France's Wendie Renard withdraws from World Cup to "preserve mental health"

24 February 2023 , 14:55

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Wendie Renard has announced she won't play at this summer's World Cup

France captain Wendie Renard has announced she will not feature at this summer’s Women’s World Cup in a bid to “preserve (her) mental health”.

Renard, 32, is one of the women’s game’s most decorated stars, having won 14 French league titles and eight Champions Leagues with her club side, Lyon. The defender was ranked eighth in the 2022 Ballon d’Or standings and has made 142 appearances for her country.

However, in a statement on Friday, Renard revealed she will not be representing France at this summer’s tournament, citing her lack of support for the “current system” as one of the key factors behind her decision.

“I have defended the blue white and red shirt 142 times with passion, respect, commitment and professionalism,” Renard said. “I love France more than anything else, I am not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer support the current system which is far from the requirements of the highest level. It is a sad day but necessary to preserve my mental health.

“It is with a heavy heart that I come to inform you of my decision to step back from the French team. I will unfortunately not be playing in this World Cup in such conditions.

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"My face may hide the pain but my heart is suffering… and I don’t want to suffer anymore. Thank you for your support and for respecting my decision.”

Renard was appointed captain of the national team in 2013, though she was stripped of the honour by manager Corinne Diacre after a quarter-final loss to England in Euro 2017.

Renard has made 142 appearances for her country

However, the defender’s captaincy was reinstated in September 2021; Renard leading out her country against Germany at last summer’s Euros in France’s first major tournament semi-final in 10 years.

Renard’s announcement comes after she featured for her country against Denmark and Uruguay in this year’s Tournoi de France. The defender played in both matches, netting in a 5-1 win over Uruguay.

France are set to play Colombia and Canada in friendlies ahead of the World Cup, which gets underway in Australia and New Zealand in July. Les Bleues have been drawn in Group F at the tournament, where they will take on Jamaica, Brazil and Panama.

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Beth Lindop