Lucas Hernandez, 29-year-old defender for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, has had the misfortune of suffering two long-term injuries in recent years. Yet he has managed to return and continues to be called up regularly, even if he is more often seen as a backup. It’s a status he intends to change during the 2025–2026 season, according to L’Équipe.
Last season, he accepted his role as a substitute at the club without showing frustration, knowing he wasn’t yet at 100%. But this summer, while he could have followed his brother to Saudi Arabia, the Parisian decided to stay at PSG. His privately stated objective: to regain a starting role both at club level and with France.
He arrived at the training ground in early August in top shape, ready to “fight,” and feels that he has fully recovered from his injury. The PSG staff praised his first few weeks back. The 2025–2026 challenge looks huge: at Paris, where competition is fierce, but also with Les Bleus.”
It’s a credible ambition, as players are naturally competitive. Simply accepting the number-two spot would almost be sad. Still, it must be kept in mind that this is a possibility given the competition. That doesn’t prevent him from fighting.
Above all, he must be ready for every opportunity. Lucas Hernandez will get playing time at PSG—it’s about making the most of it and convincing Luis Enrique to trust him on the big nights. That’s the best way to earn a place in the World Cup at the end of the season.
This determination is admirable: Hernandez seems to embrace the competition without letting it get him down. The French international returned in excellent form after the summer break—let’s hope it leads to a brilliant season.
