Karim Benzema divides France more than ever

Despite the fact common sense would suggest Didier Deschamps will never again pick Karim Benzema for his French squad, there is a debate that occurs every international break over the Real Madrid forward, and he is dividing France more than ever ahead of Euro 2021.

It's been more than five years since the unfortunate incident involving Mathieu Valbuena brought Benzema's international career to a standstill.

If you're Zinedine Zidane or a Real Madrid supporter, then it's unfathomable as to why Benzema isn't representing Les Bleus in the upcoming international break, yet even those who were staunchly against him returning are now softening their stance.

At what point does it become the case that an individual has served his time? Benzema has been in international exile for over five years, and whilst the polls constantly sided with the French Football Federation over him, his goalscoring form has changed that.

"I don't blame Deschamps for what happened, but I simply say that forgiveness is part of our society and of the qualities of a man," Jean Michel Larque told RMC Sport.

"I believe that, despite all the hardships he has been able to endure, forgiveness could perhaps make Deschamps grow."

Le Figaro newspaper has provided evidence that out of 30,000 votes only 55 percent believe Benzema shouldn't be playing for France, which is a steep decline from the 70-80 percent which felt that way not long ago.

France Football magazine furthered the pressure on the former Juventus coach by naming Benzema as the best French player in 2020, and given the state of play in 2021, only Mbappe could stop the Los Blancos forward from winning the award again.

Whilst much of the fallout from the issue stems back to the Valbuena case itself, Deschamps believes that him being accused of racism was the red line.

"It's a scar," Deschamps told RTL. "Even if over time it is forgotten a little bit, I can't forget it.

"Not only is this related to Karim Benzema, but there were statements from other people that led to violent acts that affected my family, here a line was crossed, for me that was unacceptable, I can't forget it, I will never forget it."