Lilian Thuram
French defender, World Cup winner, and UNICEF ambassador.
Ruddy Lilian Thuram-Ulien (born 1 January 1972) is a French author, philanthropist and former professional footballer who played as a defender. He was capable of playing both as a centre-back or as a right-back, and helped both offensively and defensively.
Quick Facts
- Captaincy
- Didier Deschamps was captain at UEFA Euro 2000
- Origin
- Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe (French overseas territory)
Lore & Background
Thuram was born in Guadeloupe in the French West Indies. His family relocated to mainland France in 1981. He began his professional career with Monaco in 1991, later playing for Parma, Juventus, and Barcelona. With France, he won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000, and was a runner-up at the 2006 World Cup. He was the most capped player in France history with 142 appearances between 1994 and 2008 until Hugo Lloris surpassed the mark in 2022. Thuram became a UNICEF ambassador in 2010 and has taken initiatives to fight against racism.
Reader's Guide
Thuram played primarily as a defender, appearing as both a right-back and centre-back. He was physically strong, difficult to beat, and capable of winning the ball from opponents. He could move forward from wide positions and contribute offensively. He scored his only two international goals in the 1998 World Cup semi-final against Croatia, a brace that gave France a 2–1 win.
Did You Know?
- Thuram was awarded the Bronze Ball as the third most valuable player in the 1998 World Cup.
- He became the first player to make 15 UEFA European Championship finals appearances, at Euro 2008.
- He scored his only UEFA Champions League goal for Parma against Sparta Prague in the 1999–2000 season.
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