Endrick backs Tolisso for France World Cup recall
Olympique Lyonnais forward Endrick has publicly endorsed teammate Corentin Tolisso for a recall to the France national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Speaking to Canal+ after Lyon's victory over Auxerre on Saturday, the Brazilian praised the influence and form of his club captain. Endrick stopped short of making a direct plea to manager Didier Deschamps, but his comments add to a growing conversation around the midfielder's international future.
"I can't say if he can go to the national team or not, that's Didier Deschamps who decides that," Endrick said. "He is having an incredible season here. I hope he can go to the World Cup to play and to help his national team, because he is a great player." Tolisso, a 2018 World Cup winner, has not featured for Les Bleus since UEFA Euro 2021, with injuries and competition for places keeping him out of recent squads.
The 29-year-old midfielder returned to Lyon on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 after his contract with Bayern Munich expired. His career in Germany was hampered by persistent injury problems, but he has re-established himself as a key figure in Ligue 1. This season, Tolisso has taken on the captain's armband and been a consistent performer in the Lyon engine room, contributing both defensively and with crucial goals.
Endrick's admiration for his captain was clear as he expanded on his impact. "Tolisso is the player who has impressed me the most at Lyon," he said. "He is an idol, he kills himself for the team. I hope I have the chance to play a lot more with him." The Brazilian's comments come at a time when Lyon are pushing for European qualification, with Tolisso's leadership seen as integral to their late-season form.
For France, Deschamps faces a midfield selection puzzle ahead of the expanded 2026 World Cup in North America. Established stars like Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga are considered front-runners, but Tolisso's experience and resurgent club form present a compelling case for inclusion. His ability to play in both box-to-box and more advanced roles offers tactical flexibility that other contenders may not.
The public endorsement from a high-profile teammate, while not unprecedented, adds a subtle layer of external pressure on the national team management. It highlights the respect Tolisso commands within the Lyon dressing room and reinforces the narrative of a player who has successfully rebuilt his career. Whether Deschamps is watching remains to be seen, but Tolisso's performances between now and the end of the season will be crucial for any hopes of a recall.
