What National Team Does Karim Benzema Play For?
Karim Benzema, the prolific striker who spent the majority of his club career at Real Madrid, is a French international. He represents the France national football team, commonly known as “Les Bleus.” While his club achievements are often the focus of headlines, Benzema’s relationship with the French national side has been complex, marked by early breakthroughs, a long exclusion, and a surprising recall in 2023.
Early International Rise
Benzema earned his first senior cap for France on March 28, 2007, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Austria. At the time, he was already a rising star at Olympique Lyonnais, where he helped the club win four consecutive Ligue 1 titles. His technical ability, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing quickly made him a regular choice for Didier Deschamps, then the national team coach.
Between 2007 and 2015, Benzema amassed 81 caps and scored 35 goals**. He played a key role in France’s run to the Euro 2008 quarter‑finals and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he partnered with stars such as Antoine Griezmann and Franck Ribéry.
Why Benzema Was Excluded
In March 2015, the French Football Federation (FFF) suspended Benzema from the national team after a legal dispute involving alleged blackmail of teammate Mathieu Valbuena. The controversy led to his omission from the squad for the 2018 World Cup, which France ultimately won without him.
During this period, Benzema focused on his club career, becoming Real Madrid’s all‑time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League and winning four Champions League titles. The exclusion lasted eight years, making him one of the longest‑absent players in French football history.
May 2023 Recall – A New Chapter
In May 2023, coach Didier Deschamps announced that Benzema had been recalled to the national team for friendlies against Germany and Chile. The decision was based on his sustained high‑level performances for Real Madrid and the need for a seasoned striker following the retirement of several veteran forwards.
- First match back: 17 May 2023, France 2–1 Germany (Benzema started and provided an assist).
- Second match: 20 May 2023, France 2–0 Chile (Benzema scored his first international goal in over eight years).
Deschamps emphasized that the recall was “a merit‑based decision, reflecting the player’s professionalism and form.” Despite the successful return, Benzema was not selected for the final Euro 2024 squad, as the coach opted for younger attacking options.
