Mexican football legend Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez issued a public apology on Thursday after facing widespread backlash for making sexist comments in a recent TikTok video. The remarks led to disciplinary action from both Mexico’s Football Federation (FMF) and his club, Guadalajara.

In the controversial video, the 37-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker stated that women should “embody feminine energy” through domestic roles and be “led by a man” whose goal is to “see them happy.” The comments were met with strong criticism from fans, the FMF, and even Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, who called the remarks “a very macho idea” and said Hernandez “still has a lot to learn.”

The FMF condemned the statements as promoting sexist stereotypes and described them as a form of “media violence,” issuing a fine and a formal warning to Hernandez.

Responding to the criticism, Hernandez posted an apology on Instagram:

“I deeply regret any confusion or discomfort my recent comments may have caused. It was never my intention to mock, hurt, or divide… I listen, I reflect, and I commit to expressing myself with greater clarity and sensitivity, especially on such sensitive issues.”

Hernandez, affectionately known as “Chicharito,” is one of Mexico’s most celebrated footballers. He remains the country’s all-time top goalscorer, with 52 international goals in 109 appearances, and has had a distinguished club career across Europe and the United States.

The incident has reignited conversations in Mexico around gender equality in sports and public discourse, underscoring the responsibility public figures have in shaping social narratives.