For the first time since 2015, Karim Benzema has been called to the French National Team. The 33-year-old striker is now officially part of the 26-man squad that will represent France at next month’s Euro 2020 tournament. Benzema’s last appearance for Les Bleus was October 8, 2015 in a friendly exhibition against Armenia, in which he scored twice.
The omissions began when Benzema was not selected for the Euro 16 tournament. At the time, Benzema was under investigation for his involvement in an alleged blackmailing scandal, involving then-international teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape. Benzema denied the allegations. In addition, he was not part of the French squad that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia. By then, it was safe to say that Benzema would never again receive a call-up to the national team. The Real Madrid striker will stand trial in October. He reportedly faces up to five years in prison if found guilty.
OFFICIAL: Karim Benzema is back in the French squad for the first time since 2015.
This attack 🌶️ pic.twitter.com/Uwiw65CkBi
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 18, 2021
Fast Forward
Benzema has scored 29 goals this season for Real Madrid. Going back to the 2018-19 season, he has a total of 86 scores. During his years of omission from his national team, Benzema has had tremendous success with Los Blancos. He won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and broke numerous records along the way.
Benzema has 27 goals in 81 appearances for Les Bleus. His last major international tournament was the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The French National Team can certainly benefit with Benzema on the squad. Benzema and Kylian Mbappé can play well together, without a doubt. The likes of Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé, Kingsley Coman, and Wissam Ben Yedder only add more strength. The French attack has plenty of depth, meaning France has to be the favorite to win this summer’s European Championship.
The tournament begins on June 11, and France will take on Germany in their opening match.
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