Javier Hernandez, Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer, broke down in tears after realizing his European dream was over following his departure from Manchester United. The striker, affectionately known as Chicharito, became emotional when announcing his move to LA Galaxy in January 2020, acknowledging that the transfer marked the beginning of his retirement from European football.
Hernandez's Rise at Manchester United
Hernandez joined Manchester United in 2010, the same summer he made his international breakthrough at the World Cup in South Africa, scoring twice in four games. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, he quickly became a key player, scoring 20 goals in all competitions in his debut season. His goals helped United win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final, where they were denied a rare double by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona at Wembley.
The Mexican, known for his poaching instincts, continued to find the net consistently, ending each of his next two seasons with double figures in the league. However, after Ferguson's retirement, Hernandez struggled to make a similar impact under David Moyes.
Decline and Departure from Old Trafford
Hernandez seemed to have been given a lifeline when Louis van Gaal handed him a starting spot in his first league match in charge. However, he was hooked at half-time, making his impending exit clear. The striker was sent on loan a fortnight later and left Old Trafford for good in the summer of 2015, joining Bayer Leverkusen.
In Germany, Hernandez showed he was still capable of troubling defences, averaging a goal every other game before moving to West Ham in 2017. His previous Premier League success was not replicated, though he scored 16 times during a turbulent period for the Hammers, which saw him play under three managers in two years.
Emotional Farewell to Europe
A short stint in Spain with Sevilla brought less success, and Hernandez drew the curtain on his European career in January 2020, moving to MLS side LA Galaxy. While there were positives across the Atlantic, Hernandez was visibly upset when recognizing that the new chapter signaled the end of his European dream.
“I wanted to speak to you guys because the thing is about to get done, it’s almost certain that I’m going to LA,” Hernandez said in an emotional video as he broke down in tears. “It’s okay, everything is perfect, it’s only that, well it’s like the beginning of my retirement.”
“We’re saying goodbye to a career that we put a lot of effort on,” he added. “We’re going to look at the bright side, but whether we like it or not we are retiring from the European dream.”
Legacy and Return to Roots
With the European dream over, Hernandez's American aspirations flourished, as he scored 39 times in 82 appearances for LA Galaxy before returning to his boyhood club CD Guadalajara, completing the circle at the club where his career began. Although he has not officially announced his retirement, he has not played for a club since last year and has been a free agent since.
Hernandez stands alone as Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer with 52 goals in 109 appearances. Second on the list is Wolves' Raul Jimenez, who has scored 47 goals in 128 appearances for El Tricolor. Jimenez has netted twice in the 2026 World Cup, most recently in Mexico's round of 32 matchup versus Ecuador, and will lead the line against Thomas Tuchel's England on Sunday at the Azteca in Mexico City. The 35-year-old will be looking to take one step further toward equaling or surpassing Hernandez's all-time record.
