Armando Gonzalez Reveals Why He Hates the Goal Otaku Nickname

Armando González, the Chivas forward who became a standout figure in the Apertura 2025 tournament, has opened up about the nicknames associated with his rise in Liga MX. While he has embraced some aspects of his public persona, the player revealed that he is uncomfortable with the moniker El Otaku del Gol (The Goal Otaku).

González earned the nickname due to his passion for anime, which he frequently integrates into his goal celebrations. These celebrations have drawn inspiration from popular series such as Naruto, Dragon Ball, Blue Lock, and Jujutsu Kaisen, helping him become an icon among fans during his recent run of form.

The Friction with the ‘Otaku’ Label

Despite the popularity of his anime-themed celebrations and his success on the pitch—including finishing as the top scorer in the tournament that concluded in late 2025—González expressed that the Otaku label has brought about negative stereotypes. He noted that the nickname often carries connotations that he finds bothersome.

The forward explained that the label led to unfair assumptions about his personal life, and hygiene. According to the player, people used the nickname to claim that he did not bathe or that he was afraid of women.

These associations created a sense of discomfort for the athlete, contrasting the joy of his sporting achievements with the social stereotypes attached to the term used by the media and fans to describe his hobbies.

The Origin of ‘La Hormiga’

In contrast to the controversy surrounding the Otaku nickname, González has addressed the origin of his other well-known alias, La Hormiga (The Ant). This nickname stems from a personal irony regarding a significant fear he had during his life.

González revealed that he suffered from a profound fear of ants. This phobia was so intense that he even developed his own specific word to refer to the insects, calling them yiyigas.

The nickname The Ant eventually emerged as a way to reference this fear, becoming a permanent part of his identity within the sport as he transitioned into a professional career with Chivas.

Impact and Team Dynamics

González’s presence at Chivas has not only been defined by his goals but also by his interactions with the club’s digital presence. In December 2025, during the preseason, the Chivas Community Manager engaged in a lighthearted exchange with fans on Instagram.

When a follower questioned the absence of González in a photo of players swimming, asking to see La Hormiga wet, the club’s social media account responded with a comedic tone, further cementing the player’s status as a fan favorite despite his personal reservations about certain nicknames.

The forward’s journey from a young prospect—first noted in friendly matches as early as 2023—to a league sensation in the Apertura 2025 highlights a rapid ascent in Mexican soccer. His ability to balance the pressure of being a top scorer with the visibility of his personal interests continues to make him one of the most discussed figures in the league.