"Women, you're failing": Former Real Madrid player fined for sexist behavior

BarcelonaWhen a public figure with more than six million followers expresses his opinion on social media, he must proceed with caution. Former Real Madrid player Javier Chicharito Hernández (1988) has been at the center of controversy for sexist statements on his Instagram account. The Mexican forward stated that women are "failing" and should allow themselves to be "led by a man who only wants to see them happy." Two days earlier, in another video on his social media, he questioned women who wanted a "providing man" but considered that "cleaning is patriarchal oppression." Sitting on the couch wearing a cap, the player begins to speak in these terms: "Women, you are failing and you are eradicating masculinity by making society hypersensitive. Embody your feminine energy by caring, nurturing, receiving, multiplying, cleaning, maintaining the home, which is the most precious place."

With several cuts in between that highlight the fact that the video was edited later, Hernandez continues: "Don't be afraid to be women, to allow yourself to be led by a man who only wants to see you happy." The current Chivas de Guadalajara striker continues with his message, but now addressing men: "We are failing in our lack of commitment, in putting our partner last, in not keeping our word and in not prioritizing habits that make us admirable. feminine energy. But many of us are here wanting to love you, care for you, respect you and provide for you." The Mexican ends by appealing to women again: "You must learn to receive and honor masculinity. Sometimes the truth can hurt at the moment, but that is growing. We accept the truth and change enough to create the humanity we have always sought."

These two posts have prompted him to publish an apology on Instagram. He begins his apology by thanking everyone who has supported him, as he has received quite a few positive comments. "I deeply regret any confusion or upset my recent words may have caused; it was never my intention to limit, hurt, or divide. [...] I will take this opportunity to understand, grow, and continue working to be a better version of myself."

Sanctions from his club and the Mexican Federation

Following these comments, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), through its Gender and Diversity Commission, has "initiated an investigation to prevent and sanction this type of behavior." The organization has imposed a fine and threatened harsher measures if the offense is repeated. Chivas has also sanctioned him internally. The coach, former Barça player Gabriel Milito, declined to go into details: "It's a matter that has been resolved by the club and by Javier, through their statements. I want to focus on the sporting side."

Aside from the sporting consequences, there are also repercussions for his image and personal brand. Chicharito's sponsor, Puma, distanced itself from the statements, although it did not publicly announce that it had taken any action: "We clarify that these opinions are personal and remain independent of the brand's values and stance." The controversy has even reached the political arena, where Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called the comments sexist. "He's a very good soccer player, but when it comes to his opinions on women, he still has a lot to learn. Women can be whatever we want," declared the country's top leader.