Why does Karim Benzema no longer play for France? Former Real Madrid hero’s complicated relationship with the national team

Karim Benzema enjoyed an illustrious career in club football, being part of an all-conquering Real Madrid team that dominated Europe.

The Frenchman won 24 trophies with the Spanish giants, including five Champions League titles, as well as the 2022 Ballon d’Or, before joining Saudi side Al Ittihad in the Pro League in 2023.

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But this success has not been replicated on the international stage, with Benzema’s time in the French team being marred by controversy and disappointment.

Since his debut with the Blues in 2007, the 36-year-old has failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament and was not part of his country’s 2018 World Cup winning squad.

Holder of the national team until 2015, he was then exiled from the group following a blackmail affair involving his former teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

Although he returned at Euro 2020 to score four goals, Benzema then missed his country’s run to the 2022 World Cup final due to injury, and he will not feature in the next one either European Championship in Germany.

Why doesn’t Benzema play for France anymore?

Benzema announced his retirement from international football in December 2022, just days after France were beaten on penalties in the World Cup final by Argentina.

In a post on

“I have written my story and ours is coming to an end.”

France manager Didier Deschamps is unlikely to be disappointed by the striker’s lack of availability for this summer’s main event, with the pair widely reported to have a difficult relationship.

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Benzema’s absence from the last major tournament came under scrutiny, with the then-former Madrid player forced to withdraw from the national team after picking up an injury before the competition.

Despite returning to training with his club before the end of the tournament, Deschamps publicly ruled out the possibility of returning to the national fold for their final meeting.

The move infuriated Benzema, according to reports in Spain, who also claimed he was “asked to leave” the French camp after being injured, despite his ultimately speedy recovery.

And after ending a checkered international career, which saw him score 37 goals in 97 appearances, the Saudi-based icon will watch his former teammates aim for glory at Euro 2024.

France will not be short of offensive firepower in his absence, with PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe set to lead the line for Deschamps’ side as they aim for a first European Championship title since 2000.