Hernandez: Scoring a World Cup goal is indescribable
Take a trip down memory lane with former Mexico striker Luis Hernandez, who fondly recalled his four-goal haul at France 1998.
Luis Hernandez scored four goals in four matches at the 1998 FIFA World Cup
The former Mexico striker spoke to FIFA about his prolific performance in France
He also highlighted the fan experience in Los Angeles, Monterrey and Mexico City
For any fan who grew up in Mexico in the late 1990s, the 1998 FIFA World Cup France™ is sure to hold a special place in the heart. While their campaign ended with a Round-of-16 exit at the hands of Germany, supporters of El Tricolor were taken on the ride of a lifetime thanks in large part to Luis Hernandez.
Affectionately known as ‘El Matador’ in his homeland, Hernandez took the global showpiece by storm, scoring four goals in his country’s four matches. But it was his flamboyant way of playing - magnified by his long, flowing blond hair - that enraptured the masses.
It started with a brace against Korea Republic in Mexico’s opening 3-1 win, the two goals coming in a ten-minute span deep in the second half. In their group finale against the Netherlands and his team staring a 2-1 deficit in stoppage time, Hernandez donned his superhero cape and soared to the rescue, scoring an equaliser to secure their knockout-round spot.
Facing giants Germany in the last 16, Hernandez was back at it, scoring to hand Mexico a lead that they held until the final quarter-hour before succumbing to two late goals. Despite the disappointing exit, the panache displayed by Hernandez is firmly entrenched in Mexican World Cup lore.
Recently speaking with FIFA, Hernandez reflected on that joyous June in France and the goal he remembers the most with fondness.
“The four goals that I scored were marvellous,” said Hernandez. “I scored them thanks to the great help I got from my entire team. But if I had to tell you one, I would say the first one, against [Korea Republic], because that gave me that confidence. And that confidence was passed on to my team-mates. But the most exciting one was against the Netherlands, to make it 2-2.”
Equally lodged in the memory of Mexico fans were Hernandez’s celebrations. With arms outstretched and a smile just as wide, the Veracruz-born marksman radiated joy while absorbing the adulation of the El Tricolor faithful.
“Scoring a World Cup goal is a feeling that is indescribable,” he said. “It’s something wonderful. Quite simply, it is euphoria. When you go running to celebrate a goal, the happiness is endless in that moment.”
Born in 1968, Hernandez was at an impressionable age when the World Cup was played in his homeland in 1986. Now 40 years later, the tournament returns to Mexico, along with Canada and the USA for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Having played for clubs in three host cities, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Monterrey, Hernandez is well equipped to speak to the football fervour felt there and the festivities that await visiting fans.
“I would first highlight Monterrey, which has an incredible passion for football,” said Hernandez. “I think it has the best fans in Mexico because of the two teams that are there [Monterrey and Tigres]. The football there is like… I’ll make a comparison. It’s like if you played in Argentina. Both sets of fans are passionate and devoted to their teams. So, the fans in Monterrey are going to welcome and have a party for everyone else who comes.
“Los Angeles is full of our fellow Latinos and that love for the game will fill every stadium. And Mexico City, obviously, is everything. In Mexico City we have incredible things, great fans as well, and the same in Guadalajara. So I’m sure that we are going to be the best fans in the 2026 World Cup.”