France left-back Amel Majri brings her baby daughter to national team set-up | OneFootball

Ahead of the final international break before the World Cup this summer, the France Women’s national team arrived at the Clairefontaine training centre on Monday, with a match against Colombia to come on Friday in Clermont.

Among the arrivals was Amel Majri, the Lyon left-back making her return to the national team after giving birth to a baby girl last summer. In first for Les Bleues, the defender was able to bring her daughter to Clairefontaine, which has been adapted to accomodate players with young children.

Majri, who was absent from Les Bleues since 2021, having previously suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, has 66 appearances so far at international level.

In his press conference yesterday, newly-named manager Hervé Renard explained that giving players the possibility to do so is a major step forward for Women’s football in France, and that it is an aspect in which the country has to catch up with others:

“It’s essential to have the facilities for players with young children. It’s hard for a mother to leave her very young child at home, even if it’s for her job. […] There need to be organised facilities, with a nanny. It won’t affect the team, and psychologically speaking it’s very important. In order for her to have peace of mind and to perform well, the two need to be associated. There is progress to be made in terms of assistance. We’re going to manage what they do in the USA. Maybe one day we’ll end up with four or five kids among us, and if things run smoothly, it won’t be an issue.”

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin