Zidane rules out France returns for Benzema and Kante

Zinedine Zidane says Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante are unlikely to return to the France squad, despite his appointment as successor to Didier Deschamps.

Kante was included in France’s squad for the last World Cup, but Deschamps has since left his position and been replaced by Zidane. Reports had suggested Zidane’s arrival could lead to a recall for Benzema, 38, whose most recent France selection came for the 2022 World Cup before he withdrew with an injury shortly before the tournament.

However, Zidane confirmed that neither Benzema nor Kante would be brought back.

“I love Karim, but he is at a certain age, and so is N’Golo Kante,” Zidane told reporters.

“I respect Benzema’s career, but I now need to see younger players. That in no way diminishes what he achieved with his clubs or the national team.”

Kante has won 69 caps for France and is not expected to add to that total.

Zidane also confirmed that Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe will captain France under his management.

“Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe will be my captain with France. He is the best player in the world,” Zidane said at a news conference.

France are preparing for four matches during the international break against Turkey, Belgium home and away, and Italy.

Zidane’s first squad for the European Nations Cup includes several changes. Chelsea’s Malo Gusto, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, Fenerbahce’s N’Golo Kante and Paris Saint-Germain defender Lucas Hernandez were left out.

Liverpool’s Jeremy Jacquet and Como’s Luca da Cunha have received their first call-ups.

Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert returns after a four-year absence from the France squad, while Andy Diouf is back after last playing for the national team in 2024. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has also been recalled after missing the 2026 World Cup.

France squad:

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Robin Risser (Lens).

Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Luca da Cunha (Como), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich).