French · Martinique, France · Born 20 July 1990French footballer and centre-back, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in women's football history with exceptional aerial ability.
Wendeleine Thérèse Renard was born on 20 July 1990 in Schœlcher, Martinique, the youngest of four daughters. Her father died of lung cancer when she was eight years old, and she was raised primarily by her mother on the Caribbean island before moving to mainland France as a teenager after a tryout at the Clairefontaine national training centre did not immediately lead to a scholarship place. Renard joined Lyon in 2006 at 16, and has remained with the club for her entire career, becoming, in the words of the New York Times, an "institution" at the most successful club in the history of European women's football. Standing 1.87 metres tall, her commanding presence in the air and defensive solidity have made her one of the most feared centre-backs the women's game has ever produced. Renard has won a record 18 French league titles and eight UEFA Women's Champions League titles with Lyon, becoming the club's all-time appearance leader with over 500 games played. She has captained the France national team since 2013, representing her country across multiple World Cups and European Championships, and has been named to the FIFPRO Women's World 11 a record seven times, a mark later equalled by England's Lucy Bronze. Beyond her playing career, Renard has become an outspoken advocate for women's rights in sport and for greater recognition of athletes from French overseas territories like her native Martinique. She was awarded the ACT-Maurice-Tubiana Award in 2022 for her work raising awareness about health risks within athletic communities.
Most decorated player in women's football with over 30 major trophies
How They Played
Dominant aerial presence, exceptional leadership, solid defending and threat from set pieces
Lasting Impact
Revolutionized the centre-back position and established Lyon as the dominant force in women's football
Career Honours
- UEFA Women's Champions League x10 (Lyon)
- Division 1 Féminine x14
- France cap record
- FIFA Women's World Cup 2024
- Olympic Games Silver Medal 2024
- UEFA Women's Player of the Year 2019
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | 2006–Present | 323 | 106 |
 France | — | 142 | 34 |
French Athletes