The match between Roma and Real Madrid is never an ordinary one, and this is especially true for Mario Hermoso. The Spanish international, born in 1995, came up through the Real Madrid youth system and played for Atlético Madrid from 2019 to 2024. Now, he is set to experience his own city derby at the Stadio Olimpico.
Mourinho's presence further intensifies this rivalry. Hermoso made his debut for Real Madrid's first team in 2012 at the age of 17, under none other than "the Special One," José Mourinho. That match took place during the Santiago Bernabéu Trophy. The Portuguese coach brought on the young B team player in the 74th minute to replace Albiol. He enjoyed a historic 8-0 victory against Millonarios, which was the largest margin in the history of the competition and a tribute to Alfredo Di Stéfano.
"Mario and Derik will be the most famous kids in school tomorrow," Mourinho quipped at the time.
"I was still in school, and I got the news when I went out for lunch. Sleep? That was the worst part; I just had to wait for that moment to arrive," Hermoso recalled.
"These are the moments you always long for. I was there for eight years. As a kid, you always dream of making your first-team debut at the Bernabéu, and when that moment really comes and you're standing there, you can't help but think, 'Is this a joke?' Then you realize it's actually happening, and you say, 'This is incredible!'"
Although he later didn't make his official first-team debut, Hermoso remained grateful to Real Madrid during his time at Espanyol: "I owe a lot to Real Madrid. Almost everything I learned came from the training I received there, both personally and professionally. They teach you life values, and in football, you're surrounded by top professionals who make you a professional player." He said in an interview with Marca.
Roma signed him on a free transfer in 2024, after his contract with Atlético Madrid expired. He then joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan for the second half of the 2024-25 season and has now become one of the key pillars in Gasperini's 3-4-2-1 system. Gasperini said: "Hermoso's experience the previous season wasn't exactly positive, but he embodies certain qualities: he's determined and technically very good. I have a gladiatorial defense, one of the best in Europe."
Statistics also confirm his value. Hermoso scored a crucial goal in the 89th minute, helping the team come back to beat Atalanta 2-1. He is also the second-best defender in Serie A for ball recoveries with 34, and third for interceptions with 17.
"The coach instilled in us the message to train hard, believe in ourselves, and have the ambition to compete head-on with every team and every player, which is very important. We are growing and want to prove that we are ready to take another important step and keep Roma in the Champions League for the long term," he warned.
Roma is very satisfied with his performance and has already started renewal procedures. His contract was automatically extended until 2027 at the end of last season, and now the club might even break an "unwritten rule" to ensure he stays. Roma typically offers annual renewals to players over 30, and the 31-year-old Hermoso is within consideration, with the club potentially offering him a new contract until 2029.
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