Javier Hernández Balcázar, widely recognised by the nickname Chicharito, debuted for Guadalajara on 9 September 2006, scoring within five minutes of his first professional appearance. Since that initial victory against Club Necaxa, the Mexican striker has secured Premier League titles, achieved international status as his country's leading goalscorer, and performed for major clubs across Europe and North America.
Early Career and Guadalajara
Born in Guadalajara on 1 June 1988, Hernández played for the local club youth system starting at age nine. He signed his first professional contract at 15. Following his 2006 debut, he established himself as a prolific scorer for the senior team. By the 2010 Torneo Bicentenario, he reached the position of joint-leader in the goalscoring chart, netting ten goals in eleven matches before his departure for England.
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In 2010, Hernández joined Manchester United, becoming the club's first Mexican player. During a five-year tenure, he made over 150 appearances and scored 59 goals, contributing to two Premier League titles and a 2011 Champions League Final appearance. He subsequently spent time on loan at Real Madrid, winning the FIFA Club World Cup, before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. He later returned to the Premier League with West Ham United in 2017.
International and Later Career
Hernández earned his first national team cap in September 2009. He represented Mexico in three FIFA World Cups—2010, 2014, and 2018—and served as a key figure in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he was named the tournament's most valuable player. Following stints with Sevilla and the LA Galaxy, he rejoined his boyhood club, Guadalajara, in 2024. He maintains a digital presence as a streamer, operating under the alias CH14.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 June 1988, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Primary Position: Striker
- Professional Debut: 9 September 2006
- Notable Honours: 2 Premier League titles, FIFA Club World Cup
- Education: Atemajac Valley University
- International Debut: September 2009
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of the nickname Chicharito?
It translates to little pea, serving as a diminutive of his father's nickname, Chícharo.
Is Javier Hernández still active as a professional footballer?
Yes, he rejoined his boyhood club, Guadalajara, in 2024.
