Theo Hernandez has revealed that Paolo Maldini gave him a gift after his record was broken during the game against Como a few days ago.
As a reminder, Theo scored the goal that levelled the game and it was certainly not among his best given that he shanked a shot that looped in somehow, but it might be among the most memorable.
It means that the Frenchman has scored 30 goals in Serie A, becoming the first defender in Milan’s history to reach this milestone in the competition (surpassing Paolo Maldini’s 29).
After the former Real Madrid man admitted it was emotional to pass his ‘idol’ and create history, Maldini wanted to mark the occasion by sending a gift to the man he signed.
He sent the 125th anniversary shirt (worn last month against Genoa) with the No.3 on the back and a message written on it: “To Theo, my rightful heir! I love you.”

La classe non e acqua!!!
Holy sh!t!! Those are some incredible words. Can’t imagine what Theo would think having the greatest left back tell you you’re his heir 😮Great gift. Always interesting to see their relationship
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I can’t think of anyone less like Maldini than Theo. Both in terms of playing style and mentality.
Lol well Maldini himself thinks of someone is just like him as a player. Theo is his rightful heir according to Maldini. You’re always trying to put down Theo even on his day of celebration. Classless! Very unlike Maldini..makes sense when you think of it
Yes, but K is not exactly wrong. Paolo has always been very high on Theo, and that’s fine, but if you take a step back and look at it objectively, Theo does not hold a candle to Maldini. He is nowhere near the defender Maldini was, and is nowhere near the leader that Maldini was. Malini is a top 3 LB ALL-TIME, can you say that about Theo? Is Theo even top 10 all-time? Is is he even top 10 in his generation? Maybe he squeaks into this last category, simply because of his offensive production.
Saying someone is your heir doesn’t mean there has to be similarities.
It was Maldini who brought Theo, a reject from Madrid, to Milan and made him one of the most feared fullbacks at some point and allowed him to play with his country in a World Cup final. In some ways, you could say that Maldini “created” Theo.
Now of course, in terms of playing style they’re vastly different (although it has a lot to due with the requirments of each era) and in terms of class/achievements/… one is probably the greatest fullback ever and is in the top 3 of the greatest defenders ever overall having been twice 3 in the ballon d’or and many times in the top 10 and the other was at best a top 3 left back for like a season & a half at most.
I don’t know how Theo leaves Milan after this…
The only way I see Theo staying, is that if Real Madrid or Bayern actually watch him play and decide he is not worth whatever he’s going to ask.
He is here because no one really wants him and for good reasons.
100%
Lol, Maldini trying to help us even after being booted…
Man I hope Walker gets here and takes over the culture. Theo is a politician.
Secret second families for everyone!