Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly criticized soccer star Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez for recent remarks he made on social media regarding gender roles, labeling them as "very sexist" and stating that he "still has a lot to learn". The controversy arose after Hernandez, the all-time leading scorer for the Mexican national team, posted several videos and reels on his Instagram account over the weekend.
In these posts, the 37-year-old Hernandez made statements that were widely perceived as promoting traditional and stereotypical gender roles. Some of his remarks included telling women to "not be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man" and accusing them of "eradicating masculinity" and making society "hypersensitive". He also stated, "You women need to learn to accept and honor masculinity" and questioned the notion that "cleaning is patriarchal oppression" while expecting men to provide.
President Sheinbaum, the first female president in Mexico's 200-year history, responded to Hernandez's comments during a news conference. She emphasized that "women can be whatever we want" and highlighted her own multifaceted roles as a mother, grandmother, housewife, and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Sheinbaum also pointed out that the concept of "substantive equality" is enshrined in the Mexican Constitution, ensuring equality with each gender having its own characteristics. She stated that the idea that a woman's place is in the home is a "very sexist" one.
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has also taken action, fining Hernandez and launching an investigation into his remarks. In a joint statement with Mexico's top men's and women's leagues, Liga MX and Liga MX Femenil, the FMF stated that Hernandez's statements violated their gender and diversity policies and constituted a form of media violence. The Gender and Diversity Commission announced that it would impose a financial penalty and a warning on Hernandez, with the possibility of more severe measures for any repeat offense.
This marks the first time the FMF has sanctioned a player for misogynistic comments. Previously, businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, owner of Mazatlán and Puebla clubs, made harsh statements about female journalists but was not punished.
Hernandez's controversial statements have sparked widespread outrage and debate on social media, with many users expressing disappointment and criticizing his views as outdated and out of touch with contemporary society. Some have also pointed out that this is not the first time Hernandez has expressed such opinions, as he has previously shared similar reflections on "masculine energies" and the "true role of men in the family" in online discussions.
It's worth noting that Hernandez has been banned from the national team since 2019 after he and other players organized an unauthorized party in New York following a game against the United States.
