# Lilian Thuram

> French footballer (born 1972)

**Wikidata**: [Q180326](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q180326)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilian_Thuram)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lilian-thuram

## Summary

Lilian Thuram is a French former professional footballer born on January 1, 1972. Widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, he earned over 140 caps for the French national team and played a pivotal role in France's 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship victories. Beyond his playing career, Thuram has become known for his activism and advocacy work, particularly regarding racism and social issues.

## Biography

- **Born**: January 1, 1972
- **Nationality**: French (citizenship: Q142)
- **Full Name**: Ruddy Lilian Thuram-Ulien
- **Education**: No specific educational data available in source material
- **Known for**: Professional football career as a defender; World Cup winner (1998); European Championship winner (2000); one of the most capped French players in history
- **Employer(s)**: Professional football clubs from 1991 to 2008 (specific clubs not listed in source material)
- **Field(s)**: Association football (occupation Q937857), acting (occupation Q33999)

## Contributions

Based on the available source material, Lilian Thuram's career achievements include:

- **International Football Career**: Represented the French national team with over 140 caps earned between 1994 and 2008 (work_period_start: 1991, work_period_end: 2008)
- **World Cup Victory**: Key player in France's 1998 World Cup triumph on home soil
- **European Championship Victory**: Central figure in France's Euro 2000 championship win
- **Club Career**: Professional footballer from 1991 to 2008
- **Post-Retirement Activities**: Actor (occupation Q33999), public speaker, and social activist
- **Honors**: Knight of the Legion of Honour; Officer of the Legion of Honour; honorary doctor of Stockholm University; honorary doctor of the University of Stirling

## FAQs

**What is Lilian Thuram best known for?**

Lilian Thuram is best known as a legendary French footballer who played as a defender. He was a crucial member of the French national team that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000, and he earned over 140 caps for Les Bleus.

**What awards has Lilian Thuram received?**

Lilian Thuram has been awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour and the Officer of the Legion of Honour, which are among France's highest honors. He also holds honorary doctorates from Stockholm University and the University of Stirling.

**When was Lilian Thuram born and what is his full name?**

Lilian Thuram was born on January 1, 1972. His full name is Ruddy Lilian Thuram-Ulien.

**What did Lilian Thuram do after retiring from football?**

After retiring from professional football in 2008, Lilian Thuram pursued acting and has become involved in social activism, particularly speaking out against racism and advocating for social justice causes.

**How many caps did Lilian Thuram earn for France?**

Lilian Thuram earned over 140 caps for the French national team during his international career from 1994 to 2008.

## Why They Matter

Lilian Thuram matters as one of the most accomplished and influential footballers in French history. His defensive excellence and leadership were instrumental in France's unprecedented success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including their first World Cup victory in 1998. As a Black French athlete of Caribbean descent, Thuram has also been a significant voice on issues of race and identity in France, using his platform to address social inequalities and discrimination. His post-football career in acting and advocacy demonstrates his commitment to broader social impact beyond the pitch. Thuram's legacy extends beyond his sporting achievements to include his contributions to public discourse on multiculturalism and integration in French society.

## Notable For

- World Cup winner with France (1998)
- European Championship winner with France (2000)
- Over 140 international caps for France
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Honorary doctor of Stockholm University
- Honorary doctor of the University of Stirling
- One of France's most capped footballers
- Known for his performances in the 1998 World Cup semifinal and final
- Social activist and anti-racism advocate
- Actor following retirement from football

## Body

### Early Life and Background

Lilian Thuram was born on January 1, 1972, with the full name Ruddy Lilian Thuram-Ulien. Of French citizenship, Thuram comes from a Caribbean background, with his family roots in Guadeloupe. This heritage has played a significant role in his identity and subsequent advocacy work regarding race and integration in France.

### Football Career

Thuram began his professional football career in 1991 and played until his retirement in 2008, spanning a 17-year professional career. As a defender, he became known for his exceptional defensive abilities, tactical intelligence, and leadership on the pitch.

His most celebrated achievements came with the French national team. Thuram was a cornerstone of the French squad during their golden era, playing a vital role in the team's 1998 World Cup victory on home soil. His performance in the semifinal against Italy was particularly memorable, and he continued to deliver excellence in the final against Brazil.

Following the World Cup triumph, Thuram was equally instrumental in France's victory at UEFA Euro 2000, where the team became European champions. Throughout his international career from 1994 to 2008, Thuram earned over 140 caps for Les Bleus, making him one of the most capped players in French football history.

### Post-Football Career

Following his retirement from professional football in 2008, Thuram transitioned to acting, demonstrating his versatility beyond the pitch. This career shift reflects his broader interest in media and public engagement beyond sports.

### Recognition and Honors

Thuram has received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to French sport and society. He has been awarded both the Knight and Officer ranks of the Legion of Honour, France's highest order of merit. These distinctions acknowledge his achievements as a sportsman and his contributions to French national prestige through international competition.

In addition to French honors, Thuram has received academic recognition, including honorary doctorates from Stockholm University and the University of Stirling. These awards reflect his broader intellectual contributions and reputation beyond football.

### Social Activism and Influence

Thuram has become an important voice on social issues, particularly regarding racism and discrimination in France. As a high-profile Black athlete of Caribbean descent, he has used his platform to address issues of identity, integration, and racial equality in French society. His advocacy work has made him a significant figure in discussions about multiculturalism and diversity in France.

### Legacy

Lilian Thuram's legacy encompasses his exceptional football achievements, his transition to new careers, and his social impact. As a World Cup and European Championship winner, he was part of a generation of French footballers who achieved unprecedented success. His willingness to speak out on social issues has extended his influence beyond sport, making him a respected figure in French public life. His career serves as an example of athletic excellence combined with social consciousness.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. data.bibliotheken.nl
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Argentine Soccer Database
6. [Source](https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/akademiska-h%C3%B6gtider/hedersdoktorer/fullsp%C3%A4ckat-program-f%C3%B6r-hedersdoktor-lilian-thuram-1.350017)
7. [Source](https://www.tekiano.com/2019/12/12/le-footballeur-lilian-thuram-a-tunis-pour-parler-racisme-au-lycee-pierre-mandes-france/)
8. [Source](https://www.sorbonne.fr/wp-content/uploads/Prix-Seligmann-laur%C3%A9ats-2004-2025.pdf)
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
11. MusicBrainz
12. Transfermarkt
13. BD Gest'
14. Discogs
15. Catalan Sport Encyclopedia
16. BDFutbol
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
19. OpenSanctions