Born: 1990 (Martinique, French Antilles)
Biography:
Wendie Thérèse Renard, born on July 20, 1990, is a French professional footballer who has made a significant mark on the world of women’s football. Renard plays as a center-back and serves as the captain for both her club, Division 1 Féminine club Lyon, and the France national team. She is widely regarded as one of the most decorated players in modern women’s club football, boasting an impressive list of achievements throughout her career.
Renard hails from Martinique, a French island in the Lesser Antilles, and is the youngest of four daughters. Tragically, her father passed away from lung cancer when she was just eight years old. Despite this early setback, Renard remained determined to pursue her passion for football. Before making her move to the mainland, she played for Essor-Préchotain on her home island. At the age of 15, Renard traveled to mainland France for a trial at Clairefontaine, the prestigious French football academy. However, she was not accepted into the national training program. Undeterred, Renard embarked on a journey to Lyon, where she took part in a more successful trial and secured a spot with Olympique Lyonnais. At the age of sixteen, she made the decision to permanently relocate to Lyon, leaving her home island behind.
Renard’s club career took off when she joined Lyon in 2006. Since the 2007-08 season, she has been a regular fixture in the starting lineup, contributing to Lyon’s incredible success. Renard has played a pivotal role in Lyon’s remarkable run of fourteen consecutive league titles from 2006 to 2020, establishing herself as an integral part of the team. Additionally, she has helped Lyon secure several Challenge de France trophies. In 2010, Renard played a key role in Lyon’s victory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final. She scored the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Turbine Potsdam, showcasing her ability on the big stage. Renard’s contributions to Lyon’s European success have been invaluable, and she played a crucial part in their seventh triumph in the competition during the 2019-20 season. In the semi-finals, she scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain.
Renard’s impact extends beyond her club career. She has also made significant contributions on the international stage. Renard represented France at the under-19 and under-20 levels before making her debut for the senior national team at the 2011 Cyprus Cup. Her performances caught the attention of the coaching staff, and she continued to represent France in major tournaments. Renard has participated in two FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympics, solidifying her status as a key figure for the national team. In September 2013, she was appointed as the team captain, leading France with passion and determination. However, she was stripped of the captaincy after the Euro 2017 tournament, with Amandine Henry taking over the role. Renard’s leadership qualities were once again recognized when she regained the captaincy in September 2021.
Renard’s impact on the 2019 Women’s World Cup, held on home soil, was particularly notable. She made her presence felt by scoring three goals in the group stage, including a brace against South Korea and a penalty against Nigeria. However, she also experienced the disappointment of scoring an own goal against Norway. Despite her team’s quarter-final defeat to the United States, Renard managed to find the net with a consolation goal. Her towering figure, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, made her the tallest player in the tournament.
Renard’s list of accomplishments and accolades is truly impressive. Her skill, dedication, and leadership have not only contributed to Lyon’s dominance in women’s club football but have also played a vital role in the success of the France national team. Renard’s journey, marked by resilience and determination, is an inspiration to aspiring footballers around the world.
Awards:
– 14 French league titles with Lyon
– 8 UEFA Women’s Champions League titles with Lyon