Ten months ago, Pierre Kalulu lived a real nightmare in Stuttgart. Established as right-back during the Nations League semi-final against Spain, the Juventus defender was singled out for his first selection (4-5). Replaced in the 63rd minute, he received a rating of 2.5 from our editorial staff, showing great difficulty in the face of breakthroughs from Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal in particular. In addition, the entry of Malo Gusto in his place did not lean in his favor and the ex-Lyonnais disappeared from the Blues’ radars for nine long months.
A very disappointing first meeting with the Blues
This painful memory could have ruined many careers, as has already been the case with several French players who did not make it past the first selection. But the 25-year-old Lyonnais managed to get up and do much better. Since this fiasco, Pierre Kalulu has completely restarted his season at Juventus. Having become an indisputable executive under Igor Tudor, then Luciano Spalletti, the right back played 41 matches in all competitions this 2025/2026 season, including 29 in Serie A, for 2 goals and 4 assists. With an average rating of 7.0 to 7.25, and a newfound solidity both as a right axis or piston in the Turin defense, the tricolor is the most used Bianconero player of the season with 3661 minutes of play.
“An essential position to offer alternative solutions and sow a little trouble in the marking and organization of the opposing team. He has this ability to position himself at the right time. Kalulu is becoming as complete as Di Lorenzo.praised Luciano Spalletti on the development of his young player. This surprise return to the list of 26 Blues announced by Didier Deschamps is explained by the withdrawal of Jules Koundé, injured in the thigh. With Malo Gusto as the main competition for the right-back position and an ultra-competitive central hinge, Kalulu will have a lot to play for.
An XXL season with Juventus
His ability to help out in several positions makes him a serious asset for the French coach, who appreciates this kind of versatility and responded favorably to the call from the Juve defender in recent days. “Come back to Blue? I know I’ve done everything I can, I’m fit so I have peace of mind. I had the chance to wear this jersey. On the right or in the middle, the French team is the best from a professional point of view, but people forget that it’s what we’ve dreamed of since we were little. It’s a privilege”had released Kalulu, who should have playing time against Brazil.
“We made sure to anticipate and have, through this list of 26 players, several options thanks to the versatility of certain players”had warned Didier Deschamps when announcing his list. For Kalulu, this match could be the ideal ground to erase the image of Stuttgart and show that he has grown up. Or it will be against Colombia, three days later, to relaunch the competition. Because three months before the World Cup, this call-up sounds like a deserved second chance. Pierre Kalulu today embodies the profile that Deschamps appreciates, but he will have to prove it against the Auriverde attack to launch his beautiful story.
