Thuram Dedicates Late Inter Goal to Injured Lautaro, Backs French Star for Ballon d’Or

FolioPitch.com – 25 October 2026 | Marcus Thuram delivered a decisive performance in Inter Milan‘s dramatic 2-1 victory over Fiorentina on Sunday, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer before winning the penalty that Piotr Zielinski converted in the 97th minute. After the match, the French forward made headlines by revealing that he dedicated his goal to injured captain Lautaro Martinez, and he also expressed his hope that a French compatriot will win the Ballon d’Or. In doing so, Thuram dedicates Inter goal to Lautaro hopes French compatriot wins Ballon d Or, underlining both his team-first mentality and his pride in French football.

Thuram, who was named Man of the Match, imitated Lautaro’s trademark goal celebration after finding the net in the 90th minute. The Argentine striker is currently sidelined with an injury, and Thuram acknowledged his absence. “Yes, normally, he’s the one scoring in the 90th minute,” Thuram said with a smile to DAZN at full-time. “There’s trust from a team that knows you can win games in the final minutes. Every time we step onto the field, we know the game will be long.”

The match at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza was a tense affair, with Fiorentina taking the lead through Alex Jimenez. Inter struggled to break down a resilient opponent, but Thuram’s persistence paid off. He equalized late and then won a penalty when he was fouled in the box, allowing Zielinski to seal the win. The Polish midfielder was calm under pressure: “Surely, it weighed a lot. But honestly, I was calm and confident I’d score. We are happy, and we must keep it up.”

Thuram also addressed the issue of simulation, having been booked for diving in Inter’s previous away game at Bologna. He felt that referees often perceive him as a diver, but he insisted that he will continue to challenge defenders. “It’s strange, because every time, on the field, it seems that the referee thinks I dive,” he said. “Then I watched the replay [of the incident against Bologna], and I heard it was a penalty. Errors can happen. I must keep challenging opponents, make things happen inside the box, and in the end they’ll give a penalty, as happened today.”

With the Ballon d’Or ceremony set for tomorrow, Thuram was quick to shift focus to the prestigious award. He hopes that a French player will take home the honor, naming Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise as worthy candidates. “I hope a Frenchman wins it,” Thuram concluded. “Kylian, Dembélé, Olise. We have many talented players who could win it, and I hope a Frenchman does.” Once again, Thuram dedicates Inter goal to Lautaro hopes French compatriot wins Ballon d Or, highlighting his dual loyalties to his club captain and his national team colleagues.

Zielinski also spoke about the team’s resilience and dismissed criticism. “We don’t think about criticism; we try to give our all. If you look at the results, they are excellent. Except for the game against Brugge, we’ve always played well; we don’t care about criticism.” The victory keeps Inter’s momentum going in Serie A, and Thuram’s contributions have been vital in Lautaro’s absence.

As the Ballon d’Or approaches, Thuram’s comments add an intriguing subplot to the narrative. The Frenchman’s performance and his dedication to Lautaro have endeared him further to Inter fans, while his support for his compatriots resonates with football enthusiasts worldwide. In a season full of twists, Thuram dedicates Inter goal to Lautaro hopes French compatriot wins Ballon d Or, a statement that captures the essence of his character: a team player with a deep sense of national pride.

In conclusion, Marcus Thuram’s late heroics against Fiorentina not only secured a crucial win for Inter but also showcased his class and sportsmanship. His dedication of the goal to the injured Lautaro Martinez and his hopeful endorsement of a French Ballon d’Or winner reflect the values of camaraderie and excellence. As the season progresses, Inter will rely on such performances to challenge for honors, and Thuram’s form will be pivotal. For now, the focus shifts to the Ballon d’Or, where Thuram’s wish may well come true.