Cucho Hernández is a Colombian professional footballer known for his versatility as a striker and winger.
He began his professional career at Deportivo Pereira, where he debuted at just 15 years old.
Cucho became the top goalscorer in the regular season while playing for Deportivo Pereira, scoring 20 goals at the age of 17.
Biography
Early Life
Juan Camilo Hernández Suárez, known as Cucho Hernández, was born in Pereira, Colombia, where he began his football journey playing youth football for Indubolsas. His talent shone through when he was part of the Risaralda team that won the Pereira City Cup in 2014. At just 15 years old, he joined Deportivo Pereira in 2015, making his first-team debut on April 6, 2015, in a match against Deportes Quindío. Cucho quickly made a name for himself, scoring his first senior goal in September 2015 and becoming the team captain by the age of 17.
Career Progression
Cucho's career took off as he became the top goalscorer in the regular season, netting 20 goals while playing primarily as an attacking midfielder. His impressive performances led to a loan move to América de Cali in December 2016, where he made his Categoría Primera A debut in February 2017. After a brief stint, he joined Sociedad Deportiva Huesca in 2017, before moving to Watford F.C. the same year. Cucho has also represented Colombia at various levels, including the under-20 team and the senior national team, where he made his debut in 2018 and was part of the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Personal Life
Cucho acquired his nickname at a young age due to a resemblance to Argentine footballer Esteban "Cuchu" Cambiasso, which was accentuated when his father shaved his head. He is a dedicated fan of Real Madrid, showcasing his passion for football beyond his professional career. Cucho continues to develop as a player, contributing to both his club and national team with his skills as a striker and winger.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Early career
Born in Pereira, Hernández played youth football for Indubolsas and was part of the Risaralda team that won the Pereira City Cup in 2014. He joined Deportivo Pereira in 2015 at the age of 15, catching the attention of the club after delivering impressive performances at the Pereira City Cup. He made his first team debut on 6 April 2015 at 15 years old, starting in a 2–1 home win against Deportes Quindío for the Categoría Primera B championship. Hernández scored his first senior goal on 5 September 2015, netting his team's first in a 3–2 away win against Real Santander. After finishing his first season with three goals, he was named captain of the team the following year at just 17 years old. He would end up scoring 20 times during the regular season, being the tournament's top goalscorer; despite playing more as an attacking midfielder than a centre-forward. Highlights included a hat-trick in a 3–0 home victory over Tigres F.C. on 3 July 2016.
Granada and loan to América de Cali
On 22 December 2016 Hernández joined América de Cali on loan from Granada CF, after signing for the latter side in September. for a reported £200k. He made his Categoría Primera A debut on 23 February 2017, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2–0 home loss against Jaguares de Córdoba. Hernández scored his first goal in the top flight of Colombian football on 3 June 2017, netting the game's only goal in an away win over Deportivo Pasto.
Watford
After…
Club
As of match played 20 September 2026
International
As of match played 7 July 2026
Scores and results list Colombia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Hernández goal.
Hernández has represented Colombia at under-20 level, playing in the 2017 South American U-20 Championship, as well as the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored a hat-trick against Tahiti. Hernández received his first call up to the senior side on 29 September 2018, and made his full international debut on 17 October, coming on in the 72nd minute, replacing Carlos Bacca and scoring a brace in a 3–1 friendly win over Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. In May 2026, Hernández was named in Néstor Lorenzo's 26-man Colombia squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his World Cup debut against Uzbekistan on 18 June, being substituted on for Luis Suárez in the 80th minute. In this game, he logged his first World Cup point, assisting Jaminton Campaz for Colombia's third goal.
- Club
- Deportivo Pereira (2015–2017)
- Club
- América de Cali (2017–2017)
- Club
- Sociedad Deportiva Huesca (2017–2019)
- Club
- Watford F.C. (2017–)
- League
- Major League Soccer
- National team
- Colombia
Personal
Hernández acquired his nickname "Cucho" at a young age, when his father shaved his head, leading him to bear a resemblance to Esteban "Cuchu" Cambiasso, a prominent Argentine footballer at the time. He is a fan of Real Madrid.
Clubs
Played together with
Abdoulaye DoucouréWatford F.C. · 2016–2016- Achito VivasDeportivo Pereira · 1959–1964
- Achito VivasDeportivo Pereira · 1967–1968
- Achito VivasDeportivo Pereira · 1970–1970
Adalberto PeñarandaWatford F.C. · 2016–2016- Adalberto PeñarandaWatford F.C. · 2016
Adam GriffithsWatford F.C. · 2005–2006
Adam JohnsonWatford F.C. · 2007–2007
Adam MasinaWatford F.C.
Adam ThompsonWatford F.C. · 2010–2014
Adlène GuediouraWatford F.C. · 2014–2015- Adlène GuediouraWatford F.C. · 2015–2017
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Juan Camilo Hernández Suárez, better known as Cucho Hernández or simply Cucho, is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a striker or winger for La Liga club Real Betis and the Colombia national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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