Lucas Hernández has established himself as one of the most reliable and versatile defenders in modern football. His ability to play as both a center-back and left-back makes him a valuable asset for both club and country. Over the years, he has demonstrated his strength, tactical intelligence, and resilience, overcoming serious injuries to remain at the highest level of the game.
From his early days at Atlético Madrid to his success with Bayern Munich and the French national team, Hernández’s journey has been filled with triumphs, setbacks, and remarkable comebacks. This article takes a deep dive into his career, highlighting his major achievements, challenges, and what lies ahead in 2025.
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Early Life and Rise at Atlético Madrid
Football in the Blood
Lucas François Bernard Hernández was born on February 14, 1996, in Marseille, France. He comes from a football family—his father, Jean-François Hernández, was a professional footballer who played as a defender in Spain.
At a young age, Lucas and his younger brother, Theo Hernández, moved to Spain and joined Atlético Madrid’s youth academy. While Theo took a more attacking approach as a left-back, Lucas developed into a composed, tough-tackling defender with excellent game awareness.
Breaking into Atlético Madrid’s First Team
Hernández progressed through Atlético’s youth ranks and made his senior debut in 2014 under Diego Simeone. His early years saw him learning from defensive stalwarts like Diego Godín and Juanfran, which helped him refine his skills.
By the 2016-17 season, he became a regular in the Atlético Madrid lineup, contributing with strong defensive performances. His versatility allowed him to play in different positions across the backline, making him a key player in Simeone’s system.
Winning the UEFA Europa League
One of Hernández’s biggest achievements with Atlético came in 2018 when the club won the UEFA Europa League. In the final against Marseille, Atlético dominated with a 3-0 victory, and Hernández played a crucial role in keeping a clean sheet.
This success was a stepping stone for him, as it showcased his ability to perform in high-pressure matches.
2018 FIFA World Cup Triumph with France
Becoming France’s Starting Left-Back
Before the 2018 World Cup, Hernández was still relatively new to the French national team. However, Didier Deschamps trusted his abilities and gave him the starting left-back role. With Benjamin Mendy injured, Hernández stepped up and delivered outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
His aggressive defending, ability to track back quickly, and precise crosses made him a key player for France.
A Key Role in the Final
In the World Cup final against Croatia, Hernández was instrumental in both defense and attack. His defining moment came when he provided the assist for Kylian Mbappé’s goal, which sealed France’s 4-2 victory.
With this triumph, Hernández became a world champion at just 22 years old, cementing his place among Europe’s top defenders.
Bayern Munich’s Record Signing and Success
€80 Million Move to Bayern Munich
In 2019, Bayern Munich signed Hernández for a club-record fee of €80 million. This made him the most expensive player in Bayern’s history at the time.
Bayern saw Hernández as a defender who could bring aggression, versatility, and a winning mentality to their backline.
Overcoming Injuries and Winning the Treble
Hernández’s first season at Bayern was challenging due to injuries. A serious knee injury kept him out for several months, slowing his adaptation to the Bundesliga.
Despite the setback, he returned in time to help Bayern win a historic treble in the 2019-20 season. The club won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the final.
Although he did not start in the final, his contributions throughout the season were crucial.
Establishing Himself in the Bundesliga
After recovering from his injuries, Hernández gradually became a vital part of Bayern’s defensive setup. His ability to play both centrally and as a full-back gave the team tactical flexibility.
By 2021, he had fully established himself as a leader in Bayern’s defense, playing alongside top defenders like David Alaba and Dayot Upamecano.
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Challenges and Comebacks: Injuries and International Football
Euro 2020 Disappointment
Following his World Cup triumph, Hernández was expected to shine at Euro 2020. However, France had a disappointing campaign, getting eliminated in the Round of 16 by Switzerland.
Despite solid individual performances, the team struggled defensively, leading to an early exit from the tournament.
2022 FIFA World Cup: Heartbreak and Resilience
Hernández’s World Cup campaign in 2022 was cut short almost immediately. In France’s opening match against Australia, he tore his ACL just minutes into the game.
This devastating injury ruled him out for the rest of the tournament. However, his brother, Theo Hernández, stepped in and performed exceptionally well, helping France reach the final.
Despite not playing, Lucas remained a key part of the squad’s spirit and motivation.
Return from ACL Injury and Move to Paris Saint-Germain
After months of recovery, Hernández made a successful comeback in 2023. His return to top-level football was marked by another big move—this time to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
PSG signed him to strengthen their defense and bring experience to their backline. In his first season in Ligue 1, Hernández adapted quickly and became a leader in defense.
Playing Style: What Makes Lucas Hernández Special?
Aggressive and Tenacious Defending
Hernández is known for his aggressive defensive style. He does not hesitate to make strong tackles and is excellent at closing down opponents.
His ability to anticipate attacks and make quick interceptions makes him a tough defender to beat.
Versatility Across the Backline
One of Hernández’s biggest strengths is his versatility. He can play as a center-back in a back-four, a left-back in an attacking system, or even as part of a three-man defense.
This tactical flexibility makes him a valuable player for any coach.
Mental Strength and Leadership
Despite facing multiple injuries, Hernández has always bounced back stronger. His resilience and leadership qualities make him a key figure in any squad.
His winning mentality, forged through years of competing at the highest level, sets him apart from many other defenders.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Lucas Hernández in 2025?
Continued Success with PSG
Now a key player for Paris Saint-Germain, Hernández will look to help his club dominate both domestically and in Europe.
PSG’s main goal remains winning the UEFA Champions League, and Hernández’s experience could be crucial in achieving that.
France’s Future and More International Glory
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Hernández remains a vital part of the French national team. If he stays fit, he will play a key role in France’s defensive setup.
Having already won a World Cup, he will aim to add more international silverware to his name.
Conclusion: A True Warrior of Modern Football
Lucas Hernández’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From winning the World Cup and Champions League to suffering major injuries, he has faced every challenge with determination.
His versatility, aggression, and leadership make him one of the best defenders of his generation. As he continues his journey with PSG and France, fans can expect more great performances from this warrior of modern football.
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