From Milan to Riyadh: Théo Hernández Strikes Back Against the Critics

Controversy and Challenge

The French left-back Théo Hernández, now with Al Hilal, has continued to shine this season after leaving Milan, drawing both praise and criticism.

At 28, Hernández departed Milan during the summer window, signing with Al Hilal for €25 million.

However, the move did not pass quietly; European fans and media hurled criticism, arguing that leaving the European summit at this stage was an early exit from the top and a loss of a talent who could have thrived at Europe’s biggest clubs for years.

Some argued Hernández chose money over competition, especially since he was among the best full-backs in Serie A and a key pillar for Milan.

On the other hand, others defended him, saying the Saudi experience is evolving and moving to Al Hilal doesn’t spell the end of ambition but the start of a new phase in a rapidly developing football world that already hosts world-class players.

Between criticism and defense, Theo responded in his own way, by delivering on the pitch, showing the same power and boldness that he was known for in Europe, proving that ambition isn’t tied to place but to mindset and hunger to succeed.

Tactical Evolution and Role

Under Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, Hernández found himself in a tactical system that highlights his strengths.

Inzaghi relies on a flexible attacking style that uses the flanks, and here Hernández’s role is pivotal in building attacks and bursting from deep, troubling opposing defenses.

The coach gave the French full-back freedom to advance almost constantly, with defensive cover from the midfield pivot, allowing Theo to take on dual attacking duties, whether through overlaps or precise crosses to the forwards.

Sometimes he is asked to drop into the middle to give the team a numerical edge in midfield, a sight reminiscent of his Milan days but with more maturity and balance.

Defensively, Hernández showed greater discipline under Inzaghi, who emphasizes quick transitions from attack to defense.

This balance between sharp attacking play and tactical discipline made him one of the key players in the new Al Hilal setup, with fans sensing the signing was a successful gamble.

Rapid Adaptation and International Impact

From the first days in Riyadh, Hernández proved he did not need long to gel with Al Hilal’s environment and the Saudi league, thanks to his strong personality and extensive European experience that allowed him to blend quickly into the team's system on and off the pitch.

The Frenchman showed quick understanding of Inzaghi’s approach and the demands of teammates across the lines.

His high fitness and professional discipline helped him adapt to the pace of matches and varying climates, becoming a regular starter without dips.

This early harmony reflected in the team's performance, adding a new attacking dimension from the left and giving the field a leadership presence that the fans could sense.

Hernández managed to score 4 goals in 6 games for Al Hilal, two in the league and two in Asia. Even more impressive, he scored in two consecutive league games, before repeating the feat in the AFC Champions League for the elite.

International spotlight

Hernández's form extended beyond club duties, with a notable international showing for France in the Euro qualifiers against Azerbaijan, where the Les Bleus won 3-0. He assisted the third goal by Florian Thauvin in the 84th minute after a superb cross from the left. SofaScore stats show it was his first assist for France in 365 days. It was also his tenth assist for France, giving him five goal contributions this season (four goals, one assist) domestically and internationally.

Silencing the critics

Hernández's impact did not stop at club level; he continued to perform for France under Didier Deschamps, proving that playing in the Saudi league doesn't mean stepping away from the international stage. After moving to Al Hilal, many predicted he would lose his place in the national team, but he kept his fitness and continued to perform, remaining a core member of France’s squad. This surge demonstrates the Saudi league is becoming a magnet for top players without ending their peak, a milestone in confirming their professionalism, much like the French star who turned criticism into praise.

Punchline 1: If precision were a weapon, Theo’s left foot would be a sniper rifle—one shot, one goal, zero excuses.

Punchline 2: In this transfer, the only thing sharper than his crosses is the critics’ heat—watch and learn, folks.