"He's a legend, he's like a big brother": Karim Benzema endorses Zinedine Zidane as manager of the French national team

Karim Benzema makes no secret of his enthusiasm. When asked about the likely arrival of Zinédine Zidane as manager of the French national team, the Al-Hilal striker offered his full support to his former Real Madrid coach. This strong stance comes as the French Football Federation prepares to announce Zidane's successor. Didier Deschamps Tuesday, July 28.

"He's a legend, he's like a big brother."

Karim Benzema was invited to react to several current events during an interview with Konbini, as part of the format In or OutThe 2022 Ballon d'Or winner did not hesitate when discussing Zinedine Zidane and his announced arrival on the bench of the French national team. "He's a legend, he's like a big brother. Am I happy he's becoming the coach of the French national team? I don't know if it's him, but if it is, yes, I'm extremely happy.""That's what I said," declared the former French international. With these few words, Karim Benzema recalled the special relationship he shares with Zinedine Zidane. The two men worked together at Real Madrid, where the former number 10 of Les Bleus coached the French striker during his two stints as Madrid's manager.

A strong relationship built at Real Madrid

Under Zinedine Zidane's guidance, Karim Benzema became a cornerstone of Real Madrid. The French coach consistently placed his trust in him, despite difficult periods and occasional criticism of his finishing. Zidane notably made Benzema a central player in his system. Their partnership enabled Real Madrid to win three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, as well as two Spanish league titles. Benzema also became the club's captain before his move to Saudi Arabia in 2023. This close relationship explains the striker's enthusiasm at the prospect of his former coach taking charge of the French national team. Zidane is set to succeed Didier Deschamps, whose tenure has ended after fourteen years at the helm of Les Bleus.

Can Benzema return to the French national team at 38 years old?

Karim Benzema's support inevitably raises another question: could Zinedine Zidane recall his former player to the French national team? Benzema didn't directly address this possibility in the clip shown. Therefore, there's no evidence to suggest a return has been discussed between the two men. The decision would rest entirely with the new coach, based on his tactical choices and the striker's current form. Benzema has 97 caps and 37 goals for France. His last appearance for Les Bleus was on June 13, 2022, in a Nations League match against Croatia. A few months later, he announced his retirement from international football, the day after his 35th birthday.

Still performing well in Saudi Arabia

Despite being 38 years old, Karim Benzema continues to post impressive statistics. After scoring 57 goals in 87 appearances for Al-Ittihad, he joined Al-Hilal in February 2026, where he quickly found the back of the net. His performance allows him to maintain a prominent place in Saudi football. His experience, technical ability, and knowledge of Zidane could be arguments in his favor. However, the competition is particularly fierce in the French attacking positions, and the Saudi league, considered second-tier, puts these statistics into perspective.

Zidane will have the last word

A potential call-up for Karim Benzema would be a spectacular move. It would mark the return of a player whose history with the French national team has been tumultuous, marked by his extended absence from 2015 to 2021, his return for Euro 2021, and his withdrawal before the 2022 World Cup. For the moment, Karim Benzema has simply expressed his delight at the prospect of Zinédine Zidane becoming the national team coach. He has not made any public requests regarding a return to Les Bleus. The new coach's first squad selection will reveal his priorities. Zidane will then have to decide whether he wants to build solely around the current generation or if he plans to recall his former Real Madrid captain to begin one last chapter in the French jersey.