per minute was one of the best in Premier League history.

Loan to Real Madrid

On 1 September 2014, Hernández joined Real Madrid on a one-season loan. He made his debut on 13 September in a match against Atlético Madrid. On 19 September, he scored his first two goals for Real Madrid in an 8–2 win against Deportivo de La Coruña.

He scored the winning goal on 22 April 2015 in a 1–0 win over Atlético Madrid, which sent Real Madrid into the Champions League semi-finals. On 26 May, it was announced that Hernández would return to Manchester United after Real Madrid decided not to sign him permanently.

Moving to Bayer Leverkusen

On 31 August 2015, Hernández signed a three-year contract with the German club Bayer Leverkusen. He was given the number 7 shirt.

Top Scorer for Two Seasons

Hernández made his German league debut on 12 September. Four days later, he scored his first goal for Leverkusen in a Champions League match. On 23 September, he scored his first German league goal and was named Man of the Match. He scored two goals against Roma in the Champions League and another two in a cup match.

He was named the German League Player of the Month for November, December, and January. On 12 December, Hernández scored his first hat-trick for Leverkusen in a 5–0 win. He ended his first season as the club's top scorer with 17 goals in 28 league games and was included in the Team of the Season.

In his second season, Hernández scored his first league goal on 17 September 2016. The following week, he scored a "perfect hat-trick" (a goal with his left foot, right foot, and head) against FSV Mainz, which included a winning goal in stoppage time. Three days later, he scored his 100th goal in European competitions against Monaco. He was named German League Player of the Month for September and February. Hernández finished his second season as the club's top scorer again, with 11 goals in 26 league games.

Playing for West Ham United

Return to England

On 24 July 2017, Hernández joined the English club West Ham United. He signed a three-year contract and was given the number 17 shirt. He made his debut on 13 August against his former club, Manchester United. The following week, Hernández scored his first two goals for West Ham in a 3–2 loss to Southampton.

Hernández playing for West Ham United in 2019

In November, he got a hamstring injury while playing for Mexico. In January 2018, he scored his first goal since October, an equalizing goal against AFC Bournemouth. On 8 April, he scored against Chelsea for the ninth time in his career.

In September 2018, West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini said Hernández was suffering from glandular fever, which made him miss several matches. He recovered and returned to training in October. On 3 November, he scored his first league goal of the 2018–19 season in a 4–2 win over Burnley.

On 22 February 2019, Hernández scored his 50th career Premier League goal, becoming the first Mexican player to reach this milestone. On 16 March, he scored two goals, including the winning goal in stoppage time, to secure a 4–3 victory over Huddersfield. Before the 2019–20 season, he was given the number 9 shirt. On 17 August, he scored his first goal of the season against Brighton. On 30 August, Hernández asked to leave West Ham and moved to Spain.

Joining Sevilla

On 2 September 2019, Hernández joined the 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, a free kick, in a Europa League match. On 27 October, he scored his first goal in the Spanish league for Sevilla.

Playing in the MLS with LA Galaxy

On January 21, 2020, Hernández signed a three-year contract with the Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy. He became the highest-paid player in the league and was named captain for the upcoming season. He made his MLS debut on February 29. On July 13, he scored his first goal for the club. He finished his first season with 12 appearances and 2 goals.

In his second season, on April 18, 2021, he scored two goals against Inter Miami for a 3–2 victory. In the next match, he scored a hat-trick against New York Red Bulls. His great performances earned him the Player of the Month award for April/May. He finished the season as the club's top scorer with 17 goals in 21 games and was named the club's Player of the Year.

In his third season, on February 27, 2022, Hernández scored the only goal in a win over New York City FC. He was chosen to play in the 2022 MLS All-Star Game and was named captain. He ended the 2022 season as the club's top scorer again with 18 goals in 32 games. The team reached the MLS Cup Playoffs. He won his second Player of the Year award for the club.

During a cup match on June 7, 2023, Hernández suffered a torn ACL, which ended his 2023 season. He left the club on November 3.

Returning Home to Guadalajara

On 24 January 2024, Hernández returned to Mexico and signed a two-year contract with Guadalajara. This was the club where he started his professional career in 2006.

One month after rejoining, Hernández made his debut against Pumas UNAM. He scored his first goal of the tournament in a 3–2 victory against Puebla.

International Career for Mexico

Youth Teams

Hernández was supposed to play for the under-17 team in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, but an injury kept him out. Two years later, he played for the under-20 team in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada. He scored a goal in Mexico's 3–0 win against Gambia.

Senior National Team Debut

Hernández playing for Mexico in 2010

On 30 September 2009, Hernández made his debut for the senior national team against Colombia. He made an assist in a 2–1 loss. In 2010, he scored two goals against Bolivia and a header against New Zealand. He also scored against the Netherlands and two goals against Gambia in friendly matches.

2010 FIFA World Cup

On 11 June 2010, Hernández made his FIFA World Cup debut against South Africa. On 17 June, he scored his first World Cup goal against France, helping Mexico to a 2–0 victory. He was named the man of the match. By scoring, he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Tomás Balcázar, who also scored against France in the 1954 World Cup.

On 27 June, Hernández started his first World Cup game and scored his second goal of the tournament against Argentina. FIFA's analysis showed that Hernández was the quickest player in the 2010 World Cup.

Post-World Cup Friendlies

Hernández scored against Spain in a friendly on 11 August 2010. He also scored two goals in a friendly against Paraguay on 26 March 2011.

2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup

On 5 June 2011, Hernández scored his first career hat-trick in a 5–0 win against El Salvador in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He scored two more goals against Cuba on 9 June. On 18 June, he scored the winning goal against Guatemala to send Mexico to the semi-finals. He helped Mexico win the final 4–2 against the United States. He was the top scorer of the tournament with seven goals and was named the most valuable player.

2013 FIFA Confederations Cup

Hernández was part of Mexico's squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. On 16 June, he scored a penalty kick against Italy. In the final group match, Hernández scored both goals as Mexico defeated Japan 2–1.

2014 FIFA World Cup

Hernández scored five goals for Mexico during the qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. On 23 June, he scored Mexico's third goal against Croatia in a 3–1 victory, helping the team qualify for the next round.

2015 CONCACAF Cup

On 1 July 2015, Hernández broke his collarbone during a friendly match, which meant he could not play in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which Mexico went on to win.

In October, Hernández was called up for the CONCACAF Cup match against the United States. Mexico won 3–2 after extra time, with Hernández scoring the first goal.

2016–2018: Copa América and Milestones

Hernández played in the Copa América Centenario tournament in 2016. On 5 June, he scored the first goal in Mexico's 2–0 win over Jamaica. This goal brought him to 45 goals, just one shy of the national team record.

On 12 May 2017, Hernández was included in the national squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. On 27 May, he became Mexico's all-time top goalscorer with 47 goals when he scored in a friendly against Croatia. In Mexico's first Confederations Cup game, he scored Mexico's first goal in a 2–2 draw against Portugal.

On 27 March 2018, Hernández played his 100th game for Mexico in a friendly match against Croatia.

2018 FIFA World Cup

Hernández playing for Mexico at the 2018 World Cup

Hernández scored three goals for Mexico during the qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He started in Mexico's first World Cup game against Germany and assisted Hirving Lozano for the winning goal in a 1–0 victory. In the second group game, Hernández scored Mexico's second goal, his 50th international goal, in a 2–1 win over South Korea. He was named FIFA Man of the Match. With this goal, Hernández became one of the highest-scoring Mexican players at the World Cup with four goals, and the third Mexican player to score in three World Cups.

Playing Style

Javier Hernández is known as a "goal-poacher" because he scores many of his goals from very close to the net. He is praised for his smart movement without the ball, his speed, and his ability to find open space in the penalty box. People have compared his playing style to that of German striker Miroslav Klose.

Rudi Völler, a director at Bayer Leverkusen, said Hernández has an "incredible sense of where the ball will end up." Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson described Hernández as being good with both feet, very fast, and a natural goalscorer. Ferguson also said Hernández's style reminded him of former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Despite his height, Hernández is "amazing in the air" and very quick and agile.

Former Mexico national team coach Juan Carlos Osorio said Hernández has a "knack for the goal" and that "every rebound or every deflection goes into his path." He also noted that Hernández doesn't get upset about missed chances and always looks forward to the next one. He is also willing to work hard on defense.

Esports Career

On 20 April 2022, Hernández signed with Complexity Gaming to play the video game Call of Duty.

Personal Life

Hernández conducting his pre-match prayer before a match against Cardiff City in November 2013

Javier Hernández 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 Guadalajara and for the national team in the 1954 FIFA World Cup.

On 26 May 2012, Hernández became a Mexican ambassador for UNICEF. In this role, he helps encourage children and teenagers to stay in school. He said he felt "proud and committed" to this role.

Hernández is a devoted Roman Catholic. He is well known for his pre-game ritual where he kneels and prays before most matches.

Hernández was featured on the North American cover of the video game FIFA 14 and the Mexican cover of FIFA 15, alongside Lionel Messi.

In January 2019, Hernández and his then-wife Sarah Kohan announced they were expecting their first child. Their son, Noah, was born on 16 June 2019. One year later, on 5 October 2020, their daughter, Nala, was born.

Hernández is good friends with other famous people from Guadalajara, like Canelo Álvarez, Checo Pérez, and Marco Fabián.

His Nickname: Chicharito

Hernández is commonly known as Chicharito, which means little pea in Spanish. He wears this name on his shirt. This nickname comes from his father, Javier Hernández Gutiérrez, who was nicknamed Chícharo (pea) because he had green eyes.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Honours and Awards

Guadalajara

• Mexican Primera División: Apertura 2006
• InterLiga: 2009
• Copa Libertadores runner-up: 2010

Manchester United

• Premier League: 2010–11, 2012–13
• FA Cup: 2015–16
• FA Community Shield: 2010, 2011, 2013
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2010–11

Real Madrid

• FIFA Club World Cup: 2014

Sevilla

• UEFA Europa League: 2019–20

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)
• Manchester United Player of the Month: October 2010, January 2011, April 2011, October 2011, October 2012, November 2012
• Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2010–11
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Golden Boot: 2011
• CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP: 2011
• IFFHS World Goalgetter: 2011
• La Liga Goal of the Month: September 2014
• Bundesliga Player of the Month: November 2015, December 2015, January 2016, September 2016, February 2017
• Bundesliga Idol: 2015
• CONCACAF Men's Player of the Year: 2015
• CONCACAF Best XI: 2015
• Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2015–16
• Premio Nacional del Deporte: 2017
• IFFHS CONCACAF Men's Team of the Decade: 2011–2020
• MLS Player of the Month: April 2021, May 2021
• LA Galaxy Goal of the Month: April 2021, September 2021, February 2022, April 2022
• LA Galaxy Player of the Year: 2021, 2022
• LA Galaxy Golden Boot: 2021, 2022
• LA Galaxy Player of the Month: February 2022, August 2022
• MLS All-Star: 2022

Records

• Mexico all-time top goalscorer: 52

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