France are, at least on paper, one of the strongest candidates to win the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. But since this tournament means so much for Les Bleus, it may sound strange that longtime goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is not with the team.
However, it was the 37-year-old who decided to watch from home. Lloris is not playing in this year’s European Championship because he retired from the French national team in January 2023.
“There comes a time when you have to know how to hand over the reins. I have always said over and over again that the French team doesn’t belong to anyone, and we all have to make sure that’s the case, me first,” Lloris told L’Equipe.
Lloris, who made a record 145 caps for France from 2008 to 2022, decided to retire from international soccer after the Qatar 2022 World Cup final, in which France lost to Lionel Messi’s Argentina on penalties.
“I think that the team is ready to go on. There is also a goalkeeper who is ready (Mike Maignan). I prefer to go out at my peak than wait for a downturn. There is also a family choice, I feel the need to spend more time with my wife and children,” added Lloris, who joined MLS side LAFC as a free agent in the summer of 2023.
Lloris’ illustrious career with France
Lloris made his international debut in 2008 and took part in three European Championships (2012, 2016, and 2020). But perhaps his biggest contribution to the French national team came at a World Cup.
The Nice product represented his country in four editions of FIFA’s flagship tournament (2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), notably captaining Les Bleus in their second ever World Cup triumph at Russia 2018. In addition, he helped the country win the UEFA Nations League in 2021.
Apart from becoming the player with the most appearances in the French national team history, Lloris also set the record for the most games played for France as captain with 121.
France coach Deschamps still counted on Lloris
France manager Didier Deschamps felt Lloris was still capable of playing on the international stage, but called on fans to respect his decision.
“Hugo is still at his best and I have, we have, to respect his decision even if he still had his place in our team as we saw at the World Cup,” Deschamps said in January 2023. “It’s a great servant of the France national team retiring and I want to praise his incredible international career. Beyond all the records he beat, beyond the essential role he had in all our success, he is a remarkable person on the human side.“
Who are France’s goalkeepers without Lloris?
As Lloris said, the French national team already had his successor in Mike Maignan. The AC Milan goalkeeper inherited the job after Lloris retired and is Les Bleus‘ starter in the Euro 2024.
The other goalkeepers who make the French squad in this year’s European Championship in Germany are Alphonse Areola (West Ham) and Brice Samba (Lens).
