French team: Zinedine Zidane says no to Karim Benzema

Newly appointed France national team coach Zinedine Zidane has announced his first squad list, opting to exclude veteran striker Karim Benzema. The announcement was highly anticipated and closely scrutinized across the country. Zidane selected several new, younger players for the squad as he begins his tenure leading the national team.

Zidane clarified his decision by stating that while he respects Benzema and his career, he needs to focus on younger players. He compared Benzema's situation to that of N'Golo Kante, noting that both players are of a certain age. Zidane emphasized that the decision does not diminish Benzema's achievements for his clubs or the national team.