Wendie Renard has announced she will not compete at the 2023 World Cup due to the current conditions within the French national team.

The defender is a stalwart of the game, capped 142 times by her country since making her debut in 2011, and synonymous with Lyon’s domestic dominance over the last decade.

Renard has represented France at three World Cups, but has stepped away from the national team less than five months out from the tournament in Australia and New Zealand this summer ‚to preserve my mental health.‘

„I have defended the blue white red jersey 142 times with passion, respect, commitment and professionalism,“ Renard wrote on social media. „I love France more than anything, I’m not perfect, far from that, but I can no longer condone the current system, far from the requirements of the highest level.

„It’s a sad but necessary day to preserve my mental health. It’s with a heavy heart that I’m sending you this message to inform you of my decision to take a step back from the French team. Unfortunately I won’t be doing this World Cup in these conditions.

„My face may mask the pain but my heart, it hurts.. and I don’t want to suffer anymore. Thank you for your support and respecting my decision.“

Renard was stripped of the French captaincy by manager Corinne Diacre after Euro 2017, before being reinstated in 2021.

Amandine Henry, who had been given the captaincy in Renard’s place, was controversially not named in France’s Euro 2022 squad, and has spoken previously about the negative atmosphere created by atmosphere created by Diacre at major tournaments. Goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi has stated that she will not represent the national team while Diacre remains in charge.