“A Heartbreaking Story.” Why Did Renard Describe The Iraq Match As The Most Important In His Life?

This result concluded an emotional chapter in the career of the French coach, who returned to lead the Saudi national team in October 2024, succeeding Italian Roberto Mancini.

Renard‘s journey since then has witnessed a painful personal loss with the death of his mother in early 2025.

Renard said last Monday, “The confrontation with Iraq is the most important in my coaching career. This confrontation is the most important in my life as a coach, and I will explain the reason for that after its end.”

This statement raised widespread questions before the meeting.

After the match ended in a goalless draw, which gave the “Greens” direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Renard revealed the emotional dimension of the confrontation, saying:
“This was the most important match in my coaching career. I lost my mother last February, and she was present with us in the stands of Lusail Stadium when we achieved the historic victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.”

He added: “The last time I saw my mother was last January, and she told me: I will not be able to watch the next World Cup, but I want you to be present with the Saudi national team.”

He continued with clear emotion: “When I was asked about the matter after the match, I was overwhelmed by all these feelings at once. I believe that she (my mother) is taking care of me from there.”

The Saudi national team is participating in the World Cup for the third time in a row, and the seventh in its history, after previous participation in the 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022 editions.

Source: gulfnews