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.