Zidane Rules Out Benzema France Return
Zidane Rules Out Benzema France Return
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Key Points
1
Zidane’s first France matches are scheduled against Turkey and Belgium in UEFA Nations League fixtures during the September international break.
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Karim Benzema made his France debut in 2007, helped the team win the 2021 UEFA Nations League and finished his international career with 20 assists in addition to his 37 goals.
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Benzema was included in France’s 2022 World Cup squad but did not play in the tournament after suffering a thigh injury; he ended his international career shortly after France’s defeat in the final.
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Aurélien Tchouaméni’s omission came as he had made only three Real Madrid appearances that season, including one start, while dealing with a groin injury.
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Kylian Mbappé has served as France captain since 2023, when Didier Deschamps appointed him to the role; Zidane confirmed that he will retain the captaincy.
Zinedine Zidane has shut the door on a Karim Benzema return to France's national team. The new France coach said he admires the 38-year-old former captain but wants to build around younger players as he begins his tenure. Egypt Today reported that Benzema, who scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for Les Bleus, last played in 2022 after the World Cup final loss.
Zidane also left Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni out of his first squad because the midfielder had a groin injury and needed to recover in Madrid. Mid-Day confirmed that Kylian Mbappé will stay on as France captain under Zidane's management. The coach's debut matches come in September against Turkey and Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.
Zidane Prioritizes Youth Over Benzema's Experience
Benzema's international career ended shortly after France lost the 2022 World Cup final. He had been part of the squad but suffered a thigh injury and never took the field. Despite his stellar record — 37 goals and 20 assists across 97 caps — Zidane believes the team needs a generational shift. Lente Desportiva noted that Zidane took over after Didier Deschamps stepped down, inheriting a squad that needs rebuilding.
Tchouaméni Benched to Complete Recovery in Madrid
Aurélien Tchouaméni's omission came down to timing and injury management. The Real Madrid midfielder had made just three appearances for his club this season, including only one start, while dealing with a persistent groin injury. Zidane decided the player needed uninterrupted recovery time in Madrid rather than international duties. The Annapurna Express confirmed that José Mourinho stated Real Madrid did not pressure France into the decision.
Mbappé Retains Captaincy Under Zidane
Kylian Mbappé will continue as France captain, a role he has held since 2023 when Didier Deschamps appointed him. Magzter reported that Mbappé described working under Zidane as "like something out of a movie," highlighting the historic significance of playing under one of football's greatest legends. The pair will work together for the first time during the September Nations League matches.
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