Karim Benzema confirmed his retirement from International football with France.
Karim Benzema on Twitter announced his retirement and wrote I made an effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today, and I’m proud of it! I have written my story, and ours is ending. #Nueve”
Benzema began his career with Olympique Lyonnais in 2005, contributing to three Ligue and winning 1 title. In 2008, he was the league’s top goalscorer and won his fourth league title and first Coupe de France.
In 2009, Benzema joined Real Madrid for €35 million, a record in the history of France. After struggling in his rookie season, he maintained a regular goalscoring rate with the club, particularly being part of a highly valued trio alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale — called BBC — who won four Champions Leagues from 2014 to 2018.
Benzema became a solo striker after Ronaldo’s 2018 departure. From 2018 through 2022, he was chosen to the La Liga Team of the Season, won La Liga Best Player twice, and won the Pichichi Trophy in 2022. In addition, Benzema won his fifth Champions League trophy in 2022.
Benzema won the 2004 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and made his senior debut in 2007. He’s won 95 caps, scored in three major tournaments, and is France’s fifth-highest all-time goalscorer.
Benzema was kicked out of the 2010 World Cup squad and didn’t play for France for over five years after being embroiled in a blackmailing case in 2015. He then returned to the squad before announcing his international retirement in 2022. Four times France Football’s Player of the Year. Benzema became the fifth French player to win the Ballon d’Or for his efforts in 2021 and 2022.
