Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is living a childhood dream. Called up to the French national team for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the United States, the 25-year-traditional replaces the injured William Saliba, a late withdrawal due to an ankle injury. For Lacroix, it’s a moment years in the making, a testament to dedication and a belief in his own potential.
The call-up, announced on Monday, March 23, 2026, comes at a crucial time for Les Bleus as they prepare for the challenges ahead, including this summer’s World Cup. Lacroix’s inclusion adds depth to Didier Deschamps’ squad, particularly in the wake of Saliba’s unfortunate setback sustained during Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
A Long Road to Clairefontaine
While perhaps not a household name for many French fans, Lacroix’s journey to the national team has been one of consistent progress and unwavering ambition. The Villeneuve-Saint-Georges native honed his skills at FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, making his professional debut in Ligue 2. His former youth coach, Éric Hély, remembers a player with a clear vision and a relentless work ethic. “He knew where he was going, he wanted to reach the highest level, he didn’t see himself having a small career,” Hély told Le Parisien in 2021. “He always worked to be the best.”
That dedication extended beyond the training ground. Hély recalls a story illustrating Lacroix’s proactive approach to self-improvement. “One day, I went into Maxence’s room and he was massaging himself with a foam roller. I didn’t know what it was, we didn’t have them at Sochaux, but he had realized that all the players in the big clubs had them. He didn’t ask anyone and he bought one himself. That’s what I like about him.”
From Midfielder to Dynamic Defender
Interestingly, Lacroix began his career as a midfielder before being repositioned to central defense by Hély. The move proved to be a masterstroke, allowing Lacroix to utilize his physical attributes and burgeoning defensive instincts. “He is powerful in duels, great in the air, he’s fast and has both feet,” Hély explained. Lacroix’s pace quickly became a defining characteristic of his game. During his first season in Germany with Wolfsburg in 2020, he was clocked at 35.75 km/h, ranking fourth in the league behind only Erling Haaland and Alphonso Davies, demonstrating his exceptional athleticism.
“He Always Said He Would Play for France”
Lacroix’s commitment to representing France has been a lifelong pursuit. Josuha Guilavogui, a former teammate at Wolfsburg, speaks to Lacroix’s unwavering belief in his abilities. “He’s a very jovial person, we became friends immediately, he listens to the experienced players, he was the darling of the locker room,” Guilavogui said. He recounted sending a congratulatory message to Lacroix’s mother upon hearing of the call-up, highlighting Lacroix’s generosity and community spirit. “He has made donations to my orphanage and my foundation in Guinea, there is even a class named after his mother,” Guilavogui added with a smile.
Guilavogui, who has seven senior international appearances himself, understands the significance of this moment for his “little brother.” “He always said he would play for France, now the hard work begins, he has to earn his place and stay there.” He believes Lacroix possesses the qualities to make a lasting impression. “He has played in the Champions League and won titles. Maxence shouldn’t arrive at Clairefontaine timidly, he must show his qualities and familiarize himself with the group.”
Lacroix has been a consistent performer for Crystal Palace, featuring in 43 matches across all competitions this season, establishing himself as a key figure in Oliver Glasner’s squad. He’s missed only two Premier League matches in two years, one due to a red card, showcasing his reliability and durability. Guilavogui believes Lacroix is on the cusp of becoming a world-class player. “He consistently delivers strong performances against English clubs and can score from corners. I’m sure this summer big clubs will reach for him, given that he’s going to proceed from a good player to a French international, and that changes everything.”
The French squad is currently preparing at Clairefontaine before departing for the United States. They will face Brazil in Foxborough, Massachusetts on March 26, followed by a match against Colombia in Landover, Maryland on March 29. These friendlies are vital preparation for the World Cup, where France finds itself in Group I alongside Senegal, Norway, and the winner of an inter-confederation playoff.
Lacroix will have the opportunity to make his debut against Brazil on Thursday, a potentially memorable occasion for the 25-year-old. It’s a fitting reward for a player who has consistently strived for excellence and never wavered in his pursuit of a dream.
“Je suis venu quand j’étais plus jeune, mais maintenant avec les A, c’est différent” 💙
Maxence Lacroix lors de se 1ère fois au château de Clairefontaine 🏰 pic.twitter.com/utD5vTr7vU
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) March 23, 2026
Next up for Lacroix and Les Bleus is the friendly against Brazil on March 26th at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (8:00 PM EDT / 00:00 UTC March 27th). Fans can follow the match live on beIN SPORTS and streaming platforms. What impact will Lacroix have on the French defense? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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