TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 21, 2026 – Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram revealed that teammate Weston McKennie plays a crucial role in fostering team spirit at the club, frequently hosting dinners at his home.
Thuram on McKennie, Messi & the Importance of Team Chemistry
The Juventus star shared insights into his upbringing and the impact of legendary players on his career.
- Khephren Thuram credits his father, Lilian Thuram, with instilling a love for the game and a strong sense of gratitude.
- McKennie is a key figure in building camaraderie within the Juventus squad through social gatherings.
- Thuram fondly remembers childhood encounters with football icons like Vieira, Henry, and Messi.
- The midfielder emphasized the importance of a fearless mentality and a winning attitude at Juventus.
“I’ve never felt favoured, only lucky. The privilege isn’t being Lilian Thuram’s son, but having a dad who loves me very much,” Thuram said in a recent interview with Journal dello Sport.
The 24-year-old midfielder also reflected on the influence of past greats he met as a child. “I met many big players as a kid. I think of Vieira, Henry or Tudor who gifted my brother and me an amazing robot,” he recalled.
What role does McKennie play in the Juventus locker room? McKennie actively cultivates a strong team bond by regularly inviting teammates to his home for dinners and social activities, creating a relaxed atmosphere for connection.
He also acknowledged his father’s influence, though his memories of Antonio Conte’s time at Juventus are less vivid. “I don’t remember about Conte, but my father has spoken to me about him and his Juventus personality.”
Thuram shared a heartwarming anecdote about a gesture from Lionel Messi during his father’s time at Barcelona. “When my father joined Barcelona from Juventus, Messi was only a kid, but he was already so strong,” he continued. “Once, he gifted a pair of football boots to Marcus.” He also praised the joyful spirit of Ronaldinho, noting, “Ronaldinho was phenomenal with the ball, but also very kind and always happy. My brother and I have taken a bit of his smile. Life is beautiful, and you’ve got to smile.”
Looking ahead to today’s match, Thuram expressed confidence in Juventus’ ability to secure a victory against Napoli. “You can’t have fear in football. We have a quality team and coach, and we are at Juventus so we must win,” he stated.
Thuram also highlighted the positive impact of coach Luciano Spalletti, noting that he is helping Juventus players on and off the pitch with detailed video analysis and guidance.
“Weston does well on the pitch, but he’s also a great guy in the locker room, always available,” Thuram concluded. “He organises lots of team dinners at his place, and we get together to play cards or watch a match. Many of us go, David too: he’s a really good guy, and a top striker. We’ve seen only a little of his qualities.”
Thuram, 24, has registered two goals and three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season, continuing a family legacy of footballing excellence. He is the son of France legend Lilian and brother of Inter striker Marcus.
Juventus will face Napoli at the Allianz Stadium at 18:00 CET today.
