Hernandez was part of the Mexican generation that won the U17 World Cup in 2005, but was cut from the squad only a few weeks before the tournament. The stars of that team, Carlos Vela and Gio dos Santos, also played in the Premier League and are part of Mexico’s squad at this World Cup.
Hernandez has, however, won honours with his national team, claiming the CONCACAF Gold Cup title in 2011 and the CONCACAF Cup in 2015.
The most emphatic victory he has been involved in with the national team is 5-0, achieved four times against Bolivia, El Salvador, Cuba and Guyana. He scored at least once in all of those victories.
He didn’t have to wait long for his first international goal, scoring on just his second appearance for Mexico in a friendly against Bolivia in February 2010.
His favourite shirt number is 14 because his it was the same one his father used when he was a professional player.
He has played alongside Andres Guardado in 80 of his 104 Mexico games – the most of any teammate. Betis midfielder Guardado is part of the Mexico team this summer and they have been involved in nine goals together.
His goal against South Korea saw him join illustrious company. It was his 50th goal in international football, an achievement matched by just 60 players in the history of the game.
Chicharito, together with Sevilla star and Mexico teammate Miguel Layun, played a prominent role in supporting victims of the Mexican earthquake last year, setting up the #YoxMexico campaign to raise funds for them.
Chicharito’s 50 international goals have come against 32 separate nations. He has enjoyed most success against El Salvador and Honduras, netting four times against both.
He has the most appearances of any Mexican in the UEFA Champions League, surpassing Rafael Marquez’s previous record of 46 in February 2017.
