France entered UEFA Euro 2024 as one of the favorites to win the title, and theyāve lived up to expectations by reaching the semifinals, where theyāll face a formidable Spain team. However, Hugo Lloris, a key figure in the teamās past successes, is not guarding the goal.
The 36-year-old, who debuted in 2008 under Raymond Domenech, is Les Bleusā most-capped player with 145 appearances and has worn the captainās armband a record 121 times.
Lloris, now with Los Angeles FC, boasts a stellar international career, having won the 2018 World Cup and the UEFA Nations League with France. Despite his impressive record, Lloris was not included in the roster for Euro 2024.
Hugo Lloris out of the semifinal match against Spain
The reason Hugo Lloris isnāt playing against Spain is that he retired from the French national team in January 2023, following the Qatar 2022 World Cup final.
Hugo Lloris of France lifts the World Cup trophy to celebrate with his teammates after during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
āItās not easy to announce it, but after 14 years defending this jersey, which I have worn with enormous pleasure, pride, duty, and a sense of responsibility, I think I have reached the end,ā Lloris stated in an interview with LāEquipe.
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āThere comes a time when you have to know how to step aside. Iāve always said and repeated that the France national team doesnāt belong to anyone, and we all have to make sure thatās the case, starting with me. I believe the team is ready to move forward, and thereās also a goalkeeper who is ready (Mike Maignan).ā Lloris concluded.
Llorisā retirement marks the end of an era for French football, but it also paves the way for the next generation of goalkeepers to step up and continue the legacy.
