Theo Hernandez Praises Mbappé and Real Madrid’s Legacy

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 23: Kylian Mbappé celebrates alongside Theo Hernandez and Eduardo Camavinga after a tense penalty shootout victory against Croatia during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two at Stade de France on March 23, 2025 in Saint-Denis, near Paris. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Theo Hernandez has shared his admiration for Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé, and Zinedine Zidane in a recent conversation with AS. The former Real Madrid defender touched upon the future of the French national team, particularly with Didier Deschamps expected to depart after the upcoming World Cup, and Zidane emerging as a potential successor.

“Deschamps is leaving after the World Cup. I’ve been with him since 2021, I think. He’s a great coach and a good person. We get along great,” Hernandez remarked, also praising Zidane’s coaching abilities. “I had him at Real Madrid. I think he’s a great coach and a great person. We’ll see what happens with him after the World Cup.”

Hernandez also emphasized his friendship with Mbappé, stating their bond extends beyond football. “I have a good relationship with Kylian. We’re friends off the pitch. And on it, we know the kind of player he is: an incredible footballer, a magnificent captain, and he knows we’ll always be there for him.”

Despite the immense pressure Mbappé has faced since joining Real Madrid, Hernandez stood by his teammate. He asserted that he regularly reminds Mbappé of the prestige associated with the club, saying, “I just told him that Real Madrid was the best club in the world.” He continued, “I always watch him play. I follow Real Madrid’s matches from Saudi Arabia, because my friend Brahim is there too. And I think Mbappé is doing really well. He’s a fantastic player, a captain, and a leader. We’re always going to support Mbappé to the death.”