After a string of mixed friendly results, Mexico head into the highly anticipated 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. However, the team faces the tournament once again without Chicharito Hernandez, one of the most iconic players in the country’s soccer history.
The arrival of Javier Aguirre as coach of the Mexico has sparked new enthusiasm among fans. He comes off a strong European campaign with RCD Mallorca, where he led the team to its first Copa del Rey final in 21 years. Because of this success, expectations are high. Since taking over, Aguirre has made key changes to the squad. Among them, the most notable is the absence of Chicharito Hernandez, who will miss the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez did not suffer any injury that ruled him out. Instead, Aguirre excluded him of the Concacaf Gold Cup squad for tactical reasons. The 37-year-old striker is not performing at a high level with Chivas de Guadalajara. He has played 22 games this season but recorded only two goals and one assist. That output does not match the national team’s current needs.
Moreover, Hernandez has not featured for the national team since September 2019, when he was still playing in LaLiga for Sevilla FC. In the years since, a return has seemed increasingly unlikely, as form and fitness have limited his impact across stints with multiple clubs. The door, while not officially closed, has remained firmly ajar but unattended.
Still, Chicharito remains hopeful about his national team future. “As long as I am an active player, and I have not retired from the national team, I will always be there, if I am given the chance,” he said to Azteca Deportes in April 2025. Nevertheless, he recognizes there is a lot of work to do: “We know that to get to the national team you need to do a lot of things first. You always have to earn a place in your team, show that you are one of the best in the country, that you can make it to the national team.
What is head coach Javier Aguirre’s plan for Mexico’s attack at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup?
After several years without Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez in the national setup, Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre is turning to new forwards: Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez, and Julian Quiñones. Among them, Jimenez enters the summer in strong form, having scored three goals in his last two CONCACAF Nations League appearances. His international experience also sets him apart, giving Mexico a reliable veteran presence up front.
However, Santiago Gimenez is the player who excites fans the most ahead of the Gold Cup. The AC Milan striker is the youngest of the three, but he has already made a name for himself in Italy. He plays for one of Serie A’s most historic clubs. Still, he must prove that he can lead the national team’s attack. For that reason, all eyes will be on him during the competition.
Julian Quiñones, meanwhile, remains a serious option in Aguirre’s plans. In fact, he offers qualities that make him a valuable option for the team such as his speed which allows him to break through rival defenses. On top of that, he scored 20 goals last season for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League. His finishing gives him the ability to change games, so he remains firmly in contention.
From: bolavip.com
