2002 Bundesliga Title Decider vs Werder Bremen
Chicharito: Mexico's all-time leading scorer and clinical striker.
Javier Hernández Balcázar (born 1 June 1988), commonly known as Chicharito, is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a striker for USL Championship club Atlético Dallas. He is known for his clinical finishing, pace, and technical ability.
Quick Facts
- Date
- May 18, 2002
- Venue
- BayArena (Leverkusen)
- Competition
- Bundesliga Matchday 34
- Result
- Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Werder Bremen
- Key figure
- Ailton (Werder Bremen striker, scored the opening goal)
- Season context
- Leverkusen finished as Runners-up
Lore & Background
Hernández began his senior club career at age 18 in 2006 with Guadalajara, winning the Primera División. He signed for Manchester United in 2010, becoming the club's first Mexican player, and scored 59 goals in over 150 appearances, winning two Premier League titles and the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award. He later played for Real Madrid on loan, then joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, followed by West Ham United, Sevilla, LA Galaxy, and rejoined Guadalajara in 2024. He is Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer and debuted for the national team in September 2009.
Reader's Guide
Hernández is a striker known for his clinical finishing, pace, and technical ability. He has played for clubs including Guadalajara, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United, Sevilla, LA Galaxy, and Atlético Dallas. He is widely considered among the greatest Mexican players of all time.
Did You Know?
- Hernández is commonly known by the nickname Chicharito, meaning 'little pea' in Spanish.
- He was the top scorer and most valuable player of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
- Hernández is active as a gamer and streamer on YouTube and Twitch under the username 'CH14'.
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