On paper, the relationship doesn't make sense. Despite the romantic narrative of Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez returning to his boyhood club Chivas, a team he has called his "first love" after leaving them in 2010 for Manchester United, the 2024 partnership between the Mexican national team's all-time leading goal scorer and the Liga MX giants feels more like an ill-fated union of star-crossed lovers.
The 35-year-old, who is recovering from a lengthy ACL injury, is no longer a spry striker with impeccable timing and a surprisingly tall leap for a player of his stature. Watching old highlights of Hernandez's previous time with Chivas feels like watching a different athlete altogether. Although his sense of positioning remains excellent, the same can't be said about his speed or finishing, which have diminished in the past few years.
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With all due respect to a living legend in Mexican soccer who is arguably one of the greatest from his country to play the game, it's a slight surprise that he didn't retire after his latest injury, which has kept him off the field since June. Playing at the time for the LA Galaxy, who eventually parted ways with him after the end of his contract in the winter, Hernandez slumped through 2023 with one goal in 12 games before his injury.