A storm is brewing for the French national team ahead of the highly anticipated semi-final against Spain. Marcus Thuram, the French national team’s star striker, has caused a stir by declaring he will not play in the crucial match. According to sources close to the team, Thuram is deeply offended by comments made during a pre-match meeting. He accuses team captain Kylian Mbappé and coach Didier Deschamps of making comments he considers insulting, while also excessively highlighting Ousmane Dembélé.
According to reports, the tactical meeting, which was supposed to prepare the team to face a formidable Spain, took an unexpected turn. Thuram reportedly perceived a deliberate attempt on the part of Mbappé and Deschamps to downplay his role in the team, while promoting Dembélé as the centerpiece of the French attack. These remarks, the exact content of which remains unclear, are said to have deeply hurt the Inter Milan striker, who felt devalued despite his solid performances throughout the tournament. This tension reached a peak when Thuram decided to boycott the match, a rare and bold decision that risks upsetting the team’s balance.
Deschamps’ reaction, known for his authority and crisis management skills, only exacerbated the situation. According to witnesses, the coach responded firmly without attempting to defuse the situation. His words, described as scathing, reportedly left Thuram speechless, unable to respond to his coach’s inflexible attitude. This altercation not only highlighted internal divisions, but also raised questions about the team’s cohesion at a crucial moment in the competition.
This comes as France is under pressure to reach the final. The potential absence of Thuram, a key player due to his intensity and versatility, could hamper Les Bleus against a Spain team in top form. Already divided fans are expressing their concern on social media, with some supporting Thuram for taking a stand, while others criticize his choice as unprofessional.
Mbappé, for his part, has yet to publicly comment on the incident, but his silence fuels speculation about a possible rift within the locker room. As for Dembélé, he unwittingly finds himself at the center of this controversy, even though he continues to shine on the pitch. The French national team will need to quickly find a solution to overcome this crisis if it wants to remain focused on its objective. With just days to go before the match, all eyes are on Deschamps, whose handling of this conflict could determine the outcome of this campaign.
