The return of the hero (or at least we hope so)
It seems that the moment that the entire Tiktoker and Mexican soccer fans have been waiting for (or fearing, who knows) is about to come. After what felt like an eternity in airplane mode – exactly one month of absence – Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández has been officially called up. Yes, you read that right. The top scorer of the Mexican National Team could finally debut his boots in the Apertura 2025 with the Chivas jacket. The scenario could not be more dramatic: this Saturday at the Akron stadium, against Cruz Azul. Because, of course, there’s nothing like a national classic to calm the nerves of anyone returning from an injury.
It turns out that the famous right soleus – a muscle that no one had heard of until it became the villain of this season – decided to play a trick on him. But after a lot of therapy, ice and probably a few encouraging tweets from his followers, the forward is ready to take the field… or at least to warm up the bench in a very stylish way.
A postponed debut and a team in crisis
The story has a somewhat tragicomic déjà vu. Do you remember when Chicharito was called up for the debut on matchday 2 against León? We were all ready with the popcorn and memes prepared. But his body, in an act of maximum rebellion, said “not today, friends.” The injury appeared at the most inopportune moment, taking him away from the fields and leaving the fans with a deflated hype.
And, surprise surprise, things for Guadalajara haven’t gone exactly like a fairy tale since then. Not only was the team unable to qualify for the final phase of the Leagues Cup (ouch), but in the Liga MX they are on a streak of three consecutive games without knowing what it means to win. Basically, they are in survival mode, needing wins like likes on an Instagram post.
The Argentine coach, Gabriel Milito, is clearly following the predictable manual. With an offense that has been conspicuous by its absence, Chicharito’s inclusion on the roster is like that desperate attempt to light a campfire with wet matches. Either it catches fire and becomes epic, or it ends in smoke that makes us all cry. Along with him, Armando González and Teun Wilke complete the trio of attackers who will have the mission of breaking the losing streak against the team led by Nicolás Larcamón.
But, if there wasn’t enough drama, the harsh reality is that Hernández‘s return might not be the magic wand that everyone hopes for. And it’s not to be a party pooper, but Guadalajara will not be able to count on other key pieces such as Alan Pulido, Richard Ledezma, Daniel Aguirre, José Castillo and Omar Govea. In other words, the injury is like the trending topic in the Chivas locker room: everyone wants to appear there.
So this weekend, more than a football game, we will have a live Netflix special: the pressure, the comeback, the memes, the nerves and the hope that one man can change the fortunes of an entire team. Will Chicharito live up to expectations? Only time – and the 90 minutes of play – will tell. Cross your fingers, pray to your football gods and get ready for what promises to be a night of pure league drama.
Do you think his return will be a turning point for Chivas? Share this note and tag that Cruzazulino friend who loves to suffer. And if you were left wanting more analysis and previews of the Liga MX, be sure to explore our related content. The season is just beginning and this is getting good!
