Amel Majri Hangs Up Her Boots for France After Illustrious 11-Year career
Paris, France – A true legend of French women’s football, Amel Majri, has officially announced her retirement from teh french national team, bringing an end to an illustrious 11-year international career. The 32-year-old midfielder, who recently joined Saudi club Al-Ula, confirmed her decision to AFP this past Saturday, marking a notable moment for the “Bleues.”
Majri, who earned 82 caps for her country, cited a desire for younger players to gain crucial experience ahead of the 2027 World Cup as a primary reason for her departure. “I didn’t have much playing time at the Euro and the coach called me mainly for my experience,” Majri explained,referencing her limited minutes in the recent tournament. She revealed that national team coach Laurent Bonadei informed her he wouldn’t be counting on her for the upcoming Nations League semi-final against Germany in late October.
This decision comes after a period where Majri’s role with the national team shifted. While she started one of France’s three Euro 2025 group stage matches against Wales, her appearances in major tournaments like the 2023 World Cup in Australia were limited, with only two starts. The frustrating quarter-final exit from the Euros against Germany, decided by a penalty shootout, saw her come on for less than ten minutes.
“I don’t see myself in this role of replacement because I am a competitor,” Majri stated candidly. “I prefer it to be a young person who can benefit from all these matches to gain experience” for future tournaments. this sentiment underscores her competitive spirit and her commitment to the long-term success of French women’s football.
A Legacy Forged in Blue
Majri’s departure marks the end of an era for the French national team. Her 82 caps represent a significant contribution, and her presence on the field was often a source of inspiration.
“It was an honor to represent my country, and to have made my family proud.The French team is the holy grail,” Majri reflected.
Her former coach, Laurent Bonadei, paid a heartfelt tribute to the departing midfielder, recognizing her immense impact.
“She is an emblematic player of the French team and French women’s football who is retiring from the Bleues today. Amel has won absolutely everything at club but unfortunately will not have had this chance in the french team. Despite this, she will always have given everything for the tricolor jersey. His investment, his state of mind and above all the technical quality of his left foot will have marked the history of the Bleues over the last decade. His frankness and his naturalness will be missed in the life of the Bleues.”
Laurent Bonadei, France Women’s national Team Coach
Bonadei’s words highlight Majri’s dual role as a formidable player and a positive influence within the squad. Her “technical quality of his left foot” was a signature element of her game, capable of unlocking defenses and creating scoring opportunities.
Unparalleled Club Success
While international silverware eluded Majri, her club career is nothing short of remarkable. During her fifteen years at Olympique Lyonnais (OL),she amassed an incredible collection of titles:
* 11 French Championship titles
* 8 French cups
* 8 champions League titles
this haul of domestic and European honors solidifies her status as one of the most decorated players in the history of women’s club football. Her move to Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia in mid-August signaled a new chapter in her playing career, but her heart will always hold a special place for the French national team.
Majri’s journey with les Bleues saw her participate in three World Cups (2015, 2019, 2023), the Rio Olympics in 2016, and the recent Euro 2025 campaign. Her decision to step away from international duty, while bittersweet for fans, is a testament to her character and her forward-thinking approach to the game.
What’s Next for the Bleues?
majri’s retirement opens up a space in the midfield for the French national team. The upcoming Nations League semi-final against Germany will be the first major test of the team’s ability to adapt without her experience. The announcement of the squad list for the next gathering on Thursday, October 16th, will be keenly watched for signs of how Bonadei plans to fill the void left by this iconic player.
Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see which emerging talents will step up to carry the torch for the Bleues, inspired by the legacy of players like Amel Majri. Her contributions will not be forgotten
Amel majri: By the Numbers
To fully appreciate Amel MajriS impact, let’s delve into some key statistics and milestones, highlighting her influence both on and off the pitch.
| Statistic | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| International Caps | 82 – A testament to her enduring presence and value to the French national team.Each cap represents a moment of dedication and service. |
| World Cup Appearances | 3 (2015, 2019, 2023) – Reflecting her consistent selection and contribution to the international stage. |
| Olympics Appearance | 1 (2016 Rio Olympics) – A significant achievement, competing at the highest level of global sports. |
| Club Titles (OL) Champions League | 8 – Illustrating her unparalleled success in club football, a record that cements her status as a European football legend. (OL) – Champion of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. |
| Club Titles (OL) French Championship | 11 titles – Showing her dominance through the years. |
| Club Titles (OL) French Cups | 8 titles – showing her dominance through the years. |
| Current Club | Al-Ula (Saudi Arabia) – Marking a new chapter in her career and expanding her influence in women’s football outside of Europe. |
| Position | Midfielder/Left-back – Demonstrating her versatility and adaptability on the field, allowing her to contribute in multiple roles based on team needs. |
| Key attribute | “Technical quality of her left foot” – Cited by her former coach demonstrating her ability to dictate attacks and score goals from tough angles. |
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Amel Majri
To provide a comprehensive overview and address common inquiries, let’s explore some frequently asked questions about Amel Majri’s career and retirement:
Q: Why did Amel Majri retire from the French national team?
A: Majri cited a desire to allow younger players to gain experience ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Additionally, limited playing time in recent tournaments, and the coach’s assessment played a role in her decision. She felt it was time to step aside and make room for a new generation of players.
Q: What are some of Amel Majri’s most significant achievements?
A: While international success eluded her, Amel Majri boasts an unbelievable club record. She has won 8 UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, 11 French Championship titles, and 8 French cups.She also represented France in three FIFA Women’s World Cups and the Rio Olympics.
Q: How did her former coach, Laurent Bonadei, describe her impact?
A: Bonadei lauded Majri as an emblematic player, highlighting her technical prowess, particularly her “technical quality of his left foot,” and her role as a positive influence within the squad. He recognized her contributions over the past decade, a player who always gave her all for the team.
Q: What is Amel Majri doing now?
A: Majri has moved to Saudi Arabia and now plays for Al-Ula. This move marks a new chapter in her club career and a chance to contribute to the growth of women’s football in a new region.
Q: What does her retirement mean for the French national team?
A: Her retirement creates an opening in midfield for the French national team. The team will need to adapt to her absence, and the upcoming competitions will serve as vital tests to evaluate how the Bleues will fill the void moving forward. This also presents opportunities for emerging talents within the squad to step up and take on more prominent roles.
Q: What is Amel Majri’s legacy?
A: Amel Majri’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, exceptional skill, and a commitment to her country and the sport. She leaves behind a long list of achievements and victories that will continue long after her retirement. Her influence extends beyond mere statistics, and she will be remembered for her passion, which has motivated and inspired many.
