The Mexican National Team's all-time leading goal scorer, Chicharito, returns to Chivas
Mexican soccer player, Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, has made a comeback to soccer and joined his childhood team, Chivas. The Liga MX had released a statement confirming that the top scorer of the Mexican National team had signed to play for his former team, where he started his career in 2006.
"ChivaBrothers, it's official! Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández returns to the team of his amores for the Clausura 2024,” Liga MX said in a press release. “We are convinced that his love for the institution, the experience acquired during his successful career and the leadership that characterizes him will be reflected in this new stage with Chivas."
According to ESPN, Hernández had received other offers from teams in the MLS, Europe and the Middle East before confirming his return to Chivas.
Chicharito’s journey back home
Hernandez is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico and was brought up through C.D. Guadalajara academy. At the age of 15, Hernandez signed his first professional contract with the team. In 2006, Hernandez made his debut for Chivas in a match against Club Necaxa which Chivas won by 3-0. Hernandez played for Chivas until 2010 when he moved to Manchester United.
In 2010, Hernandez became the first Mexican player to join Manchester United, following his impressive performance in the 2010 World Cup. Apart from Manchester United, he also played for various clubs such as Real Madrid, Sevilla, West Ham United, and Bayer Leverkusen across Europe. During his time in the Premier League, Hernandez made 158 appearances and scored 53 goals and provided 10 assists. He also won two English Premier League titles.
Chicharito then spent four years in Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy and was the highest-paid player in the league in 2020. However, he suffered a torn ACL in 2023, which ended his season that year. During his time with LA Galaxy, Hernandez scored 32 goals in 82 appearances and earned an All-Star award in 2022.