Karim Benzema is considered one of the greatest strikers in French football history. After Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid, he single-handedly managed the attacking responsibilities. He won the Ballon d'Or. However, in 2023, he left European football and moved to Saudi Arabia. He has been quite successful there as well. He helped Al Ittihad win two titles in 2024. However, this experienced striker has been ostracised from the national team for almost four years. But he is ready to play in the 2026 World Cup. He also made suggestive comments.
Benzema made his debut for the French national team in 2007. However, he only played in the 2014 World Cup. Why after so many years? He didn't get a place in the 2010 World Cup squad. He didn't get a place in 2018 as he was banned due to a sex scandal. At one point, he also got into trouble with national team head coach Didier Deschamps.
37-year-old Karim Benzema wants to play at the 2026 World Cup with France:
However, Deschamps brought Benzema back to the national team in 2021. Although he got a place in the 2022 World Cup squad, he got injured in the first practice session itself. He returned home as well. After that, for unknown reasons, he hasn't been called up to the France team.
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In an interview with a French newspaper, Benzema said he has never turned down a call to play for the French national team. He said, 'As a football player, playing football is my job. So even if I get a call to the national team, my only goal is to go there and play football. It's never that I don't want to return to the national team. However, I will be called considering how much I can help the team at a stage like the World Cup. But thinking about these things, no player would want to miss the opportunity to play in the World Cup. I definitely want to play."
Benzema has never officially announced his retirement. This time, a few months before the World Cup, he himself increased speculation about returning to the national team.
