Transformation of the French Women’s Football Team
In the course of just one year, the French women’s national football team has undergone a significant transformation. Hervé Renard, who led the team during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games , has stepped down from his position. He has been replaced by Laurent Bonadei, who has signed a contract until June 2027 with the option for extension, as confirmed by the French Football Federation (FFF) in their official press release. The federation aims to establish a long-term strategy for the team, especially as many fans and players alike are eager for the squad to secure a major title after several disappointments over the past years.
Strong Choices by Coach Laurent Bonadei
Having reached the semi-finals of Euro 2022 , the French team faced elimination in the quarter-finals at the 2023 World Cup and again at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games , where they were notably outperformed by Brazil on their home turf. As the new head coach, Laurent Bonadei is determined to change the team’s fortunes. With a stellar record of six victories in six official matches in the League of Nations, Bonadei is stepping onto the field in Switzerland with the confidence to instigate a turnaround, all while recognizing there is still much work ahead.
To galvanize this effort, Bonadei will lead a squad of 23 players, prominently featuring Marie-Antoinette Katoto , the star attacker who boasts an impressive tally of 38 goals in 40 appearances . She will also be supported by experienced players such as Kadidiatou Diani, Amel Majri, Sakina Karchaoui, and Grace Geyoro . Additionally, the new captain, Griedge Mbock , is recovering from a calf injury and will be pivotal for the team’s opening match against England . Interestingly, the squad does not include veterans like Wendie Renard, Eugénie Le Sommer, and Kenza Dali —choices that Bonadei has made to forge a new path forward for the team.
Challenging Group Stage Ahead
For France to make a mark in the upcoming tournament, they must navigate a challenging group in which they will face formidable opponents: England , who were the champions in 2022; Wales ; and the Netherlands , the 2017 winners. The matches are set for July 5 in Zurich, July 9 in Saint-Gall, and July 13 in Basel, respectively. Despite the tough competition, Bonadei believes the team possesses the talent and spirit needed to advance far in the tournament. He has articulated his mindset: “I had kept this speech from the start: from the moment you have never won a major trophy, we cannot consider ourselves as favorites.” This conscious humility reflects his approach to team dynamics.
Bonadei further elaborated, stating, “ Rather than returning the image of players as favorites, we need to embrace our role as challengers. With seven consecutive victories in the Nations League, our stock rises, but I prefer that our opponents see us as the favorites while we focus on our ambition to achieve honor.” His strategy hinges on cultivating this mindset among his 23 players as they pursue a significant victory in the tournament.
The Squad: 23 Players Ready to Shine
The roster for the French national team has been carefully crafted, and features a balanced mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers:
Goalkeepers: Justine Lerond (Montpellier), Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (Juventus), Constance Picaud (Fleury)
Defense: Selma Bacha (Lyon), Lou Bogaert (Paris FC), Elisa de Almeida (Paris-SG), Maëlle Lakrar (Real Madrid), Griedge Mbock (PSG), Melween N’Dongala (Paris FC), Thiniba Samoura (Paris-SG), Alice Sombath (Lyon)
Midfield: Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea), Grace Geyoro (Paris-SG), Oriane Jean-François (Chelsea), Sakina Karchaoui (Paris-SG), Amel Majri (Lyon), Sandie Toletti (Real Madrid)
Attackers: Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave), Kadidiatou Diani (Lyon), Kelly Gago (Everton), Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris-SG), Melvine Malard (Manchester United), Clara Mateo (Paris FC)
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Bonadei and his squad. The 2024 challenges await , and the team hopes to rise to the occasion, create their own narrative, and strive toward achieving glory in women’s football.