The first ever official women’s football match took place in 1971, when France took on the Netherlands. Despite having played several friendly matches ahead of this fixture, the French Football Federation (FFF) dismissed these. Their acceptance of international football for women in France was marked by their rivalry with the Dutch. Now, over fifty years later, many things have changed. Captain, Wendie Renard is positive that she can lead France to success at Paris 2024.
Renard skipper has been on an incredible journey through football, from being a young girl wanting to play football during her childhood in Martinique, to captaining her country on the international stage. Recently, she announced that this will be her final outing as an Olympian. Therefore, she will be motivated and prepared to give her teammates their best shot at bringing back an Olympic Gold.
Olympic history for the French Women’s National Team:
Although women’s football was first introduced as an official sport in the Olympic Games, France made their debut in 2012. The Blues have only experienced two Olympics to date. In 2012 they finished fourth place, and only sixth place in 2016. As hosts this summer, France are hoping to make history and reach the final for the first time.
Women’s football in France is now well-established and becoming more and more competitive. There will be several changes in France for the upcoming season, including a rebranded Première Ligue, which aims to professionalise the domestic French leagues. With this new era for football in the Hexagon, an Olympic Gold would be the perfect way to highlight the developments and growth in the sport.
Renard knows the Blues are deserving of their first title. After consistent knockout stage finishes in serval tournaments in the past decade, a first place is well-overdue. During this time, Renard has regularly worn the armband for her national side but is yet to return victorious. Her final time, and only the Blues’ third time, representing France in the Olympic Games would go down in history if they were to secure the top spot on the podium.
Renard’s journey to professional football:
Renard was born in Martinique, a French island in the Lesser Antilles. From the age of seven she played for a local football team on her home island. It was clear during her childhood that she had a strong interest in football and wished to pursue a career in the sport.
Aged only fifteen, a young Renard ventured into the footballing world. She flew to France for a trial but was not successful in earning a spot on the national training programme. However, her determination gave her the belief that she could still succeed. At sixteen, she permanently moved to Lyon, as she was selected following a great performance in only her second trial to pave the way for her professional career. It took courage to leave home as a teenager, but Renard had the instinct of a true leader and professional from her youth.
Almost two decades later, the French skipper still plays in Lyon. She has almost three hundred appearances for the French Giants and is also the captain. There is no doubt that Renard is an inspiration and role model to the younger generations of girls, both in France and worldwide; she had a dream from a young age and followed it through till she made it.
The impact of the captain:
Although Renard has been a key member of the French national side for over a decade, she stepped away from her international duties after their World Cup defeat in 2023. With Corinne Diacre in charge, Renard temporarily refused to play for the Blues. A player mutiny saw rough waters for the squad, which resulted in a negative atmosphere and lack of success. It was also apparent that Renard removing herself from her national side as a stance of solidarity and perseverance made the headlines and proved that she holds her nation close to her heart.
However, later on that year the Blues were faced with a new head coach. Renard rejoined the team and impressed upon him with her leadership qualities. In her words:
“He’s brought in a lot of rigour, self-belief and a sense of solidarity to the team.”
Under new management, the skipper seems much more comfortable in a professional environment, with the same drive for success.
With the FFF on their side, and home fans to their advantage, Wendie Renard is hopeful that France can finally bring back the Gold. The Blues know this could be an occasion to mark a new era of women’s football for France.
Photo – 5 things to know about French football Wendie Renard | NBC Los Angeles
