Zinedine Zidane closes Karim Benzema's chapter with France

In the press room of the Parc des Princes, Zinedine Zidane unveiled the first squad of his tenure as head of the France national team, confirming that the 37‑year‑old striker Karim Benzema is not among the Bleus, absent since June 2022.

Zidane said “We’re closing the chapter”, emphasizing that the current generation must move on without the former goal‑getter. He added that the choices must favour younger players.

“Karim, I love him. He’s getting on in years, it’s a bit like N’Golo Kanté. I admire his career but today, I need to see players who are younger to see what we’ll do together. That does not diminish the career he’s had with the France team and at all the clubs he’s been with,” the coach affirmed.

Asked at the press conference, Zizou ended the hopes of Nueve fans, who dreamed of a reunion of the two Real Madrid legends. No sign of a return is forthcoming.

A new face in the squad

Among the newly called up, Esteban Lepaul, 26, is one of the youngsters to watch. Benzema’s cap count will therefore remain frozen at 97 appearances.

“We are definitely moving on to something else,” Zidane concluded, marking a clear break with the past and paving the way for a rebuilding of the Bleus.