Veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is notably absent from the French national team squad for the entire Euro 2024 tournament, including the highly anticipated semifinal clash against Spain.
Gareth Southgate resigns as England coach: Pep Guardiola and other candidates to take the jobEngland continues their ridiculous streak of not winning titlesBy Gianni Taina
July 08, 2024 04:56PM EDT
July 08, 2024 04:56PM EDT
© Marko Djurica – Pool/Getty ImagesHugo Lloris of France looks dejected after the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Round of 16 match between France and Switzerland France entered UEFA Euro 2024 as one of the favorites to win the title, and they’ve lived up to expectations by reaching the semifinals, where they’ll face a formidable Spain team. However, Hugo Lloris, a key figure in the team’s past successes, is not guarding the goal.
The 36-year-old, who debuted in 2008 under Raymond Domenech, is Les Bleus‘ most-capped player with 145 appearances and has worn the captain’s 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 isn’t 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
“It’s 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,” Lloris stated in an interview with L’Equipe.
“There comes a time when you have to know how to step aside. I’ve always said and repeated that the France national team doesn’t belong to anyone, and we all have to make sure that’s the case, starting with me. I believe the team is ready to move forward, and there’s also a goalkeeper who is ready (Mike Maignan).” Lloris concluded.
Lloris’ 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.
Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, specializing in soccer, the NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he made his initial strides as a writer. Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like Roland Garros. His ability to report on real-time events and write under pressure has established him as a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, where he covers a wide range of sports, including European soccer, MLS, and the NBA. Gianni earned his degree in Communication from Deportea in Buenos Aires, Argentina.