Chicharito apologises after saying women should focus on cooking and cleaning

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has now apologised following the backlash to his rants calling for a return to more traditional gender roles. 

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker put out a video on Instagram instructing women to be more subservient to men. He implied that they were better served performing homemaker roles like cooking and cleaning, and asked them to be more in touch with their feminine side. 

The Guadalajara forward’s social media rant has drawn major attention, most of which was critical of his antiquated worldview. His tirade also caught the attention of Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum. She deemed his remarks sexist, stating that he had a lot to learn about women. 

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) followed up with a statement announcing that its Gender and Diversity Committee has begun an investigation into the matter and is planning to issue a fine and warning. 

Following the reaction to his comments, the 37-year-old published a statement on his social media page, apologising for his earlier mishap. 

“I wholeheartedly thank everyone who has supported me and those who, with respect, have shared their perspectives and challenged me to be a better person,” he said. “I deeply regret any confusion or discomfort my recent words may have caused; it was never my intention to limit, hurt, or divide.

"As a father, a man, and a member of this community, my priority is to act with respect, humility, and responsibility. I am listening, reflecting, and committed to expressing myself with greater clarity and sensitivity – especially on such delicate topics.

"I believe change starts within. I will use this opportunity to understand, grow, and continue working to become a better version of myself – guided by honesty, love for my family, my values, and my love for all of you. Thank you for your understanding, your expectations, your love, and your companionship on this journey.”

Despite the backlash and his subsequent apology, Chicharito still has the video of his ‘sexist’ rant up on his Instagram page at the time of writing.