From being considered one of the best full-backs in the world (33 goals and 44 assists with Milan in 247 matches—numbers worthy of a midfielder) to becoming a lackluster player, as Boban described him last night, and an exasperating figure over the last two years. Since losing the World Cup final in Qatar against Argentina, Theo Hernandez has not been the same player who once made the entire Rssoneri world fall madly in love with him. Until now, his increasing flaws were mostly technical errors and lapses in concentration, but this year, issues have arisen that go far beyond the realm of football.
In the following list, we will examine situations that are difficult to explain and that have repeatedly embarrassed the club, which has found it increasingly hard to downplay and ignore them. From the so-called "non-event" of Lazio-Milan, many incidents have occurred, culminating in last night’s blunder that cost Milan their place in the Champions League.
- Lazio-Milan, Serie A:
Theo started on the bench alongside Leão. After both entered the game—playing a key role in the Portuguese forward’s equalizer—the team gathered at the bench during the cooling break for instructions from Fonseca. Everyone except the two substitutes, who were caught on camera on the opposite side of the field with their hands on their hips. A sign of disrespect, an act of defiance that should have raised alarms. A few days later, Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani dismissed it as a "non-event." Clearly, a mistake.
- Fiorentina-Milan, Serie A:
Theo, wearing the captain’s armband, took the ball from Pulisic to take Milan’s first penalty of the game—and missed it. Just minutes earlier, he had conceded a penalty to Fiorentina. After the final whistle, he was sent off for "repeatedly and vehemently making a gravely disrespectful remark toward the referee." He was suspended for two matches, served against Udinese and Napoli.
- Milan-Red Star, Champions League:
Despite the victory, Paulo Fonseca harshly criticized his players post-match, accusing them of lacking the necessary commitment and focus in a crucial European tie. The Portuguese coach even declared he was prepared to field youth players from Primavera and Milan Futuro if needed, adding that he had a clear conscience—something not all of his players could claim. One of his targets was Theo, with whom he had a private meeting at Milanello the next day.
- Off-the-field controversies:
In December, Massimo Giletti, on his Rai3 program Lo stato delle cose, stated that he had received a video (from the previous year) showing a footballer, in an altered and confused state, violently striking a woman in the VIP area of a Milan nightclub. The journalist did not name the player, only mentioning that he was a famous footballer from one of Milan’s two clubs. Theo Hernandez's name was later brought up by Fabrizio Corona, who also shared footage of the alleged incident. Neither Milan nor the player commented on the matter, nor does there appear to be any legal action taken by the woman involved.
By the way, before diving further in the article, check out GO Sport Travel to be able to secure your tickets to watch football matches in the biggest stage: the UEFA Champions League competition.
- On the eve of Milan-Feyenoord, Theo, Milan's vice-captain, posted an Instagram story seemingly responding to criticism. The lyrics of the song he chose read:
"You talk about me, it's just envy/F** those who hate me/It's become a cliché/But I always aim high/I don’t care about the rest/In Lambos at night against police vans/Running from snitches and handcuffs/In bars until seven, risking beatings/We don’t give a damn about this law."*
Without debating music tastes, Milan’s values are something else entirely. - Milan-Feyenoord: Already one booking away from suspension, Theo picked up a needless yellow card for a pointless midfield foul, ensuring he would miss a potential Round of 16 tie (against Arsenal or Inter). Then, early in the second half, he made matters worse with an awkward dive that earned him a second yellow and a sending-off, inevitably affecting the rest of the match.
These are not technical mistakes—every player makes errors on the field, though Theo has committed many this season, often decisive ones. These are behaviors of a footballer who is clearly no longer on the same page as the club he is supposed to represent, both on and off the pitch. A steep decline that hurts deeply, especially because, in past years—up until the Scudetto—Theo was a symbol of Milan, handpicked by Paolo Maldini himself. Reaching this point should be cause for reflection—above all, for him. Because at this stage, it’s not just about a contract renewal or performances on the pitch or sporting ambitions. Something has broken, and the entire club environment has run out of patience for these actions.
This afternoon, the Frenchman issued an apology to his teammates and fans with an Instagram post:
"Football is unpredictable: it brings us great joy but also painful moments. Today, I feel immense frustration. I apologize to my teammates for leaving them with 10 men, and I apologize to the fans who always support us. But this club is a family, and together, we will bounce back. Let’s rise again together. Starting with me. Forza Milan."
Undoubtedly, beautiful and positive words—but in football, actions and attitude are all that truly matter.
