Kiké Hernandez tells Noah Lyles to “suck it” after Dodgers claim World Series title
Dodgers’ star Kiké Hernandez calls out Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles over “world champions” debate during victory celebration.
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In the afterglow of their World Series victory over the New York Yankees, outfielder Kiké Hernandez had a message for Olympic gold medalist sprinter Noah Lyles: “World Series champions – suck it, Noah Lyles.” Hernandez’s bold comment adds a new chapter to a heated debate that Lyles ignited when he questioned American sports leagues for using the term “world champions” to describe themselves.
The Dodgers clinched their latest title with a thrilling 7-6 victory, and Hernandez, amid post-game celebrations, took a moment to target Lyles, who previously made waves by criticizing leagues like the NBA and NFL for calling their top teams “world champions.” In September 2023, Lyles had asked, “World champion of what? The United States?” The comment struck a nerve with players across American sports, leading to responses from NBA stars Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard, among others.
A feud rekindled in the wake of the Dodgers’ win
Hernandez’s dig at Lyles may not have been directly provoked that night, but it’s clear the comment has stuck with athletes. After Lyles‘ statement went viral, several NBA players clapped back on social media, defending the global reputation of American leagues. USA Basketball even joined in on the fun, posting a tongue-in-cheek tweet after winning gold in Paris that read, “Are we theWorld Champs now?”
Lyles‘ comments weren’t limited to the NBA. He has also voiced similar opinions about the Super Bowl and, presumably, feels the same about the World Series. For American athletes like Hernandez, the “world champion” label signifies the dominance and reputation of their leagues. After all, baseball has significant international appeal, and many players from around the world compete in Major League Baseball.
But for now, the Dodgers are reveling in their World Series victory and are likely to continue celebrating their status as “world champions” without concern for the semantics.
What’s next for the Dodgers?
With a stellar lineup returning for the 2025 season, the Dodgers are already looking forward to their next title chase. Hernandez’s post-game comment serves as a reminder that, for athletes in America’s top leagues, the “world champion” title isn’t up for debate even if they’re ready to throw in a little trash talk to prove it.
