He's not coming back to France — Zidane rules out star from National team

The new France boss, who took over from World Cup winner Didier Deschamps, was speaking after naming his first squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Zidane was asked about the possibility of recalling the 38-year-old former Real Madrid striker. While full of praise for his old player, the new coach made it clear he is looking to the future.

“I spent extraordinary years with him in Madrid. I adore him. He has played for France,” Zidane said.

“Right now, I need to see younger players with the national team. That takes nothing away from his track record with the French national team or at club level.”

Zidane added: “I adore Karim. But he’s a certain age… I need to see younger players and what we will do together.”

Benzema’s last appearance for France came in a Nations League match against Croatia in 2022. He has not featured since, having stepped away from international duty after the 2022 World Cup.

The coach also closed the door on a return for N’Golo Kanté, citing similar reasons around age and the need for fresh blood.

Zidane’s squad still features the same core of players who represented France at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup, including Kylian Mbappé (who retains the captaincy), Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé and Dayot Upamecano.

However, five uncapped players are set for their senior debuts: Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, Liverpool centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, Inter Milan’s Andy Diouf and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.

France face a busy schedule over the next three weeks in the Nations League. They travel to Turkey on 25 September, face Belgium in Brussels on 28 September, host Italy on 2 October, and complete the international window with a home clash against Belgium on 5 October.