By Mike Joseph
Javier Hernández, better known as “Chicharito,” is one of the most popular and successful Mexican footballers of all time. Chicharito net worth is about $30 million, he is also one of the wealthiest players to emerge from Mexico. This article will explore Chicharito’s journey from promising young talent to global superstar and examine how he was able to amass his fortune.
Over the last decade, Chicharito has become a household name in the world of football. His infectious smile, lethal finishing, and energetic playing style have earned him millions of fans across the globe.
After breakthrough seasons with Guadalajara in Mexico, Chicharito secured a dream move to Manchester United in 2010. This launched him onto the biggest stage in world football, allowing him to showcase his talents in the English Premier League and Champions League.
Chicharito would go on to play for renowned clubs like Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Sevilla while racking up over 250 goals at club level. He also became Mexico’s all-time leading scorer.
While he earned significant wages playing for elite European teams, Chicharito has boosted his bank balance through lucrative endorsements, savvy investments, and business ventures. At 33, he still commands an impressive salary in Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy.
Early Life and Career
Born in Guadalajara in 1988, Chicharito was immersed in football from an early age. His father, Javier Hernández Gutiérrez, was a famous striker for Mexico in the 1980s and 90s.
After playing street football as a child, Chicharito joined the youth academy of his hometown club Chivas Guadalajara. He rose through the ranks before making his senior debut in 2006 at just 18.
The young striker made an immediate impact, scoring goals regularly despite his tender age. In the 2010 Apertura season, he finished as the joint-top goalscorer as Chivas won the league title.
His excellent performances attracted attention from Europe. In April 2010, it was announced Chicharito would join English giants Manchester United in a deal worth around $10 million.
Chicharito’s Storied Career
Chicharito landed in England with high expectations on his young shoulders. He announced himself emphatically by scoring in each of his first three league appearances.
In his debut season, he netted 20 goals across all competitions as United were crowned Premier League champions. Chicharito also impressed in the Champions League and scored in the 2011 final, though United would lose 3-1 to Barcelona.
Over the next few seasons, the Mexican star continued scoring crucial goals and added another Premier League title to his collection. In all, he bagged 59 goals during his five seasons as a United player.
In 2014, Chicharito was loaned to Real Madrid in a stunning deal. Although used primarily as an impact substitute, he still managed 9 goals as Madrid won the Champions League.
After leaving United, Chicharito spent a season at Bayer Leverkusen and rediscovered his best form by notching 28 goals across all competitions. This prompted Bundesliga giants to sign him permanently in 2017.
Chicharito continued scoring freely for Leverkusen, hitting 39 league goals over two seasons. However, with his contract winding down, the club sold him to Premier League side West Ham United in the summer of 2019.
The Mexican striker endured a mediocre season with the Hammers before moving to Sevilla on loan in January 2020. Unfortunately, this spell also proved underwhelming, leading many to speculate that Chicharito’s time in Europe was coming to an end.
In September 2020, LA Galaxy announced the blockbuster signing of Chicharito from Sevilla for a fee of $9.4 million. Returning to North America marked a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Earnings and Endorsements
A player of Chicharito’s profile and popularity can command lucrative wages and endorsement deals.
Even as a young prospect at Chivas, he was earning around $1 million per year in salary by 2009. His initial contract with Manchester United saw him pocket over $5 million annually.
His salaries steadily increased as he joined elite clubs like Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Sevilla. In fact, Chicharito’s contract at Sevilla made him one of La Liga’s highest earners at $8.5 million per season.
In 2020, LA Galaxy handed the Mexican icon a juicy 3-year contract worth $6 million a year to lure him to MLS.
In addition to his playing contracts, Chicharito has cashed in through sponsorship deals with major brands. He signed endorsement deals with the likes of Adidas, Pepsi, Gillette, and Huawei.
Chicharito has also appeared on the cover of EA Sports’ FIFA video games, providing a lucrative source of income over the years. Conservatively, his endorsements likely generate an extra few million dollars annually.
Investments and Business Ventures
Intelligent investments have significantly grown Chicharito’s wealth portfolio beyond just football earnings.
The striker has channeled money into a diverse array of assets including real estate, hotels, sports franchises, and businesses back home in Mexico.
He co-owns three hotels through the Mexican hospitality company Grupo Hotelero Chicome, and also has stakes in the Inter Soccer Academy and Naked Butcher restaurant in California.
One of Chicharito’s savviest investments came in 2016 when he purchased a US soccer team. Along with ex-MLS players, he acquired a 50% share in Los Angeles FC for only $5.5 million. The club is now valued at over $700 million.
Chicharito also owns significant real estate across North America and Mexico. His properties include a $6 million estate in Los Angeles and a luxury condo in New York City worth over $5 million.
Philanthropy and Impact
Throughout his career, Chicharito has been devoted to philanthropy and helping others. His charitable foundation supports causes related to education, health, sports, and disadvantaged youth.
The striker has actively fundraised for victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Odile and the Nepal earthquake. He also donated $100,000 to children’s cancer research during his time at Real Madrid.
Chicharito is particularly committed to inspiring kids through sports and education. He sponsors community sports facilities and schools in underprivileged areas of Mexico like Cancún and Acapulco.
As Mexico’s biggest football icon, Chicharito uses his platform to be a role model. He often speaks about the importance of fair play, teamwork, and overcoming adversity through determination and hard work.
Personal Life and Assets
Away from football, Chicharito likes to spend time with family and friends at his various residences across North America.
He was previously in a long-term relationship with Australian model Sarah Kohan, with whom he has two young children. Chicharito likes to keep his private life out of the public eye.
When not playing or training, he enjoys relaxing, playing golf, and experiencing new cultures through travel. But even on vacation, football is never far as he is often spotted kicking a ball on the beach!
Some of Chicharito’s most valuable assets outside of property include his extensive car collection worth over $2 million. He owns exotic vehicles like a Mercedes SLS, Bentley Continental, and Porsche Cayenne.
As a fashion-conscious footballer, his personal clothing and accessories are also worth a fortune. Even his luxury watch collection alone is estimated to be worth over $500,000.
Chicharito Net Worth: $30 Million
Given his lucrative playing contracts, endorsement portfolio, and savvy investments, Chicharito has amassed an impressive personal fortune.
Most sources estimate the Mexican striker’s chicharito net worth to be around $30 million. While other footballers may have higher net worths, this still places Chicharito among the wealthiest players from Mexico and MLS.
The key factors contributing to his wealth include:
- Massive career earnings from salary and bonuses of over $60 million.
- Income from endorsement deals worth millions per year.
- Profits generated from his business ventures and investments.
- Rising value of his property assets including luxury homes.
- Remuneration from being one of the highest-paid players in MLS.
At only 33, and still performing at a high level, Chicharito net worth should continue rising as his career progresses. Careful investing and leveraging his brand could see the Mexican icon’s personal wealth reach $40 million in the coming years.
Conclusion
Chicharito’s journey has been a rags-to-riches story for the ages. He emerged from humble beginnings in Guadalajara to become one of football’s most lethal and marketable superstars.
His track record of scoring goals for top clubs, along with his charisma and flair, propelled him into the upper
FAQ’s About Chicharito Net Worth
What are Chicharito’s main sources of income?
Chicharito’s wealth comes primarily from his salaries and bonuses earned while playing for top football clubs. He has also earned millions from endorsement deals and prudent investments.
What are some of his biggest endorsement deals?
Some major brands Chicharito has endorsed include Adidas, Pepsi, Gillette, and Huawei. He has been sponsored by Adidas for over a decade.
What business ventures and investments does he have?
Chicharito has invested in hotels, real estate, restaurants, and sports franchises. Notably, he owns part of MLS club Los Angeles FC which is now worth over $700 million.
What is Chicharito’s salary at LA Galaxy?
When LA Galaxy signed him in 2020, they gave Chicharito a 3-year Designated Player contract worth $6 million per season. This makes him one of the highest earners in MLS.
What are some of his most valuable assets?
His Los Angeles mansion valued at $6 million and New York condo worth over $5 million are among his priciest assets. His car and watch collections are also worth millions combined.
How much could Chicharito be worth in the future?
Given his continued career earnings and investments, experts project Chicharito’s net worth could potentially reach $40 million in the next few years.
Is Chicharito the richest Mexican footballer?
No, there are a few Mexican players with higher net worths than Chicharito’s $30 million, such as dos Santos brothers. But he is certainly among the wealthiest Mexicans in football.
How does he give back to the community?
Chicharito actively engages in philanthropy through his foundation supporting various causes. He has donated money to disaster relief and children’s charities.
What does Chicharito like to do off the pitch?
When not playing football, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, traveling, and driving his exotic car collection. He leads a relatively low-key lifestyle.
