In a raw and heartfelt revelation that has tugged at heartstrings worldwide, French football stars Lucas and Theo Hernández have broken their silence on the painful abandonment by their father, Jean-François Hernández, who disappeared from their lives nearly two decades ago. The brothers, now pillars of the sport, shared their unfiltered emotions in a recent interview, crediting their mother, Laurence Py, for molding them into the resilient athletes they are today. Lucas, 29, the PSG defender and 2018 World Cup champion, expressed deep bewilderment and resentment: “I never understood and never will understand how my father left overnight, abandoning my mother, my little brother Theo, and me.” He added that while he’d meet his biological father for an explanation, the damage is “irreparable,” vowing never to repeat the cycle with his own son.

Theo, 28, the AC Milan left-back and French national team standout, echoed his brother’s sentiments: “We never understood why our father left. One day he was gone, and we never heard from him again. My brother and I had a tough but beautiful childhood. Everything we are, we owe to our mother. She raised us.” The siblings’ story begins in Madrid, where they grew up after their father, a former professional footballer who played for clubs like Marseille and Rayo Vallecano, vanished around 2003 when Lucas was 5 and Theo was 4. Jean-François reportedly left for a new life, cutting all ties and leaving Laurence to single-handedly support the family through multiple jobs, including waitressing and cleaning, while nurturing their budding football talents.

The Hernández brothers’ ascent in football is a testament to their mother’s sacrifices. Both honed their skills at Atlético Madrid’s youth academy, with Lucas debuting for the senior team in 2014 before stints at Bayern Munich, where he won the Champions League in 2020, and now PSG. Theo, known for his explosive pace and attacking flair, rose through Atlético’s ranks, shone on loan at Alavés and Real Sociedad, and has become a Serie A sensation at Milan since 2019, helping secure the 2022 Scudetto. Together, they’ve represented France over 50 times combined, with Lucas lifting the World Cup and Theo starring in the 2022 final run. Their bond, forged in adversity, is evident on the pitch—Theo often credits Lucas as his inspiration, and they’ve shared emotional moments during international duties.

Laurence’s role cannot be overstated; she relocated the family to Spain for better opportunities, instilling discipline and work ethic that propelled her sons to stardom. Despite the glamour of their careers—Lucas earning over €10 million annually and Theo not far behind—the brothers remain grounded, often visiting their mother in Madrid. Lucas, a father himself to a young son with partner Amelia Lorente, emphasized his commitment to family: “I would never abandon my son. Even if I had to sleep under a bridge for his happiness, I would do it.”

This confession resurfaces amid reports of Jean-François resurfacing in Thailand years ago, though no reconciliation has occurred. The brothers’ words highlight the long shadow of abandonment, inspiring fans who see their success as a triumph over trauma. As they gear up for club seasons and potential Euro 2028 glory, the Hernández story reminds us that behind the goals and glory lies a foundation built on maternal love and unbreakable sibling ties.