Gino Hernandez serves as the goalkeeper and captain of the Italian Junior Youth national team, renowned throughout the soccer world as the Perfect Keeper. His reputation is built on an extraordinary record of having conceded no goals for an entire year, a testament to his immense skill and the defensive wall he represents for his team.

Upon his first encounter with Tsubasa Ozora and the Japanese team, Hernandez is depicted as being extremely confident in his own abilities, to the point of appearing smug. His confidence is not mere arrogance, as he actively challenges opponents, such as when he throws the ball directly back to Tsubasa after a save, daring him to try his famous Drive Shot. This initial demeanor highlights his pride in his talent and his determination to live up to his nickname. However, this outward self-assurance is tempered by a strong sense of sportsmanship. Following a hard-fought match where Japan manages to score against him, Hernandez acknowledges the worth of the Japanese players and sincerely apologizes for his team's earlier decision to boycott a friendly match against them, believing Japan to be unworthy opponents. This loss serves as a pivotal moment, gradually replacing his overflowing confidence with a more humble, open-minded, and amiable mentality.

Hernandez’s primary motivation is his sense of pride as the Perfect Keeper and his desire to prove himself on the world stage. He is deeply invested in avenging his loss to Japan and securing a victory against Tsubasa, whom he respects as a rival. Beyond personal pride, he demonstrates strong leadership qualities as captain, remaining calm under pressure and instructing his team to adopt defensive tactics to secure a draw when the match becomes difficult. His tactical sense is a key component of his ability, allowing him to predict opponents' plays and organize his team's defensive structure effectively.

His most defining ability is the Golden Right Hand, a near-invincible technique that allows him to catch even the most powerful shots with one hand. His reflexes are exceptionally sharp, and he possesses great tactical intelligence, which contributes to his dominance in the goal. His physical prowess is also notable, as he is able to win aerial duels against powerful forwards like Kojiro Hyuga.

Throughout the Junior Youth arc, a key relationship for Hernandez forms with Shingo Aoi. Hernandez is the first person in their club team, Inter Primavera, to recognize Aoi's potential and determination, and the two quickly become close friends and teammates. Their bond is strong, and Hernandez shows his faith in Aoi by warning another Italian player, Salvatore Gentile, not to underestimate him. Hernandez also forms a significant rival relationship with Tsubasa Ozora, which challenges his abilities and leads to his personal growth. Furthermore, he develops a professional respect for Deuter Müller, the German goalkeeper, admitting after seeing his performance that Müller is truly the superior European keeper.

Hernandez undergoes notable character development. Initially defined by his overwhelming confidence, a consequence of his perfect record, his defeat at the hands of Japan humbles him and makes him more open-minded. This evolution continues into later tournaments, where he is shown to be calmer, more level-headed, and a supportive figure, such as when he diffuses a quarrel between Aoi and another player before a match. His commitment to his word and his fighting spirit are further demonstrated in a later match against Uruguay, where he and his defensive partner are injured. Despite their injuries, they insist on returning to the field to show their fighting spirit to the end, even though their team is ultimately eliminated. In a tearful moment following this loss, when confronted by a distraught Aoi, a usually confident Hernandez can only offer a quiet, heartfelt apology, showcasing his deep sense of responsibility and the emotional weight of his defeats.