On the day Juventus host Napoli at the Allianz Stadium, Khephren Thuram sat down with La Gazzetta dello Sport* to talk about his journey, his bond with his father Lilian, and life in Turin under Luciano Spalletti. The French midfielder, who has quickly become a key figure in Juventus’ midfield, spoke with calm confidence ahead of the big clash.
Growing up among legends
“Since I was little, I met so many great players in our living room. I think of Vieira, Henry, or Tudor, who once gifted my brother and me a beautiful robot. I don’t remember Antonio Conte, but my dad told me a lot about him and his personality at Juventus,” Thuram recalled, smiling at memories of a childhood surrounded by football greatness.
“At Juve, fear doesn’t exist”
With the spotlight on tonight’s showdown against Napoli, Thuram was asked whether there is any pressure or fear ahead of the match. His answer was characteristically assured: “Fear? You can’t have it in football. We have a quality squad and coach, and at Juve you’re expected to win.”
His father’s influence
When asked about gifts from his father, he paused. “A present from my dad? I can’t think of any, honestly. Our parents gave Marcus and me a lot of love, but without spoiling us. I’ve never felt favoured, just fortunate. The privilege isn’t being Lilian Thuram’s son, it’s having a father who loves me so much.”
After scoring against Benfica, the elder Thuram was typically demanding. “He said ‘well done’—but straight after, he pointed out situations where I could have done better. Those are private things, secrets between father and son.”
Spalletti’s methods: “He sees what others can’t”
Thuram’s admiration for Luciano Spalletti is clear. “Does Spalletti make us study videos? No, never—not of other players!” he laughed. “I analyse my own movements with Michele, one of his assistants. At Juventus, every moment matters—even when you’re eating. In Italy, I’ve learned small things… for example, not to put Parmesan on fish like we do in France.”
“In the video room, Spalletti has stuck many notes on the wall. Useful reminders. One says to keep turning your head on the pitch. I’ve learned from all my coaches, but Spalletti has the most experience. It’s true, he’s a genius—he sees things others can’t even imagine. I can become a better player thanks to him.”
When asked about his contract, Thuram replied: “I’ve got mine sorted. For Spalletti’s, you’ll have to ask him!”
Napoli, the Scudetto dream, and trophies
“The Napoli game? They’re strong and have a great coach. My dad told me Conte already had a big personality as a player. But we’re Juve, and here the only thought is winning,” he said firmly. “Scudetto? Never say never. At Juventus, you always play to win, and we’ll see at the end. I’m here to start collecting trophies and become part of the club’s history.”
Would he sacrifice his trademark braids for a goal against Napoli? “Those are untouchable—not a chance!” he laughed.
Team spirit and celebrations
Thuram also revealed the secret behind his and his teammates’ creative celebrations. “We talk about it during the week in the dressing room and come up with ideas. Against Benfica we wanted to pose for a picture, each of us inventing something. Am I the dance director? We all are!”
He praised the chemistry in the squad: “Weston (McKennie) is great on the pitch but also a fantastic dressing room guy. He often organises dinners at his place: we play cards, watch matches… lots of us go—even David. He’s a top striker and a great guy; we’ve only seen part of his quality.
“One word for Yildiz, Bremer, and David? Yildiz—magical. Bremer—rock-solid. David—clinical. David isn’t anxious; he knows he’s strong, and so do we. He’s an iceman in front of goal—and in life too, calm and confident.”
On Mateta, Benzema, and Kanté
Asked about rumours linking Jean-Philippe Mateta to Juventus, Thuram replied: “No, Mateta hasn’t called me. Kolo Muani? Randal’s happy at Tottenham; as a player, you have to move on quickly.”
Would he welcome Karim Benzema or N’Golo Kanté in Turin? “Of course! They’re still fantastic players, and life at Juventus is good. Football’s changing—champions now play to 40. Benzema is 38, smart, still scoring, and a Ballon d’Or winner. He’d make a difference here, in Serie A, anywhere. Same for Kanté.”
Family, Inter rumours, and returning to Monaco
About playing with his brother Marcus, Thuram was clear: “Not at Juve—he has his own team. We play together for France, and that’s enough.” On talk of interest from Inter, he brushed it off: “You can’t chase every rumour. I’m happy at Juve and would never go to Inter.”
Ahead of Juventus’ upcoming trip to Monaco, he looked forward to familiar surroundings. “I’m happy to go back; I have many friends there—like Akliouche, who still plays for Monaco. We’re going to Monte Carlo to win and secure direct qualification to the last 16. Then we’ll see if there are play-offs or not.”
The conversation ended with a mention of Thierry Henry and Paul Pogba, both major influences on Thuram. “During my time at Monaco, Henry coached me. He’s a family friend and still gives me a lot of advice. He tells me to be a sniper on the pitch and never play with the handbrake on. I hope I’m still far from my best—I want to improve. Pogba? He’s untouchable, players like him are rare. He’s my favourite. But he’s Pogba, and I’m Khephren Thuram.”
