Samuel Umtiti Still Dreaming of the French National Team
In recent years, Samuel Umtiti has been recognized as one of the most consistent and talented defenders in Ligue 1. The Olympique Lyonnais center-back, solid in duels and calm in possession, has already earned several appearances with the French Under-21 team. Yet, despite his steady rise, he has never been called up to the senior French national team by Didier Deschamps. With Euro 2016 fast approaching, the 22-year-old defender remains determined to earn his chance, even as speculation swirls about his international future.
Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Umtiti has also been courted by his country of origin. The Cameroonian Football Federation has made clear its interest in bringing him into the Indomitable Lions setup, especially given his consistent performances in Ligue 1. However, Umtiti has so far held firm in his decision: his dream is to represent Les Bleus.
That ambition has not come without frustration. When Didier Deschamps spoke recently about the depth of the French defense, Umtiti’s name was notably absent. Instead, the coach mentioned other options, even referencing Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly—who, ironically, is no longer eligible to play for France after pledging his international future to Senegal. For Umtiti, the omission was a reminder of just how tough competition is at the highest level.
Still, the Lyonnais defender has refused to be discouraged. Speaking candidly about the situation, Umtiti acknowledged that he has room for improvement and that Deschamps’ comments only served to motivate him further.
“At least he said what he thought! You have to question yourself, and that’s what I do every day,” Umtiti explained. “Maybe he expected more from me in the Champions League. I was missing being good over a whole match. For ten or fifteen minutes, I sometimes made concentration errors. It didn’t bother me. When I heard that, I told myself that I had to show more.”
With Euro 2016 only a few months away, Umtiti believes the door is not completely closed. Raphaël Varane of Real Madrid remains the undisputed starter in defense, while Laurent Koscielny, Mamadou Sakho, and Eliaquim Mangala are all regulars in Deschamps’ squads. However, Umtiti insists there is still “a little space” left for a player willing to prove himself in the final stretch of the season.
Indeed, the young defender’s ambition is not misplaced. Lyon are fighting to secure Champions League football for next season, and Umtiti’s role in their campaign is pivotal. Strong domestic performances, especially in high-pressure matches, could catch the attention of the French manager. With injuries and suspensions always a possibility in tournament football, depth in central defense will be vital for France, who are hosting the competition and aiming to win their first major trophy since Euro 2000.
For now, Umtiti remains focused on his club duties, but his determination to wear the blue jersey is unshakable. While Cameroon waits in the background, ready to offer him an international career, the Lyon defender is still betting on France. Whether Deschamps will grant him that opportunity remains to be seen, but Samuel Umtiti has made it clear—he is ready to seize his chance.
