(Football news) After 14 years between the sticks for France, Hugo Lloris has decided to hang up his boots. The decision comes less than a month after France lost the World Cup final against Argentina. Lloris’ retirement was always on the horizon as he will be 38 in the Euro 2024. The shot stopper has been an incredible servant for the France national team. Since his debut in 2008, he has racked up 145 appearances for France, which is more than any other player. He captained his country to a World Cup win in 2018 and a Nations League win in 2021. 

Hugo Lloris’ made his international debut against Uruguay on 9th September 2019 where he kept a clean sheet. He soon established himself as the first choice goalkeeper in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. By the Euro 2012, then manager Laurent Blanc named Lloris as the first choice captain of the side. The World Cup win in 2018 was definitely the highlight of his France career. Les Blues will miss Hugo Lloris between the sticks and also in the dressing room as a captain because he has been there for so long. Raphael Varane is the top candidate to take over as the captain unless Didier Deschamps decides to give it to their talisman Kylian Mbappe.

Replacing Lloris in goal is going to be a tough task for France. Looking at the World Cup squad, the back-up goalkeeper Steve Mandanda is 37 years old while the 3rd choice keeper Alphonse Areola isn’t a regular starter for his club West Ham. AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who missed the World Cup due to injury looks to be the obvious choice to take over. He has been doing really well with Milan and at the age of 27 it is the perfect time for him.

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