Karim Djebbara is the son of Hafid and Wahida Benzema. Both are French nationals with Algerian roots. Benzema’s Algerian roots led the Algerian Football Federation to try to convince him to play for the Algerian team. However, his heart was set on playing for Les Bleus.
Kheireddine Zéti, the president of the Algerian Football Federation, has quashed all talk about Karim Benzema changing national teams by stating that FIFA does not allow it. Karim Benzema once hoped to return to the international game with Algeria, but the manager of the team shut the door.
Benzema stated, “It is my country and it is in my heart.” From a sporting standpoint, I will play for the French team. I will always be available to the French team. My parents are from Algeria, so it’s a sporting thing. France is more a sporting thing. .” Benzema has been courted before by the Algerian Football Federation. In 2006, he was approached both by former federation President Hamid Haddadj, and Jean-Micheal Cavalli, then coach of the national team.
He scored his first goal for France against Austria in 2007. Since then, his international career has seen a number of highs, and lows, culminating with a long-term omission under Deschamps. In November of 2019, Benzema said to the FFF president that he would “play with any other country I am eligible for, and we will see”. Karim Benzema retired from international football following his injury-related absence during France’s World Cup run. Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or-winning striker announced his decision to retire from international football on his 35th Birthday.
Karim Benzema is the second-oldest player to have won the Ballon d’Or
Karim Benzema is the oldest Ballon d’Or award winner in 66 Years.
Karim Benzema scored the most goals in Madrid’s history, topping both leagues. He scored 44 goals for Madrid including 15 in Europe’s top competition. He was the second highest scorer at Madrid behind Cristiano Cristiano. Benzema was the second-oldest winner after Stanley Matthews (41.1 years and 10 months) in 1956.
The Frenchman said: “Age is only a number to me.” It’s not uncommon for people to play into their late years, but I still feel this burning desire. This drive has never let me down and kept me going. .” Benzema was crowned winner ahead of Sadio and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.
Benzema said: I’m proud. It’s a lot work and a child’s dream came true. Benzema was the fifth Frenchman who won it, after Raymond Kopa. Michel Platini. Jean-Pierre Papin. and Zinedine Zidane.
