Contents
Wendie Renard: Little-Known Facts and Insights About France’s Legendary Defender
Few defenders have reached the heights of Wendie Renard, the towering centre‑back and captain of both Olympique Lyonnais and the France women’s national team. Known for her aerial dominance, leadership and tactical intelligence, she has carried herself with quiet confidence through a record‑breaking career. Dive into lesser-known facts and whopping career stats that define what makes Wendie one of the greatest defenders in women’s football.
Key Information About Wendie Renard
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated between €4.5 M–€7 M, income from Lyon salary (~$392 K/year) and endorsement deals |
| Relationship Status | Keeps her personal life private; no confirmed public partner or marriage |
| Physical Stats | Height ~1.87 m (6 ft 2 in), strong build, excellent physicality |
| Parents | Father passed away from lung cancer when she was eight; mother and sisters supported her quietly |
| Siblings | Youngest of four daughters; sister’s roles in refereeing inspired her early |
| Position | Centre‑back (club & national team captain) |
| Playing Style | Physical, strong pace, excellent technique, commanding in the air with powerful headers |
| Trophies | 14+ French league titles, 8 UEFA Women’s Champions League wins (record‑holder) |
| Achievements | Described by NY Times as an “institution” at Lyon; historic success across decades |
| Goals | Over 100 club goals; many crucial headers in key fixtures; 39 goals in 168+ France caps |
| Match Experience | Over 300 appearances for Lyon, 168+ caps for France national team |
| Awards | France captain (since 2021, previously 2013–17); multiple club player of the year awards in France |
| Injuries | No major long-term injuries publicly noted |
| Tattoos | None publicly known |
| Dominant Foot | Right-footed centre-back known for passing accuracy |
| Heading Ability | Exceptional; scores key goals from corners and set-pieces |
| Scoring Ability | High for a defender; regularly contributes on both club and national level |
| Pressure Skills | Handles high-pressure moments calmly, leads from front under scrutiny |
Early Life: Roots in Martinique and the Journey to Lyon
Born on 20 July 1990 in Schœlcher, Martinique, Wendie Renard grew up as the youngest of four sisters. Her father’s tragic passing when she was just eight shaped her early life, but she found strength and inspiration in her mother and sisters, one of whom became a referee—a role that sparked Wendie’s own interest in football
At age 15 she traveled to France for a trial at Clairefontaine but wasn’t accepted. Undeterred, she caught the eye of Lyon and joined their youth system at 16—a turning point that launched her storied career
Club Career: The Legendary Reign at Lyon
Renard debuted for Lyon end of the 2006 season and solidified her place from 2007–08 onwards. Since then she has amassed 14 domestic league titles and 8 UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies, establishing herself as the backbone of arguably the best women’s club side ever
She has scored crucial goals: in the 2011 Champions League final against Turbine Potsdam, she netted the opening goal. In the 2020 semi‑final against PSG she delivered the only goal, sending Lyon to yet another European final
International Career: Leadership and Resilience for France
Since her debut at the 2011 Cyprus Cup, Renard has earned 168+ international caps and scored 39 goals—remarkable figures for a central defender . She first served as France captain from 2013 to 2017, regained the armband in September 2021, and continues to lead the team with authority
In the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she scored a brace against South Korea and a penalty against Nigeria, while also suffering an own goal versus Norway. She remains France’s tallest player and threat on set-pieces
In February 2023, she announced withdrawal from France’s squad to preserve her mental health, criticizing management under coach Corinne Diacre. After Diacre’s sacking, she rejoined under new coach Hervé Renard and resumed captaincy—a testament to her resilience and principles
Playing Style & Strengths
Renard combines outstanding aerial dominance, physical power, tactical intelligence and strong pace. Her heading ability is elite, making her a frequent threat at both ends. She reads the game exceptionally well, organizes the defense confidently, and contributes regularly to goals—unusual for someone in her position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many Champions League titles has Wendie Renard won?
A: She has won 8 UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, making her the most decorated player in club history
Q2: What is Wendie Renard’s net worth?
A: Estimates range between €4.5 M to €7 M, built from club salary (~$392 K/year) and endorsements
Q3: How tall is she?
A: She stands at 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in), making her one of the tallest players in women’s football
Q4: Why did she step back from France’s 2023 World Cup squad?
A: She withdrew to “preserve her mental health” amid frustrations with team management under Coach Corinne Diacre
Q5: Does she have any tattoos?
A: No tattoos are publicly known.
Q6: Is she married or in a relationship?
A: She keeps her personal life private; no confirmed partner or marriage has been reported Rich Athletes.
Wendie Renard’s journey—from a young girl in Martinique to the heart of Europe’s most successful women’s team—reflects more than talent. It’s a story of resilience, loyalty and leadership. With her unmatched trophy haul, commanding presence and dedication to both club and country, she stands as a beacon of excellence in women’s football. As she continues to defend Lyon’s and France’s colors, Wendie sets the benchmark for defenders everywhere.
