Javier Hernández Balcázar

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, every school day The Cardinal will feature a prominent and historical Hispanic American, living or dead, who has worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made a contribution to society.

September 25, 2023

Javier Hernández Balcázar was born on June 1, 1988, and is commonly known by the nickname “Chicharito.” He is a Mexican professional soccer player “footballer” who plays as a striker and is captain of a major league soccer club, LA galaxy. He is known for his clinical finishing along with his pace and technical ability and is widely considered to be amongst the greatest Mexican players of all time.

Chicharito began his senior club career at age 18 in 2006, playing for Guadalajara, where he won the primary division. In 2010, Hernández signed for ManchesterUnited, becoming the club’s first Mexican player. During his five years with United, he amassed over 150 appearances and scored 59 goals, winning two Premier league titles and reached the UEFA Champions League Final.

Chicharito departed the club on loan to Real Madrid in 2014, and in 2015, he joined Bayer Leverkusen in a permanent deal. Two years later, Hernández returned to England and signed for West Ham United. In 2019, he signed for Sevilla before joining LA Galaxy the following year. He made a donation of $10,000 to a shelter in Zapopan, Jalisco, where he was born, and contributed to the development of the children of the Los Pinos Children’s Shelter, through the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation.

About the Contributor

Oliver Almeida-Renteria, Junior Editor

Oliver Almeida has been at Hoover High School for three years. He is a junior in the ALMA academy. He likes to go out with his friends and with his partner. He hopes this year is way better than last year, and also excited to reach goals and that everything goes well as planned for this year.

Currently his favorite classes are chemistry and yearbook because they are interesting and complicated for a challenge. Apart from that, there are always people who he enjoys and helps in classes and likes to have fun. His favorite colors are brown and black, because they are good clothing combinations and very solid . His favorite shows are Never Have I Ever and Shameless. They are very good to watch, when you have time" His two favorite movies are Cars 2 and Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift.

He is very grateful for my teachers who always try to help him, such as Mrs. Teuthorn and also Mr.Heu. This semester he is focusing on school but also on himself. Because sometimes you have to think of yourself. He does think of others, but if you also need to be smart sometimes and put yourself first.

" Always expect the best from you ." ~ Oliver