Now aged thirty-five, Wendie Renard is one of the emblematic figures of French women’s football. The OL Lyonnes defender was the captain of the France team for a long time. But her international career came to a sudden halt just before Euro 2025. Les Bleues coach, Laurent Bonadei chose not to call her up for the competition and since then, Wendie Renard has no longer worn the blue jersey. But she is still a candidate.
With her one hundred and sixty-eight selections under her belt, the native of Schoelcher (Martinique) still wants to believe that she will one day return to the French team, even if Laurent Bonadei has clearly shown that he wants to turn a page by deciding to do without her services and those of Eugénie Le Sommer, another historic executive of the Bleues.
In a statement made on Saturday at Canal+, Wendie Renard was very clear, as she had already done a little earlier in the columns of
Progress. She first indicated that “there had never been any contact since the phone call” before the Euro. “The most important thing is to stay myself, to stay straight in my boots as I always have been. Since I did not announce that I was stopping my international career, it is my performances that will speak for themselves. »
Wendie Renard still a candidate with the Bleues
Obviously eager to resume the course of her history with the France team, the player continued. “I stay aligned with my values. I have always respected this jersey and until the end of my death, I will respect it. Now that’s how it is, that’s life. » And to conclude by repeating:
“I never announced my withdrawal, I’m not going to change it. (…) I will do everything with my club to remain efficient. »
Little chance of seeing Laurent Bonadei reverse his decision and the direction taken a few months ago. The captain’s armband is now around Griedge Mbock’s arm and the Blues have probably started a new chapter of which Wendie Renard no longer seems to be a part, for the moment.
