Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has sparked widespread outrage after posting videos on Instagram claiming women are "eradicating masculinity" and should focus on "multiplying, cleaning, maintaining the home".
The 37-year-old Mexican international, known as Chicharito, made the controversial statements in posts on Thursday and Friday that have drawn fierce criticism across social media platforms.
Hernandez, who won two Premier League titles during his five-year spell at United before departing in 2015, accused women of making society "hypersensitive" whilst urging them to "embrace your feminine energy" in household duties.
The striker's comments have prompted immediate backlash from social media users condemning his views on gender roles.
Javier Hernandez went on the bizarre rant on Instagram
In a video posted on Friday, Hernandez stated: "Women, you are failing. You are eradicating masculinity by making society hypersensitive. Embrace your feminine energy: nurturing, caring, receiving, multiplying, cleaning, maintaining the home, which is the most precious place for us men."
He continued: "Do not be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man who only wants to see you happy, because we do not know heaven without you."
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The former Real Madrid player also addressed men, saying they were "failing in the lack of commitment" whilst insisting that "you women must learn to honour masculinity."
A day earlier, he had posted another video asking: "So, you want a man who provides, but for you, cleaning is patriarchal oppression? Interesting."
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|Javier Hernandez won two Premier League titles in his time at Manchester United
Social media users swiftly condemned the striker's remarks, with one responding: "Come on, Javier, it's sad to see you like this, please stop."
Another critic wrote: "This video really makes you [look] crazy. Just to think that honouring the woman is reducing her to taking care of the house."
The backlash has been widespread across social media platforms, with many expressing disappointment at the former United favourite's views.
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Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer with 52 strikes in 109 appearances, Hernandez has seen his reputation tarnished by the controversial posts that many have labelled sexist and outdated.
Hernandez has previously spoken openly about personal struggles following his 2021 separation from model wife Sarah Kohan, admitting: "I wasn't the best partner I needed to be, I wasn't the greatest dad that I wanted to be."
The striker, who also played for West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen, rejoined boyhood club Guadalajara last year but has faced injury problems and limited playing time.
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|Javier Hernandez also played at West Ham
He managed just two goals and one assist in 22 appearances last season.
Hernandez has said the divorce led him to start a "very deep spiritual and philosophical path" and that he has struggled with reduced access to his children following the separation.