A group of four female football players in blue jerseys are celebrating on a green field during a game. The player on the left, seen from behind, wears number 9 and has long dark braids. The player in the foreground on the right, facing towards the viewer, wears number 11 and is high-fiving the number 9 player. Two other players are visible in the background, also in blue jerseys. Spectators are blurred in the stands behind them.
Photo: Sky Sports

Les Bleues: a new chapter where young stars take centre stage


The UEFA Women’s EUROs are underway, with France taking part as one of sixteen qualifying nations. Les Bleues are looking to build on their positive form in recent months, showcasing their talent to the world. However, global audiences have been shocked to see the omission of key players.


Under new head coach, Laurent Bonadei, there have been some unforeseen changes to the twenty-three-player squad. Former captain, Wendie Renard, alongside Eugénie Le Sommer and Kenza Dali did not secure their place on the plane to Switzerland.  

For countless years these experienced players have been the face of the French women’s national team; now a new era is upon them. Les Bleues are counting on their upcoming stars to rise to the challenge and finally break their curse of falling short of a major final.

Who will be the new faces of the French national team? And will Bonadei give them the self-confidence they need to perform on the big stage?


Omissions

Much to the surprise of the footballing community, three key players for the French national team have been omitted from the squad: Captain, Renard, Le Sommer, and Dali. They are individuals with such sporting prowess and leadership qualities, making their absence certainly noticeable. 

Renard’s presence on the international stage is unmatched. Her experience and defensive quality make her a no brainer for squad selection. Since making her debut for the Blues in 2011, she has featured in almost every international break, with the exception being her period on the sideline with injury. Therefore, the choice to miss her out of this major tournament squad is certainly one questioned by fans. 

With two centuries of caps, and almost one-hundred goals for Les Bleues, Le Sommer has also played a key role in the team for several years. Arguably one of the most successful national team players, her absence from the EUROs squad was unexpected. France will rely on their upcoming stars to step up and score the goals needed to progress through the tournament.


A new captain – Mbock 

Bonadei has put his trust in Griedge Mbock Bathy to captain the nation in this major tournament. She plays as a centre-back for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who certainly have a taste for success. 

In 2013, Mbock made her debut for the senior French team. Therefore, with over a decade of experience with Les Bleues, her time has come to take a step further in her career. Leading from the back, she aims to inspire her teammates to act with composure, taking positive strides to progress far in the competition. Aged thirty, she has a good number of years of experience under her belt but is not ready to hang up her boots just yet. 

For PSG in the 2024/25 season, Mbock featured in ten matches and netted two goals, despite her position as a defender. Her versatility and vision make her the perfect pick in the starting eleven. Capturing Bonadei’s eye throughout the season for her club, she has proven herself worthy of the armband. This tournament brings a huge excitement and will progress her game to the next level.  

Unfortunately, concerns have been raised over whether she will be able to feature in France’s opener against European Champions, England. Picking up a suspected injury in training, her absence would be a huge blow for her team. 


Ones to watch 

Marie-Antoinette Katoto is becoming a vital player for France. The forward’s stats make no mistake of showing her technical ability and drive to put her team ahead. For PSG, she stepped on the pitch in twenty league matches, earning herself twelve goals and four assists. Aged twenty-six, she is in the prime of her career and is now considered one of the best French strikers of all time. Will she continue her clinical form and make this major tournament her time to shine?

Another player to watch for France is Olympique Lyonnais’ Selma Bacha. The left-back or left-winger is a versatile player who contributes hugely for both her club and country. Aged only twenty-four, she is a promising talent who dominates the left of the field. Joining the French Champions in 2017, Bacha made the move of her career and has stayed with the club since. Her determination and quality passes are unmatched, meaning she will be a key component in Bonadei’s tactical aims for the nation this summer. 

Finally, Chelsea’s world-class midfielder, Sandy Baltimore is one player who cannot go unmentioned. In her first season in the Barclays Women’s Super League, she has brought a new lease of life to Sonia Bompastor’s side. Not many players are capable of performing to such high standards in any position, but Baltimore has showcased just that. Darting from one wing to another, the youngster is going to be make her mark in Switzerland and prove a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament. Will she be the difference needed to push France to a final in a major tournament?


Future generations

Despite France’s reputation as a successful sporting nation, it will come as a shock to learn they have never featured in a major tournament final. However, this could all change allduring the EUROs. 

Bonadei brings a fresh perspective and look for the French side. With young players joining the squad, they bring a new vision and determination to earn their place on the pitch. Not only do these youngsters excite the nation, but they have impacted hugely the growth of women’s football in France. Recent statistics show how significantly the footballing stage is expanding for girls, with more and more opportunities to support and play the women’s game becoming available. 

France possess so many footballing stars, who will pave the way for the next generation of young footballers looking to one day become professionals. Could the EUROs finally be their time to shine on the international stage, proving why they have such a positive and anticipated reputation within the history of the women’s game?


Beyond the Pitch - Les Bleues: a new chapter where young stars take centre stage