Karim Benzema unfollows all but FIVE of his former French teammates

Karim Benzema has unfollowed all but five of his former France teammates after announcing his exit from the national team.

The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner was expected to lead the line for Les Bleus in the World Cup over in Qatar but picked up an injury right before the tournament.

He was then ruled out of the showpiece and sent home. But after he was played for Real Madrid in a friendly, there was some speculation that was going to return to the squad for the final against Argentina after improving his fitness.

It never happened but Benzema did reportedly decline an invitation from French president Emmanuel Macron to take his private jet and attend the final, where France lost 4-2 on penalties after a stunning 3-3 draw.

It's been well documented that Benzema fell out with manager Didier Deschamps but he also doesn't appear to have the best rapport with many of his colleagues.

MARCA say the former Lyon striker has unfollowed the vast majority of the France side, only retaining Real teammates Eduardo Camavinga Aurelien Tchouameni, Raphael Varane, Kylian Mbappe, and Marcus Thuram.

He still follows his ex manager Zinedine Zidane, widely believed to be in the frame to replace Deschamps, while controversial celebrity chef and World Cup final gatecrasher Salt Bae is still on his feed.

Image: Alamy

Benzema was out of the national team for a five year period for his alleged role in a sex-tape scandal involving Mathieu Valbuena and returned for the Euro 2020 tournament, finishing as the top scorer.

But he has decided to call time on his international career following on from France's World Cup final loss. Taking to Instagram, Benzema wrote: “I've made the efforts and mistakes that were necessary for me to be where I am today and I'm proud of it! I've written my story and ours comes to an end.”

The 35-year-old scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for his country.

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Topics: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, France

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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