France Excludes Long-Time Captain Wendie Renard And Leading Goalscorer Eugenie Le Sommer From Euro 2025 Squad

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France's squad for Euro 2025 will not include Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer, two of their most seasoned players. Under new coach Laurent Bonadei, the team will begin their campaign against England in Zurich on July 5. Following this, they face Wales and the Netherlands in Group D, which is considered highly competitive.

Renard, who has earned 168 caps and participated in every major tournament since the 2011 World Cup, will be absent. In her place, Paris Saint-Germain's Griedge Mbock Bathy has been named captain. Bonadei praised Mbock Bathy, stating, "She is a magnificent person, she brings people together, she is unanimous." Supporting her are vice-captains Sakina Karchaoui, Sandie Toletti, and Grace Geyoro.

The decision to exclude Renard and Le Sommer was also evident during France's recent Nations League victories over Iceland and Switzerland. Bonadei explained that his focus is on players who represent the future of French football. Despite starting 16 of Lyon's league games last season and helping them secure a fourth consecutive Division 1 title, Renard missed three of France's last four internationals due to injury.

Le Sommer contributed significantly to her club with eight goals in 19 league appearances last season. However, she often came off the bench in eight matches. Her record stands at 200 games played and 94 goals scored for France—more than any other player in the nation's history.

The full squad list includes goalkeepers Justine Lerond (Montpellier), Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (Juventus), Constance Picaud (Fleury); defenders Selma Bacha (Lyon), Lou Bogaert (Paris FC), Elisa De Almeida (Paris Saint-Germain), Maelle Lakrar (Real Madrid), Griedge Mbock (Paris Saint-Germain), Melween N'Dongala (Paris FC), Thiniba Samoura (Paris Saint-Germain), Alice Sombath (Lyon); midfielders Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea), Grace Geyoro (Paris Saint-Germain), Oriane Jean-Francois (Chelsea), Sakina Karchaoui (Paris Saint-Germain), Amel Majri (Lyon), Sandi Toletti (Real Madrid); forwards Delphine Cascarino (San Diego), Kadidiatou Diani (Lyon), Kelly Gago (Everton), Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Lyon), Melvine Malard (Manchester United), Clara Mateo (Paris FC).

This strategic shift marks a new era for Les Bleues as they aim to build a team with an eye on future successes while maintaining competitiveness in current tournaments. The absence of such experienced players as Renard and Le Sommer highlights Bonadei’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent within the national team framework.