Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, the prodigal son returning to Club Deportivo Guadalajara, finds himself at the center of a heated debate as his performance in the Clausura 2025 season fails to meet the lofty expectations set by fans and analysts alike. Despite his renowned trajectory, which includes glorious stints at Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, Hernández's current form raises eyebrows and concerns regarding his future with Chivas.
After making a significant splash during his previous tenure with the team, Chicharito returned to Chivas in 2024 with dreams of restoring the club to its former glory. His history as one of the most prolific strikers in Mexican football, coupled with his experiences in Europe, sparked excitement. However, as the current season unfolds, his contributions have been less than stellar. So far in 2025, Hernández has scored just one goal in eight matches, significantly below expectations.
Fans had hoped Chicharito would come back and bear the scoring weight, but his numbers thus far paint a disappointing picture. According to current statistics, Hernández has not registered a single assist during the 435 minutes he has played, averaging only 0.3 key passes per game. Furthermore, with just 11 shots taken throughout the tournament, his scoring average languishes at a mere 0.1 goals per match, revealing an alarming drop in productivity. His effectiveness, which once saw him as a cherished figure on various European teams, seems nearly dormant now.
The once-celebrated forward explained part of his earlier success in a recent social media video, stating, "The football is the main sport in those countries. It has been easy to adapt because I eat, live, and breathe football, and here they do the same." This sentiment starkly contrasts with his current challenges in Liga MX, reflecting an apparent disconnect between his past performances and present expectations.
Chivas' inconsistent performance in the Clausura 2025 has also compelled supporters to scrutinize not only Hernández but the entire squad. The club witnessed a major overhaul with the termination of its Spanish directors and coach Oscar García amid poor results. Ricardo Marín's loan to Puebla, where he found the net four times, stands as a stark reminder of what could have been if the right offensive partnerships had been forged. Fans expected established players like Alan Pulido and Hernández to shine, but the reality has been disappointing.
Among the disappointments for Chivas, Cade Cowell and Armando González have also failed to meet expectations, with both players struggling to find their form. The team's statistics reveal that Cowell has played seven games without scoring, while González also remains off the scoresheet after participating in seven matches. These failures deepen the scrutiny on Hernández, who, despite being the highest-profile player, has not delivered the results to match a high-profile reputation.
Adding to the list of concerns, Hernández's role within the team's formation remains predominantly as a traditional target man. Under coach Gerardo Espinoza, his strategic function often sidelines him from active build-up plays, limiting his overall impact on the field. With an average of only 14.9 touches per game and a successful passing rate of only 69%, questions arise as to whether he can adapt to a role that better suits the team’s needs.
Moreover, his current market value has taken a drastic hit. Once valued at 12 million euros when Bayer Leverkusen acquired him, Hernández's market price has plummeted to approximately 500,000 euros, a reflection of both his dwindling performance and advancing age at 35 years.
There remains uncertainty about his future at Chivas, with his contract expiring in December 2024. The club has yet to make a definitive call regarding a potential renewal. Meanwhile, journalism discussions have surfaced regarding Puma's role; the sports brand, which sponsors both Hernández and Chivas, is rumored to be under contract to pay the player's salary. Such financial entanglements raise eyebrows regarding the potential influence of sponsorship on player retention and club decision-making.
The hopes of Chivas fans still hang on Hernández's ability to rekindle the magic he once had. After all, he visually embraced the return as he reunited with his idol, Omar Bravo, prior to a recent match against rivals Atlas. In a heartfelt moment captured on social media, Chicharito called Bravo "my idol," revealing both the emotional weight his legacy holds and the pressure on his shoulders to deliver for the club once more.
Whether or not Hernández can navigate the remainder of the season successfully remains to be seen. With increasing attention fixed on both his individual output and the dynamics of the team as a whole, the pressure mounts for this prodigal star to deliver on the pitch. Should he fail to provide the spark that fans yearn for, his tenure with Chivas could find itself debated in the years to come.
