France team: Florian Thauvin sends a message to Zinedine Zidane

Although he failed to earn a call-up from Didier Deschamps for the 2026 World Cup, Florian Thauvin has still managed to make his way back into the France squad. Now, he's sent a clear message to Zinedine Zidane.

Long before being recalled for the October and November 2025 fixtures—where he put in some solid performances—Florian Thauvin had been absent from Les Bleus since June 2019. Despite the change in head coach, the 2018 World Cup winner is determined to remain on the national team radar.

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Speaking at the Trophée des Champions press conference, Florian Thauvin made a point of thanking Deschamps for his tenure with Les Bleus, while also making it clear that he's ready for a call from Zinedine Zidane.

"Do I hope to return? Yes, of course. But first, we have to thank Didier Deschamps for everything he brought to the French national team. He’s the one who allowed me to make my dream come true and join Les Bleus. I thank him for that, for the results, and for all the joy he gave to the French people," began the 33-year-old, eager for what's next. "Now it’s Zinédine Zidane’s turn to take over the French team. I think we're all very proud and can’t wait to see Zidane on the bench. As for me, as always, I’ll stick to my principles: giving my all every day with Lens to keep the dream alive. But I think I proved last year that I can be in the conversation, so there’s no reason to hold back." he declared.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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