France 2020 Benzema Home Kit (2XL)

France

2020 Home Kit

Benzema #19

Nike

2XL

Pre-Owned / Excellent Condition

Karim Benzema’s Redemption Arc with France in 2020: A Return to Glory

For years, Karim Benzema was one of the most enigmatic figures in French football—a world-class striker exiled from the national team at the peak of his career. However, in 2020, the narrative surrounding Benzema took a dramatic turn as whispers of a potential return to Les Bleus grew louder. Though the COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament to 2021, this year marked the beginning of Benzema’s long-awaited redemption with the French national team.

The Years in Exile: A Star Left Out

Benzema had been absent from the French national team since 2015, following an off-field controversy that led to his exclusion by head coach Didier Deschamps. While France moved forward without him—reaching the Euro 2016 final and winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup—Benzema was dominating with Real Madrid, cementing himself as one of the greatest strikers of his generation. His technical brilliance, link-up play, and clutch performances helped Madrid secure multiple Champions League titles, yet he remained in international exile.

As his club form continued to shine, fans and pundits questioned whether Deschamps could afford to ignore him any longer. By 2020, with Benzema displaying some of the best football of his career, speculation about a potential recall began to surface.

2020: The Beginning of a New Chapter

Though Benzema didn’t feature for France in 2020 due to his ongoing absence, this year set the stage for his eventual comeback. He was in unstoppable form for Real Madrid, scoring 27 goals across all competitions, helping them win La Liga and proving himself as the team’s leader after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. His influence, maturity, and consistency forced Deschamps and the French Football Federation to reconsider their stance.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted football schedules, postponing Euro 2020 to the summer of 2021, giving France more time to assess their squad. As the tournament approached, Deschamps made the bold decision that French fans had been waiting for—Benzema was officially recalled to the national team in May 2021.

The Impact of His Return

Benzema’s return wasn’t just a moment of personal triumph; it was a seismic shift for France’s attack. His chemistry with Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba added a new dimension to an already elite squad. Though France was eliminated in the Round of 16 at Euro 2020 (held in 2021), Benzema was one of the standout performers, scoring four goals in the tournament, proving he still had what it took to shine on the international stage.

His comeback in 2020 laid the foundation for future success, as he played a crucial role in France’s UEFA Nations League triumph in late 2021 and went on to win the Ballon d’Or in 2022.

Conclusion: A Story of Perseverance

Karim Benzema’s journey with France in 2020 was about more than just football—it was about redemption, resilience, and rewriting history. While he didn’t play for Les Bleus that year, it was a defining period that led to his long-awaited return, proving that true greatness can never be ignored for long. His story is a testament to perseverance and a reminder that sometimes, second chances create the most unforgettable moments in football history.