French international full-back Theo Hernandez has completed a high-profile transfer from AC Milan to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, signing a three-year contract with the Saudi Pro League champions. The 27-year-old makes the switch in a deal reported to be worth €25 million ($29.2 million), marking yet another major European departure to the Gulf state.
Hernandez, widely regarded as one of the top attacking left-backs in world football, leaves AC Milan after five successful seasons. He joined the Italian giants from Real Madrid in 2019 and quickly became a fan favorite, known for his pace, powerful runs, and goalscoring ability. During his time in Serie A, he helped Milan win the 2021-22 Scudetto and made over 160 appearances for the Rossoneri.
Internationally, Hernandez has been capped 38 times by France and scored twice. He was part of the squad that reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar, playing a crucial role in the tournament, including starting the final against Argentina. However, his move to the Middle East raises questions about his future with the national team, as playing outside Europe could impact his visibility and competitiveness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Nevertheless, Hernandez can draw confidence from the fact that France manager Didier Deschamps included N’Golo Kanté—who plays for Al-Ittihad—in the squad for Euro 2024. This suggests that playing in Saudi Arabia does not automatically rule out selection for Les Bleus, provided the player maintains form and fitness.
At Al-Hilal, Hernandez joins a squad already boasting several high-profile names, including Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sergej Milinković-Savić. His arrival further underlines the Saudi Pro League’s ambition to attract top-tier talent and elevate its global profile.
Theo is the younger brother of Lucas Hernandez, a fellow French international and defender currently at Paris Saint-Germain. The Hernandez brothers have both carved out successful careers at club and international level, and Theo’s latest move signals a bold new chapter in his footballing journey. All eyes will be on how he adapts to life in Saudi Arabia and whether he can continue to shine on the international stage.