Mexican football star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is facing criticism from Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and others for comments about gender roles posted on his social media accounts. “Chicharito is a very good soccer player,” Sheinbaum stated at a news conference Wednesday. “But when it comes to his opinion on women … he still has a lot to learn.” She characterised the former Mexico international’s views as “very sexist.” The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker, currently playing for Chivas, is injured and missed the first two matches of Mexico’s Apertura tournament. Over the weekend, he shared several reels and videos, primarily on Instagram. “Don’t be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man,” the 37-year-old Hernandez said. “Women, you are failing, you are eradicating masculinity, making society hypersensitive.” Hernandez, the all-time leading scorer for the Mexican national team with 52 goals, returned to Mexico last year on a two-year deal with Chivas, the team where he began his professional career in 2006. “You women need to learn to accept and honor masculinity,” he said in another one of his posts. In another video, he stated: “You want a man to provide, but for you, cleaning is patriarchal oppression… interesting.” Sheinbaum, a 63-year-old scientist, became the first female president in the country’s 200-year history last year. “I’m a mother, I’m a grandmother, I’m also a housewife,” the president added Wednesday. “But I’m also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Women can be whatever we want.” Hernandez is a divorced father of two who often kneels in the middle of the pitch to pray before matches. He began creating content for a YouTube channel, showcasing his life as a player with West Ham and his marriage. Hernandez had a low profile on social media before hiring life coach Diego Dreyfus, to whom many attribute much of “Chicharito’s” new persona. His recent statements have sparked criticism, with some urging him to focus on football, considering his performance since returning to the Mexican league last year has not met expectations. Hernandez, who also played for Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham, and Sevilla, has scored just two goals in 25 matches in his first two tournaments back in Mexico. A few hours after the president’s remarks, Hernandez was fined by the Gender and Diversity Commission of the Mexican Soccer Federation and by Chivas. “A few days ago, on the social platform Javier Chicharito Hernández made statements that promote sexist stereotypes that are considered media violence and go against gender equality in the sport,” a statement from the federation said. The federation did not disclose the amount of the fine but warned of a more severe penalty if he repeats the offense. Chivas didn’t mention Hernandez by name when announcing its fine, only stating that the team opposes “behavior that reinforces stereotypes that limit the freedom, respect, and full development of all people, both inside and outside of sports.” This is the first time the federation has sanctioned a player for misogynistic comments. Earlier this year, businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, the owner of the Mazatlán and Puebla clubs, made harsh statements about female journalists and was left unpunished. Chicharito has been banned from the national team since 2019 after he, along with other players, organised an unauthorised party in New York following a game against the United States. With AP Inputs