Thauvin set for France recall: Grimault predicts Zidane call-up on Friday

Florian Thauvin is expected to feature in Zinedine Zidane’s next squad list, which is due this Friday. That is at least the conviction of journalist Dominique Grimault, who spoke on the YouTube channel Pierrot le Foot about the RC Lens winger’s return to favour.

At 33 years old, the 2018 World Cup winner is delivering sufficiently convincing performances at Lens to fuel discussions around his selection. Grimault leaves little room for doubt: “Being called up seems obvious to me, and Zizou will do it in my opinion.” However, he tempers expectations about a starting role: “Now, competing with the players who are there today… It would really take a perfect storm for him to establish himself. No, I don’t see him establishing himself in the France squad, there’s too much competition. And the players who are there are among the best in the world. Frankly, no.”

The former M6 journalist also offered a nuanced portrait of the player, whom he says he has followed since his early days at Olympique de Marseille: “I like the guy, I knew him many years ago at OM. Back then, he was much younger, more inconsistent. Now, his stats speak for him, so much the better, we’re pleased. He’s 33, he’s mature.”

Thauvin’s last selection dates back to November 16, 2025, during a 3-1 victory against Azerbaijan in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. A possible recall would therefore mark continuity rather than a genuine comeback, even if his presence in the squad remains to be confirmed by Zidane himself.