Hoping for World Cup Call-Up
Former Bayern Munich star Corentin Tolisso (31) is enjoying a career-best season at Lyon. Arriving as a major hope for the future, his time in Munich was marred by injuries, preventing him from establishing a firm foothold. He returned to Olympique Lyon in 2022, and his first two seasons there mirrored his Bayern struggles. But all that now seems forgotten. Tolisso is having the season of his life, with 20 goal involvements across all competitions – the second-highest among all French midfielders. Lyon are firmly on course for Champions League qualification, and growing calls are urging Didier Deschamps to include him in the World Cup squad. It would be Tolisso’s first call-up for Les Bleus since 2021.
Performance Data – Season 25/26 – All Competitions:
Matches: 37
Goals: 14
Assists: 6
“I think he’s our best player. He’s our captain, our leader,” said Real Madrid loanee Endrick after Lyon’s 4-2 victory over Stade Rennes last weekend. Tolisso was instrumental, scoring one goal and providing two assists, helping his side keep a direct Champions League rival at arm’s length. His scoring tally has now reached 20 goal contributions in a single season – a personal best and a powerful statement for a World Cup spot.
At a Glance: Ligue 1 Table Situation
Only one French midfielder has more goal involvements than Tolisso: Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) with 24. Tolisso is followed by Adrien Thomasson (RC Lens) with 14. A Bundesliga player also features in the top 10: FC Augsburg’s Alexis Claude-Maurice, who has nine contributions in 29 games.
Tolisso’s current hot streak is also reflected in his market value. Despite his age, his valuation has risen from €5 million in 2024 to €12 million. The Frenchman’s peak came during France’s 2018 World Cup triumph (€45 million). After missing the 2022 World Cup, Tolisso is determined to make a fresh push. Whether Deschamps will be convinced by Tolisso’s arguments remains to be seen, but he has certainly won over his teammate Endrick: “There aren’t enough words to define Coco.”
