September 9, 2006, became a defining date in Javier Hernández’s career. That day, a young ‘Chicharito’ made his debut with Chivas at Estadio Jalisco and did it in the best possible way: with a goal. That was the beginning of the professional career of Mexico’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most outstanding talents to emerge from the Cantera Rojiblanca.
On the 20th anniversary of that memorable date, we look back at how ‘Chicharito’’s dream debut with Chivas unfolded.
His First Goal Came on His Debut
On Matchday 7 of the Apertura 2006, the Rebaño Sagrado hosted Necaxa. With the home side leading 3-0, coach José Manuel 'Chepo' de la Torre decided to give minutes to a promising young striker.
Wearing the No. 45 jersey, Javier Hernández came on in the 82nd minute for Omar Bravo. Just five minutes after entering the pitch, ‘Chicharito’ received the ball inside the box, cut past his defender and finished with his right foot to complete the rout and make it 4-0.
The Birth of a European Career from the Cantera Rojiblanca*
That night in Guadalajara, the goal against Necaxa was the reward for the work Javier Hernández had put in at the Cantera Rojiblanca and marked the beginning of an international career that would take him to clubs such as Manchester United, where he scored 59 goals and played a key role in winning two Premier League titles.
His performances with the Red Devils earned him a move to Real Madrid, where he was part of the squad that won the FIFA Club World Cup. He later played for other European clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored 39 goals and recorded nine assists. He also spent two years with West Ham before joining Sevilla, his final European club.
Later, ‘Chicharito’ moved to MLS to play for LA Galaxy, making 83 appearances, scoring 39 goals and providing seven assists.
Mexico’s All-Time Leading Scorer
Javier Hernández also built a historic career with El Tri. During his time with the national team, ‘Chicharito’ established himself as Mexico’s all-time leading scorer, with 52 goals. He won the 2011 Gold Cup with Mexico, starting throughout the tournament, and also appeared at three FIFA World Cups: South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018.
It all began with that goal against Necaxa—the first chapter of a story that would take him to the biggest stages of international soccer.
