Zinédine Zidane ends N’Golo Kanté’s France tenure as Benzema remains out

Zinédine Zidane has announced that N’Golo Kanté France career is over, signalling a stark shift in the senior national set‑up. The 35‑year‑old midfielder, who featured at the most recent FIFA World Cup, will not add to his 69 caps.

Managerial shift ends Kanté era

Didier Deschamps has left his post and Zidane has taken over as head coach of the French side. Friday’s squad announcement, attended by French Football News, marked a clear departure from the previous regime.

Speculation had linked Zidane’s appointment with a possible return for Karim Benzema, now 38, who was last called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup before withdrawing with injury. Zidane confirmed that Benzema will not return either.

“I love Karim, but he is of a certain age, like N’Golo,” Zidane said. He added, “I am admiring of his career, but now I need to see younger players, which doesn’t take away anything that he has done for club and country.”

The French Football News report noted that the new squad reflects Zidane’s intent to refresh the roster, leaving no room for further appearances by Kanté.

Both veteran figures, Kanté and Benzema, are therefore excluded from future plans, underscoring the new coach’s focus on youth.

This contrast between the old guard and the emerging talent pool reveals a French national team poised for a generational overhaul under Zidane’s leadership.