Javier Hernández Carrera

Javier "Javi" Hernández Carrera (born 2 May 1998) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or left-back for J1 League club Cerezo Osaka, on loan from club Leganés.

Career Born in Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Andalusia, Hernández joined Real Madrid's youth setup in 2013, from Sevilla. On 17 July 2017, after finishing his formation, he was loaned to Segunda División B side El Ejido, for one year.

Hernández made his senior debut on 27 August 2017, starting and scoring his team's first in a 3–3 home draw against Cartagena. He finished the campaign as an undisputed starter, contributing with two goals in 33 matches.

On 13 July 2018, Hernández was loaned to Oviedo B, also in the third division, until the end of the season. He made his first-team debut on 11 September, starting in a 1–0 away loss against Mallorca in the season's Copa del Rey.

Hernández scored his first professional goal on 7 January 2019, netting the opener in a 3–2 away win against Numancia in the Segunda División. Upon returning, he was assigned to Real Madrid's B-team in the third division.

On 28 September 2020, Hernández agreed to a four-year deal with Leganés in the second division. On 19 August 2022, he was loaned to La Liga side Girona for the season.

Hernández made his debut in the main category of Spanish football on 22 August 2022, playing the last 21 minutes in a 3–1 home win over Getafe. He scored his first goal in the division the following 17 February, netting his team's fourth in a 6–2 home routing of Almería.

On 5 July 2023, Hernández renewed his contract with Lega until 2026, and was loaned to Cádiz also in the top tier for one year. Upon returning after suffering relegation, he extended his contract until 2027 on 17 September 2024, was a regular starter as his side also dropped down a level.

On 5 August 2025, Hernández moved abroad for the first time in his career, after agreeing to a one-year loan deal with Al-Arabi of the Qatar Stars League. The following 2 February, he moved to Greek club Panathinaikos also in a temporary deal. On 28 August 2026, he was loaned to J1 League club Cerezo Osaka for one season with an option to buy.

Career statistics Club

Honours Real Madrid La Liga: 2019–20

Real Madrid U19 División de Honor Juvenil: 2016–17 Copa del Rey Juvenil: 2017