Lilian Thuram

Lilian Thuram is a French author, philanthropist, and founder of the Lilian Thuram Foundation – Education Against Racism, an organisation committed to combating racial inequality through education. Since retiring from professional football, he has emerged as a passionate and authoritative speaker on racism, identity, and inclusion. Drawing deeply from his own life experiences – growing up in Guadeloupe and later navigating the pressures of being a high-profile Black athlete in Europe – he uses his platform to challenge systemic injustice. As a speaker, he addresses topics such as structural racism, colonial legacies, privilege, and the importance of education in changing perceptions.

Beginning his professional career in 1991 with AS Monaco, Lilian’s rise in football was rapid. His reputation as a powerful, intelligent defender led to high-profile transfers to Parma, where he won the UEFA Cup, and later Juventus, for a then-record £25 million fee. At Barcelona, he rounded off a celebrated club career. Internationally, he made history with the French national team, playing a central role in their World Cup victory in 1998 and their Euro 2000 triumph. Known for his leadership on the pitch and integrity off it, Lilian became the most capped player in French national team history with 142 caps, participating in multiple World Cups and European Championships.

Off the field, Lilian has continued to earn recognition. He was named French Player of the Year in 1997 and featured in the FIFA 100 Greatest Living Players. Since shifting his focus to social justice, he has authored several books, including My Black Stars: From Lucy to Barack Obama and White Thinking, and has received multiple awards for his activism, such as the UNESCO Prize for Sport and the Human Rights Award from the Council of Europe. His foundation collaborates with schools and cultural institutions to raise awareness around racism and discrimination.

Lilian’s speaking engagements delve into themes like unconscious bias, the importance of historical knowledge in fighting prejudice, and the power of sport as a tool for unity. His deep personal insight, combined with his articulate and research-backed delivery, makes him a compelling figure in the conversation on racial justice. Organisations and institutions hire him not only for his global reputation but also for his ability to inspire critical thinking and real change in how we understand race and equality.