- 13 hours ago
Why Benzema’s France recall should excite Real Madrid over Mbappe deal
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 24 May 2021 16:17 BST
- 4 min read
Karim Benzema has been called up to the France national team for the first time in five years – and Real Madrid transfer target Kylian Mbappe is clearly delighted.
Mbappe had not even made his senior club debut for Monaco when Benzema last played for France, a 4-0 win over Armenia in Nice – a match in which the Real Madrid striker scored twice in. Indeed, Mbappe was only 16 at the time.
READ MORE: What is Kylian Mbappe’s net worth?
The Paris Saint-Germain striker, however, has made clear his delight that he will be joined by the former Lyon hitman at Euro 2020.
KB x KM
pic.twitter.com/72smmr87f2
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) May 18, 2021
On his social media accounts, Mbappe posted a Photoshopped image of him celebrating a goal with Benzema in France colours with the caption: “KB x KM” followed by fire emojis.
Clearly, the opportunity to play alongside Benzema is one that he craves.
Benzema’s France record
Karim Benzema's France record:
Appearances – 81
Goals – 27
Assists – 18
Debut vs. Austria (h), March 28, 2007.
First goal vs Austria (h), March 28, 2007. pic.twitter.com/2gvJEccuM0— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) May 18, 2021
Mbappe to Real Madrid?
Meanwhile, Mbappe’s future remains up in the air at club level. His deal with PSG expires in 2022 and he is linked with a move to Real Madrid, Benzema’s club.
Of course, it was Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence at Los Blancos that inspired Mbappe’s love of the Spanish side, but the opportunity to hook up with another legend of the Bernabeu is one that he is thrilled for.
If he and Benzema can strike up a strong relationship on and off the field, it will only encourage him to one day follow in his international team-mate’s shoes and leave Ligue 1 for La Liga.
While it seems inevitable that move will take place one day, having an ally like Benzema in their ranks can surely only be a benefit to Real Madrid as they seek to make a Galactico signing this summer.
Finances certainly count against Real Madrid as they chase Mbappe, but they are hopeful other aspects of their sporting project and convince him to move.
