Wendie Renard
Centre Back · Olympique Lyonnais · France
About Wendie Renard
The captain of Olympique Lyonnais and France, Wendie Renard is the most physically imposing and decorated defender in women's football history — a commanding 188cm centre back who has won eight UEFA Women's Champions Leagues and captained one of the greatest club dynasties in football.
Wendie Renard's story
Martinique to Lyon
Wendie Renard was born on 20 July 1990 in Martinique, a French overseas island in the Caribbean. She moved to mainland France as a teenager to pursue her football career and joined Lyon at 16. At 188 cm she is one of the tallest outfield players in women's football, and she uses every centimetre of that height to devastating effect.
Lyon's Captain & Rock
Renard has been the defensive cornerstone of Lyon's era of dominance — a reign that has produced eight UEFA Women's Champions League titles. As captain she has led by example: dominant in the air, composed on the ball, and a danger at set pieces at the other end of the pitch. She has scored over 50 goals from the back — an extraordinary return for a centre back.
France's Leader
Renard captained France and was their most important player through multiple European Championships and World Cups. In a famous moment before the 2023 World Cup she initially announced her withdrawal from the squad in protest at the national team's direction under manager Corinne Diacre — a story that dominated French football. Diacre was ultimately replaced and Renard returned for the tournament.
Longevity
Now in her mid-30s, Renard continues to play at the highest level for Lyon. Her longevity reflects exceptional physical conditioning and a reading of the game that compensates for any decline in raw athletic attributes. She remains one of the most decorated players in the history of club football.
Did you know?
- Renard has won eight UEFA Women's Champions Leagues with Olympique Lyonnais — more than any other player in the history of the competition.
- Standing 188 cm, she is one of the tallest outfield players in women's football and has scored over 50 goals for Lyon from centre back — including crucial goals in Champions League finals.
- Before the 2023 Women's World Cup, Renard made headlines by publicly withdrawing from the France squad in protest at the national team's direction — a stance that led to the removal of coach Corinne Diacre and Renard's reinstatement before the tournament.
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