Before Theo Hernandez became a household name at AC Milan, captivating fans with his blistering pace and incisive attacking runs from left-back, he was a promising talent searching for the right opportunity to truly shine. His journey before arriving at the San Siro was marked by flashes of brilliance, periods of adaptation, and the gradual development of the skills that would eventually make him one of the most exciting full-backs in world football. Understanding Theo's career trajectory before Milan provides valuable context to appreciate his impact and evolution as a player.

Early Days and Atletico Madrid

Theo Hernandez's footballing journey began in the youth ranks of Atletico Madrid, a club known for its robust defense and tactical discipline. Growing up in the shadow of his older brother, Lucas Hernandez, who also progressed through the Atletico academy, Theo quickly established himself as a player with exceptional physical attributes and a natural attacking instinct. While Lucas was more inclined towards central defense, Theo's dynamism and pace made him a natural fit for the left-back position. During his time in the youth teams, Theo showcased his ability to surge forward, deliver dangerous crosses, and contribute to the team's attacking play. However, breaking into the first team at Atletico Madrid proved to be a challenge. The club's established defense, coupled with the intense competition for places, limited Theo's opportunities to showcase his talent on the biggest stage. Despite his potential, Diego Simeone, the Atletico manager, recognized that Theo still needed time to mature and refine his defensive skills before he could be entrusted with a regular starting role. This led to a crucial loan move that would significantly shape Theo's career.

Loan to Alaves: A Breakthrough Season

In the summer of 2016, Theo Hernandez joined Deportivo Alaves on a season-long loan, a move that proved to be a turning point in his career. Alaves, a modest club with a fighting spirit, provided Theo with the perfect platform to showcase his abilities in La Liga. Under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pellegrino, Theo was given the freedom to express himself and contribute to both the defensive and attacking phases of the game. He quickly established himself as a key player for Alaves, impressing with his relentless energy, powerful runs, and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses into the box. What truly set Theo apart was his fearlessness and willingness to take on defenders, often leaving them trailing in his wake with his explosive pace and trickery. He became a constant threat down the left flank, creating numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates and even chipping in with some spectacular goals himself. His performances for Alaves didn't go unnoticed. He played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the Copa del Rey final, where they faced Barcelona. Although Alaves lost the final, Theo's individual performance was widely praised, and he even scored a stunning free-kick, further cementing his reputation as one of the most promising young full-backs in Spain. This loan spell was crucial in his development, providing him with invaluable experience and exposure at the highest level, and ultimately paving the way for his move to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid: A Difficult Chapter

Following his impressive loan spell at Alaves, Theo Hernandez made a high-profile move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2017. Joining the reigning European champions was a dream come true for the young full-back, but it also presented a significant challenge. At Real Madrid, Theo found himself competing for a place in the team with Marcelo, one of the best left-backs in the world. Marcelo's experience, quality, and established status within the team made it difficult for Theo to break into the starting lineup. Despite his best efforts, Theo's opportunities were limited, and he struggled to make a significant impact. He made sporadic appearances in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, but he was unable to replicate the form he had shown at Alaves. The pressure of playing for such a demanding club, coupled with the lack of regular game time, seemed to affect his confidence and performance. While he showed glimpses of his potential, he was often inconsistent and struggled to adapt to the tactical demands of playing for Real Madrid. After a challenging season at the Bernabeu, it became clear that Theo needed a change of scenery to reignite his career. A loan move to Real Sociedad followed, offering him a chance to regain his confidence and playing rhythm.

Loan to Real Sociedad: Seeking Stability

In the summer of 2018, Theo Hernandez joined Real Sociedad on a season-long loan, hoping to find the stability and playing time he desperately needed. Real Sociedad, known for their attacking style of play and emphasis on youth development, seemed like a good fit for Theo's abilities. However, his time at Real Sociedad was also marked by inconsistency. While he showed flashes of his brilliance, he struggled to consistently perform at the level he had demonstrated at Alaves. He made a number of appearances for Real Sociedad, but he failed to establish himself as a key player. The lack of consistency in his performances raised questions about his focus and maturity. Despite his undeniable talent, he seemed to lack the consistency and discipline required to thrive at the highest level. After his loan spell at Real Sociedad came to an end, Theo's future at Real Madrid remained uncertain. It was clear that he needed a fresh start to unlock his full potential. This is where AC Milan enters the picture, offering him a new opportunity to revitalize his career and become the world-class player he was always destined to be.

The Milan Opportunity

Theo Hernandez's move to AC Milan in the summer of 2019 marked a pivotal moment in his career. After a mixed spell at Real Madrid and subsequent loan moves, he needed a club where he could feel valued, play regularly, and develop his game under a manager who believed in him. Milan, a club with a rich history and a desire to return to the summit of Italian and European football, offered him that opportunity. From the moment he arrived at Milanello, it was clear that Theo was determined to make the most of his fresh start. He quickly adapted to the Italian league, impressing with his pace, power, and attacking prowess. Under the guidance of Stefano Pioli, he blossomed into one of the best left-backs in the world, becoming an integral part of Milan's resurgence. His journey before Milan, marked by challenges and periods of uncertainty, had prepared him for this moment. He had learned from his experiences at Atletico Madrid, Alaves, Real Madrid, and Real Sociedad, and he was now ready to unleash his full potential on the world stage. His story serves as a reminder that even the most talented players need the right environment and support to thrive. Milan provided Theo with that environment, and he has repaid their faith with his outstanding performances, helping the Rossoneri reclaim their place among Europe's elite.

In conclusion, Theo Hernandez's journey before AC Milan was a formative period marked by both promise and challenges. From his early days at Atletico Madrid to his breakthrough loan spell at Alaves, his difficult time at Real Madrid, and his search for stability at Real Sociedad, each experience contributed to his development as a player. It was these experiences that ultimately prepared him for his transformative move to AC Milan, where he has blossomed into one of the world's best left-backs. His story is a testament to the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and finding the right environment to unlock one's full potential. He is now one of the most important players in the squad and one of the best left backs in the world. He has speed, strength and a great shot. He is dangerous in the attack, and defends very well.