Thomas Lemar

Thomas Benoît Lemar (born 12 November 1995) is a French professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Spanish club Atlético Madrid and the France national team. He is known for his versatility, being able to play on both wings and through the center. Features of his game include dribbling and passing ability.

Lemar began his senior career at Caen in 2013. He played 32 times for the club before moving to Monaco for £3.4 million in 2015. In 2018 he signed for Spanish club Atletico Madrid where he won the UEFA Super Cup in his debut season.

He has represented France at every level from U17 to U21 and made his international senior debut in 2016 against the Ivory Coast. He was a member of the team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

On 1 July 2015, Lemar officially joined Monaco for an undisclosed fee. He scored his first goal for the club on 22 August 2015, scoring in a 1–1 draw with Toulouse. On 20 September, he scored in the club's 2–3 home loss to Lorient. Four days later, Lemar scored in Monaco's 3–2 win over Montpellier at the Stade de la Mosson. On 17 January 2016, Lemar scored in Monaco's 2–0 away win over Lorient. On 4 March, Lemar scored the opening goal in Monaco's 2–2 draw with his former club Caen.

Lemar is a versatile midfielder able to play on both wings as well as through the center and in a free role. He is predominantly left-footed but is also competent with his right foot. He is noted for his excellent dribbling skills, strong passing ability, and free kicks. He has said he prefers to link-up with teammates, rather than taking on defenders: "I am trying to avoid duels and concentrate on passing as much as possible." He will often attempt to score from long range and scored 14 goals in 55 appearances in the 2016–17 season and had 17 assists.