Karim Benzema ‘could reverse' France retirement decision in the new year

Karim Benzema will reportedly reconsider his decision to retire from France duty if Didier Deschamps is replaced as manager.

The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner announced his time with the national team was 'ending' on Monday after missing the World Cup through a thigh injury.

Rumours emerged claiming Benzema was ready to travel to Qatar to be with his teammates ahead of Sunday's final defeat to Argentina.

However, the Real Madrid striker confirmed he would not be making his way to Lusail Stadium with a cryptic post on social media.

France failed to retain their crown following a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Argentina. They did come from behind twice in the game thanks to a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe but it wasn't enough.

Deschamps' future is now in doubt after 10 years at the helm of Les Bleus. He's set to meet with the president of the French Football Federation in January to make a final decision, with his contract set to expire at the end of this month.

It's believed Deschamps would want a contract up to the 2026 World Cup if he did stay on, having won the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Nations League.

Per French outlet Foot Mercato, Benzema would be willing to return to the fold if Zinedine Zidane is hired to replace Deschamps.

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Benzema and Zidane worked together at Real during Zizou's two spells as manager, winning three Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles.

Zidane has been out of work since leaving the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021, having been linked to the France job previously.

The duo's relationship is a close one. Zidane was the man who presented Benzema with the Ballon d'Or in October, even claiming the 35-year-old is the best striker in France history.

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He told L'Equipe: "The best striker in the history of French football? Everyone has their favourite player.

"Some people will tell you it's Jean-Pierre Papin with his exceptional goals, others will talk about Michel Platini.

"For me, it's Karim, yes, because I've been around him and I know what he's worth. In any case, he deserves to be very high.

"I wish him to continue for a long time to go for records and to shine on the field, with Real Madrid and with the French team. He is capable of going even higher."