Manchester United star sparks controversy with purchase of mountaintop castle, faces public backlash

Former Manchester United star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has ignited a firestorm in a quiet Italian village after his company acquired a 12th-century castle with plans to transform it into a luxury hotel. The historic Castel Madruzzo, once home to powerful prince-bishops, now sits at the center of a heated debate between preservationists and progress.

While locals clash over the castle’s future, Hernandez’s bold venture into hospitality has drawn both curiosity and criticism. As tensions rise, the question looms: Can a football icon’s vision coexist with a community’s heritage?

A Castle Divided: Javier Hernandez’s luxury ambitions clash with history

Nestled in the Italian Alps, Castel Madruzzo has stood for centuries as a symbol of medieval grandeur. But its new chapter under Javier Hernandez’s Delaware-based firm, Vultur International, has sparked unrest. The $15 million project aims to convert the 30-room fortress into a five-star retreat complete with a modern lobby and elevator. For Hernandez, it’s a passion play:

“He loves Italy and the mountains,” said business partner Niccolò de Zambiasi. For locals, it’s a cultural battleground.

Heritage vs. Hospitality

The castle’s proposed renovations have split the community. Mayor Michele Bortoli backs the plan, praising its economic potential: “Any investment adding value is welcome.” But heritage advocate Franco Marzatico demands guarantees beyond profit, insisting the site’s soul remain intact. Critics fear glossy upgrades could erase the castle’s storied past, including its ties to the Madruzzo dynasty, which shaped the region’s religious and political landscape.

From Pitch to Property: Hernandez’s New Frontier

Hernandez, who scored 59 goals for Manchester United and won two Premier League titles, has traded cleats for real estate. Now 36, the Mexican striker—currently playing for boyhood club Guadalajara—views Castel Madruzzo as a post-retirement legacy. Yet his leap into luxury development hasn’t been smooth. Residents question whether a footballer-turned-entrepreneur can balance commerce with conservation.

What’s Next?

With Trentini Latini leading renovations, all eyes are on Javier Hernandez’s team to address concerns. Will they preserve frescoes and timber beams? Or prioritize spa suites and skyline views? As debates rage, one truth emerges: In Italy, history isn’t just owned—it’s inherited. Hernandez’s castle gamble isn’t just about building a hotel; it’s about winning over a village.