'Chicharito should hang up his boots' – Mexico legend Cuauhtémoc Blanco offers advice to struggling Chivas star Javier Hernández

The former América and Mexico star weighed in on Javier Hernández’s struggles with Chivas.

• Only 19 minutes played in Apertura 2025
• Three goals in 35 games since returning
• Chivas sit 16th with four points

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Table of Contents

  Toggle

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mexican legend Cuauhtémoc Blanco has sent a tough but candid message to Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, who continues to endure a difficult spell since returning to Chivas. The veteran striker has scored just three goals in 35 appearances and has played only 19 minutes so far in the Apertura 2025, as remain stuck near the bottom of the table.

  “I don’t like to criticize, but I think he should – like we used to say back in the neighborhood – throw his boots up on the power lines and leave them there, he should retire. These days, young players are faster and better prepared. With all due respect, I think Chicharito should hang up his boots and give the youngsters a chance,” Blanco said.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT CUAUHTÉMOC BLANCO SAID

  The former América icon admitted that such a decision is never easy for a player of Hernández’s stature, but insisted that every career has an expiration date.

  “It’s tough for everyone. Retiring is complicated because what you really miss is the locker room, the friendships, the stories, the jokes. But eventually you reach a point where you say, ‘That’s it, I can’t anymore,'" Blanco explained.

  Blanco, who also played in Europe with Real Valladolid, nonetheless recognized the remarkable career Chicharito has built, highlighting his spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, West Ham, and other clubs.

  “He did incredible things in Europe, but you also need to know when it’s time to step away. You can see he’s struggling. In my opinion, he should retire while he still can. He scored plenty of goals with Madrid and United, but ultimately, the decision is his to make,” Blanco said.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Chivas picked up a 2-1 win over León in a friendly match played in Chicago over the weekend. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández started and logged 73 minutes, while Cade Cowell found the net to score one of the goals for the red and whites during their U.S. tour.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CHICHARITO AND CHIVAS?

  Chivas now turn their attention to the upcoming Clásico Nacional against América in Matchday 8 of Liga MX next Saturday. While sit second in the table with 17 points, remain in the bottom places with only four points to their name.