Spain-Georgia: who is Robin Le Normand, the French lock of “Roja”?

Born in France, promising international, hard worker in the shadows… Robin Le Normand would have everything of a perfect starter this Monday, in the tricolor defense, to face Belgium (this Monday July 1st at 6pm live on TF1, TF1+ and live commentary on TF1info). However, it is under the jersey of Spain that the 27-year-old central defender will try to reach the quarter-finals of the Euro, against Georgia, this Sunday June 30th (9pm live commentary on TF1info).

For several years, Robin Le Normand has not ticked the box of French nationality. At least, in sporting terms. Born in Côtes-d’Armor in 1996, he chose to represent Spain, his adopted country, which he joined at the age of 19. Real Sociedad, buoyed by the emergence of Antoine Griezmann under their colours, spotted him when he was not kept on by Stade Brestois in 2016.

He “dreamed” of the Blues…

In San Sebastian, Robin Le Normand learns under the responsibility of Éric Olhats, former mentor of the vice-captain of the French team. But his beginnings are not dreamed. His adaptation is “complicated”he confided in an interview with AFP in 2019. “This is the hardest stage of my career.” The Norman is hanging on, progressing and making a name for himself within the Basque club’s squad.

Since then, he has had a string of successful seasons: 37 out of 38 league games played in 2021/2022, 33 a year later… The Norman is making his mark and establishing himself as a starter in one of the best defenses in the country. To the point of catching the eye of the national teams.

If he admits to having “discussed with Didier Deschamps” Who “watched him and appreciated him”the Frenchman finally chose Spain to form a central hinge with a tricolor feel, in the company of Aymeric Laporte. “The French team, of course, I dream of it, like every French player”declared Robin Le Normand in 2019.

…and became the “future of Spanish football”

Luis de La Fuente, successor to Luis Enrique at the head of the Rojaalso dreams of him. And the interest is mutual. In the spring of 2023, the Spanish Minister of Justice proposes to the government the naturalization of Robin Le Normand “taking into account the exceptional circumstances”. Process validated: on May 23, the native of Pabu was officially naturalized Spanish.

On the other side of the Pyrenees, we are delighted with a decision that has passed almost under the radar in France. “This is the future of Spanish football”welcomed Luis de La Fuente in June 2023. “We see him play every week, we know his qualities. He is very calm, he has shown that he is a great player.”

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And “great player” who hasn’t finished going through the stages. Since then, Robin Le Normand has only missed one match against Spain (14 caps, one goal) and is participating in his first Euro in Germany this summer. He dreams of a second major trophy, after winning the 2023 Nations League with Roja. On the road to the coronation, he could come across Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann and the Blues in the semi-final. His former compatriots.