France National Team Faces UEFA Euro 2024 Challenge Without Karim Benzema

France is highly anticipated to perform well in the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, despite the absence of star player Karim Benzema from the squad. Benzema's decision to not participate in the tournament has left many questioning whether the team can still emerge victorious.

The former Real Madrid striker, who was also the Ballon d'Or winner in 2022, made the announcement of his departure from the French national team following their loss in the World Cup 2022 against Argentina. Benzema bid farewell to the team through a Twitter post, expressing pride in his journey and stating that his time with the national team has come to an end.

Karim Benzema's departure from the squad stems from past issues that have plagued his career. In 2015, he faced extortion allegations involving his former teammate Mathieu Valbuena, resulting in a suspension from the national team for 5 years. This led to his absence from major tournaments such as the UEFA Euro 2016 and the Russia World Cup 2018.

Despite his troubled past, Benzema made a comeback in 2021 when Didier Deschamps called him up to play in the UEFA Nations League, where France emerged victorious for the first time in history with Benzema playing a crucial role. However, his hopes of participating in the Qatar World Cup 2022 were dashed due to a left thigh injury that kept him sidelined for a significant period of time.

With Benzema deciding to retire from international football following the conclusion of the World Cup 2022, France will have to navigate the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament without one of their key players. Although the team faces challenges in Benzema's absence, they still remain strong contenders for the title, showcasing the depth of talent within the France national football team.

In Benzema's absence, other players will have the opportunity to step up and make their mark on the field during the UEFA Euro 2024. The tournament presents a chance for emerging talents to shine and for the team to showcase their strengths as they aim to clinch the championship title. France's journey in the UEFA Euro 2024 will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, eager to see how they perform without the influence of Karim Benzema on the field.