Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández has left Club Deportivo Guadalajara after missing a crucial penalty in the Apertura 2025 playoffs. The club issued a statement thanking him for his dedication over nearly two years in this second stint. Hernández stated that this phase taught him strength, humility, and courage, and he now looks forward to new challenges.
On the morning of Thursday, December 11, 2025, Chivas de Guadalajara announced the departure of Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández, concluding his second stint with the club that formed him. He returned in January 2024 after a successful international career and mentored young players like Armando 'Hormiga' González, the current Liga MX scoring champion.
Hernández's final match with Chivas was on November 30, 2025, in the return leg of the Apertura 2025 quarterfinals against Cruz Azul at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Chivas lost 3-2, eliminated after a 0-0 draw in the first leg. The penalty missed by Hernández proved decisive in the defeat, sealing his exit from the team.
In a statement, the club noted: 'The bond between ‘Chicharito’ and the club of his loves, the one that formed and propelled him to become a historic figure in our soccer, will endure forever.' They thanked his passion and wished him success in future endeavors, acknowledging his deep love for the institution.
For his part, Hernández posted a photo carousel on Instagram with the message: 'A stage closes that taught me strength, humility, and courage. And another begins where the goal is to enjoy. Let's go for the new, together as always!' He did not specify reasons or next steps but emphasized the lessons learned.
Hernández is an icon of Mexican soccer: the all-time leading scorer for the national team with 52 goals, he participated in three World Cups and won the Liga title with Chivas in Apertura 2006, plus the scoring title in Bicentenario 2010. His return excited fans, though he faced criticism for performance and recent controversies.
