End of cycle for Benzema and Kanté in the French team?
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
For his first selection as coach of the Blues, Zinédine Zidane is clearly banking on the rejuvenation of the team and decides not to retain certain big names like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté, perhaps marking the end of their adventure with the Blues.
According to Vi.
Context
Karim Benzema, who was a pillar of the French team with 97 caps and 37 goals, had an international career marked by success, but his absence could symbolize the end of an era. N'Golo Kanté, also sidelined, was a key player at the last World Cup, but his exclusion highlights the transition to a younger team under Zidane.
Why it matters
Zinédine Zidane's decision not to retain Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté for his first selection as coach of the Blues marks a significant turning point for the French team. This highlights a desire to rejuvenate the team, which could have implications for the future dynamics and performances of the national team, especially with the next competitions on the horizon.
Key points
- End of cycle for Benzema and Kanté in the French team?.
- For his first selection as coach of the Blues, Zinédine Zidane is clearly banking on the rejuvenation of the team and decides not to retain certain big names like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté, perhaps marking the end of their adventure with the Blues.
- Einde van Benzema en Kanté bij Frankrijk? 'Ik wil jongere spelers zien'.
Zinédine Zidane officially unveiled his first list of players selected for the France team, marking a turning point within the Blues. The new coach has chosen to trust the younger generation by integrating five players for their first call-up: Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), Lucas Da Cunha (Como) and Estéban Lepaul (Stade Rennais).
At the same time, several historic pillars of the national team are absent, starting with Karim Benzema. The striker, with whom Zidane enjoyed many successes during their time together at Real Madrid, had not been called up since the summer of 2022. Asked about this during a press conference, Zidane declined the controversy with a smile while explaining his choice: “Why would that be a delicate question? I like Karim, but he's getting old. I have a lot of respect for his career, but today I want to see the young players at work. This does not take anything away from his past performances with France. » The native of Lyon played 97 matches with the Blues, scoring 37 goals.
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In the same spirit, N'Golo Kanté, who was present during the last World Cup, is also excluded from this first list. Zidane paid tribute to this immense player: “I also like him a lot. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him, he is an extraordinary player. But he is also 35 years old, I have to make choices. »
This desire for new blood reflects the objective of rebuilding the France team under the leadership of Zidane, less than a year before the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By bringing his vision and his knowledge of the high level, the former maestro of the Blues wants to instill new dynamism around a core of promising young talents. These ambitious choices are part of a strong process of renewal in order to best prepare for the upcoming global campaign.
The first deadlines under the leadership of Zidane will be carefully scrutinized to gauge the impact of these decisions on the cohesion and competitiveness of the Blues. The roadmap is clear: prioritize the project for the future and offer a special place to the hopes of tomorrow in the France group.
The rest
With the integration of five new players, Zidane seems to want to build a team around emerging talents. The absences of Benzema and Kanté could pave the way for a new generation of players who will have to prove their worth on the pitch, while leaving the door open for a possible return of veterans if circumstances require it.
Frequently asked questions
What was announced by Zinédine Zidane?
Zinédine Zidane revealed his first list of players selected for the France team, marking a turning point with the integration of young players.
Who was left off the Blues list?
Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté were left out of Zidane's first list.
Why did Zidane decide to favor youth?
Zidane explained that he wants to see young players at work and that he respects the careers of Benzema and Kanté, but that he must make choices because of their age.
Which new players were called up for the first time?
Five new players were called up for the first time: Guillaume Restes, Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet, Luca
s Da Cunha and Estéban Lepaul.
What is Zidane's objective with this new selection?
Zidane's goal is to rebuild the France team less than a year before qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.