Before Theo Hernandez became a superstar at AC Milan, he was just a promising young player trying to find his footing in the world of professional football. His journey before joining the Rossoneri was marked by potential, challenges, and glimpses of the brilliance that would later define his time in Italy. Let's dive into the chapters of his career before he donned the famous red and black jersey.

Early Career and Atlético Madrid

Theo Hernandez's footballing journey began in the youth ranks of Atlético Madrid. Born in Marseille, France, Theo moved to Spain at a young age and quickly integrated into Atlético's youth system. Growing up in the shadow of his older brother, Lucas Hernandez, who also played for Atlético, Theo was determined to make a name for himself. Although he possessed immense talent, breaking into Diego Simeone's first team was always going to be a tough ask. Simeone's tactical rigidity and preference for experienced players meant that young talents often had to seek opportunities elsewhere to gain regular playing time. This was the case for Theo, who, despite showing flashes of brilliance in training, found his path to the first team blocked. During his time in the youth setup, Theo showcased his natural athleticism, blistering pace, and attacking flair. These qualities set him apart from many defenders of his age. However, his defensive positioning and tactical awareness still needed refinement. The Atlético Madrid B team provided him with his first taste of senior football, where he began to hone his skills against seasoned professionals. While he made strides in his development, the competition for places in Atlético's senior squad was fierce, leading to a pivotal loan move to Alavés.

Loan Spell at Alavés: A Breakthrough Season

The 2016-2017 season proved to be a turning point in Theo Hernandez's career when he was loaned to Deportivo Alavés. This move provided him with the platform he desperately needed to showcase his abilities in La Liga. Alavés, known for their combative spirit and tactical discipline under coach Mauricio Pellegrino, offered Theo a perfect environment to thrive. He quickly established himself as a key player, featuring regularly as a left-back and wing-back. His performances were nothing short of sensational, capturing the attention of football fans and scouts across Europe. What stood out most was his incredible pace and dribbling skills, which allowed him to surge forward from defense and contribute to the attack. He became renowned for his marauding runs down the left flank, often leaving opposing defenders in his wake. Defensively, he showed significant improvement, displaying a willingness to track back and put in tackles. His energy and commitment were infectious, and he quickly became a fan favorite at Alavés. One of the highlights of his season was his stunning free-kick goal against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey semi-final. This goal not only showcased his technical ability but also his composure under pressure. Alavés reached the Copa del Rey final that season, where they faced Barcelona. Although they lost the final, Theo's performance was one of the bright spots for his team. He demonstrated his resilience and determination against some of the world's best players, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star. His successful loan spell at Alavés not only boosted his confidence but also significantly enhanced his market value, setting the stage for a high-profile transfer.

Move to Real Madrid: High Expectations

Following his impressive stint at Alavés, Theo Hernandez made a high-profile move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2017. This transfer was particularly significant as it involved crossing the Madrid divide, a move that is never taken lightly by either set of fans. Real Madrid, under the management of Zinedine Zidane, saw Theo as a promising young talent who could provide competition and cover for their established left-back, Marcelo. The expectations were high, and Theo was eager to prove himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world. However, his time at Real Madrid proved to be challenging. Competition for places was intense, with Marcelo firmly established as the first-choice left-back. Theo found it difficult to break into the starting lineup consistently. Despite his best efforts, he struggled to replicate the form he had shown at Alavés. Zidane, while recognizing his potential, often preferred to rely on the experience and consistency of Marcelo. Theo's opportunities were limited, and when he did play, he sometimes looked hesitant and lacked the confidence he had displayed previously. There were glimpses of his talent, but he never quite managed to string together a run of consistent performances. Off the pitch, he faced the pressure of playing for such a demanding club, where every performance is scrutinized. The media attention and the weight of expectations took their toll, and he struggled to adapt to the environment. Despite the challenges, Theo remained professional and continued to work hard in training. He learned valuable lessons from playing alongside some of the world's best players, which would serve him well later in his career. However, it became clear that he needed a change of scenery to reignite his career and fulfill his potential.

Loan to Real Sociedad: Seeking Stability

In search of more playing time and stability, Theo Hernandez was loaned to Real Sociedad for the 2018-2019 season. This move was seen as an opportunity for him to regain his confidence and rediscover the form that had made him such a sought-after prospect. Real Sociedad, known for their attacking style of play and commitment to developing young players, seemed like a good fit for Theo. However, his time at Real Sociedad was also marked by inconsistency. While he featured more regularly than he had at Real Madrid, his performances were still below the level he had demonstrated at Alavés. He showed flashes of his brilliance, particularly in attacking situations, but his defensive work remained a concern. There were games where he looked electric, surging forward with pace and skill, and others where he appeared hesitant and struggled to make an impact. The lack of consistency affected his confidence, and he found it difficult to establish himself as a key player in the team. Real Sociedad's coaching staff worked hard to improve his defensive positioning and tactical awareness, but progress was slow. He continued to struggle with the balance between attack and defense, often leaving his team exposed when he ventured forward. Off the pitch, he faced challenges adapting to a new environment and building relationships with his teammates. While he was well-liked within the squad, he never quite managed to settle in completely. By the end of his loan spell, it was clear that Theo needed a fresh start to unlock his full potential. Despite the challenges, he gained valuable experience and learned important lessons about the demands of professional football. This experience would ultimately help him grow as a player and prepare him for the next chapter of his career.

The Move to AC Milan: A New Beginning

Theo Hernandez's move to AC Milan in the summer of 2019 marked a significant turning point in his career. After struggling to find his place at Real Madrid and during his loan spells, he needed a club where he could feel valued and have the opportunity to play regularly. AC Milan, under the guidance of coach Marco Giampaolo (later Stefano Pioli), offered him that chance. From the moment he arrived in Milan, Theo felt a sense of belonging. The club's rich history, passionate fans, and ambitious project appealed to him. He quickly settled into the team and began to showcase the talent that had once made him one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. What set his time at Milan apart from his previous experiences was the trust and belief placed in him by the coaching staff. Pioli recognized his potential and gave him the freedom to express himself on the pitch. He was encouraged to use his pace and dribbling skills to contribute to the attack, while also being given clear instructions on his defensive responsibilities. This combination of freedom and structure allowed Theo to thrive. He quickly became a key player in the team, featuring regularly as a left-back and wing-back. His performances were consistently excellent, and he soon established himself as one of the best players in Serie A. His attacking contributions were particularly impressive, as he scored several stunning goals and provided numerous assists. Defensively, he showed significant improvement, displaying a greater understanding of positioning and tackling. His energy and commitment were infectious, and he quickly became a fan favorite at the San Siro. The move to AC Milan revitalized Theo's career and allowed him to fulfill the potential he had shown earlier in his career. It was a testament to his resilience and determination, as well as the importance of finding the right environment to thrive. Before the Milan magic, there was a journey of trials and tribulations that shaped him into the player he is today. Guys, it's all about finding that perfect fit!