Lilian Thuram
Ruddy Lilian Thuram-Ulien was born in Pointe-à -Pitre, in Guadalupe on January 1, 1972. At nine years of age he moved to Paris.
His youth clubs were; CSCP Fontainebleau, Melun, Fontainebleau and Monaco.
In 1991 he joined the Monaco first team squad and stayed five seasons. He played 193 games and scored 11 goals. "Les Rouges et Blancs" finished 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 6th and 3rd. In 1991 they reached the final of the Cup winners Cup but lost to Werder Bremen 0-2 while in 1994 they were Champions League semifinalists (lost to eventual winners Milan 0-3). His managers at Monaco were Arsène Wenger for three seasons, Jean-Luc Ettori, Gerard Banide and Jean Tigana.
In 1996 Thuram signed for Parma. He stayed with the Gialloblu for five seasons and played 228 games with 1 goal (Cagliari). The Ducali finished 2nd, 6th, 4th, 5th and 4th and won a UEFA Cup (1999), a Coppa Italia (1999) and a Supercoppa (1999). His managers were Carlo Ancelotti (two seasons), Alberto Malesani (two seasons), Arrigo Sacchi and Renzo Ulivieri. His teammates included several Lazio connections: Diego Fuser (1992-1998), Marco Di Vaio (1993-95), Matias Almeyda (1997-2000) Sergio Conceição (1998-2000, 2003), Néstor Sensini (1999-2000), Juan Sebastián Veron (1999-2001), Hernan Crespo (2000-02), Dino Baggio (2000-03), Stefano Fiore (2001-04), Enrico Chiesa (2002-03) and Ousmane Dabo (2003-06, 2008-10).
In 2001 he signed for Juventus and again stayed five seasons. He played 204 games with 1 goal (Milan). Juventus finished 1st, 1st, 3rd, 1st (but taken away) and 1st (but demoted to 20th and relegated). He therefore won 2 league titles plus the Supercoppa twice. His managers were Marcello Lippi (three seasons) and Fabio Capello (two seasons). He played alongside Lazio connections; Di Vaio again, Pavel Nedved (1996-2001), Marcelo Salas (1998-2001), Giuliano Giannichedda (2001-05) and Igor Tudor (manager March 2024-June 2024).
In 2006 with Juventus in Serie B he left Italy and joined Barcelona for two seasons. He played 58 games and the Blaugrana finished 2nd and 3rd under manager Frank Rijkaard. He played alongside players such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o. In his second season he also played alongside Pedro (Lazio 2021-26). In Barcelona Thuram won a Super Cup (2006). However, he was not a regular as Rijkaard preferred to play with Puyol and Marquez.
In 2008 he was about to sign for PSG but during the medical a heart malformation was found. His brother was affected by the same thing and had collapsed and died on a basketball court two years earlier.
At 34 therefore he retired.
For France he earned 142 caps with 2 goals (both in 1998 WC semifinal against Croatia). He won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European championship. He also won the Confederations Cup in 2003.
Since retiring he has followed his two sons who also became top players. Marcus plays for Inter and Khéphren for Juventus.
From 2010 he is UNICEF ambassador. He is highly intelligent and he has written four books and produced three graphic novels. He has spoken out on political issues involving racism, immigration and equality. In 2008 he set up the Lilian Thuram Foundation with the objective of educating against racism.
Lilian Thuram was a superb defender. He is considered one of the best ever. He was a central defender but he could also play at right full-back. He had it all strength, skills, speed, tackling and heading abilities and was also a very fair and clean player.
A great opponent in Lazio's glory years.
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