Florian Thauvin’s Return to the French National Team: A Look Back at 2019

It has been a whirlwind six years since Florian Thauvin last donned the blue jersey of the French national team. The world of football—and society at large—has undergone significant transformations during this time.

After a gap of 2,310 days—equivalent to six years, three months, and 26 days—Thauvin made his long-awaited return to the national squad in October 2025. The dynamic left winger, who once dazzled fans at Olympique de Marseille, has once again showcased his talents with RC Lens in northern France. Coach Didier Deschamps reinstated him in the lineup, replacing Bradley Barcola, signaling a new chapter for the talented player.

Key Events from 2019: The Year of Thauvin’s Last Selection

Significant News Events

To provide context, here’s a quick summary of the major happenings in 2019, the year of Thauvin’s last appearance for France:

• COVID-19 was not yet part of the global lexicon, and lockdown was an abstract concept for many in France.
• Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames, marking a tragic moment in French history.
• Pope Francis was still leading the Vatican.
• Queen Elizabeth II was reigning over the United Kingdom.
• A record-breaking heatwave hit France, with temperatures soaring to 46 degrees Celsius, which has since become a common occurrence by 2025.
• The top-selling cars in France included the Peugeot 208, Citroën C3, and Renault Clio 4.
• Electric vehicles were a rarity on French roads.

Political Landscape

In the political arena, several key developments were shaping France:

• Édouard Philippe served as Prime Minister.
• Sébastien Lecornu was the Minister responsible for Territorial Collectivities.

• The Yellow Vest protests had recently rocked the nation.
• Donald Trump was in the midst of a controversial presidency, facing impeachment proceedings in the United States.
• The highly anticipated Brexit was on the horizon.
• Former President Jacques Chirac passed away later that year.

Cultural Highlights

2019 was also notable for its cultural milestones:

• Apple had yet to release the iPhone 11.
• Blockbuster films like Detective Pikachu and Avengers: Endgame dominated box offices, while Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker had just premiered.
• The video game FIFA 20 was still under the EA Sports banner.
• Upcoming titles, such as Pokemon Sword and Shield, were generating buzz.

Sporting Highlights

In the realm of sports, several pivotal moments occurred:

• Florian Thauvin was still playing for Olympique de Marseille.
• Nicolas Pépé was the second-highest goal scorer in Ligue 1, playing for Lille OSC.
• Luka Modric held the Ballon d’Or title before Lionel Messi reclaimed it later in 2019.

Conclusion

As Florian Thauvin steps back onto the international stage, he does so against the backdrop of a world that has changed significantly since his last appearance. From political upheavals to cultural milestones, the landscape of football and society has evolved, making his return all the more poignant.