Ballon d’Or Winner Denied French CitizenshipBallon d’Or Winner Denied French Citizenship Karim Benzema, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and French international, has been denied French citizenship, according to a report by L’Équipe. The decision has come as a shock to Benzema and his supporters, who had expected him to be granted citizenship after playing for the French national team for over a decade. Benzema has made 97 appearances for France and has scored 37 goals. The report states that the French government has declined to grant Benzema citizenship due to his involvement in the “sextape” scandal in 2015. Benzema was convicted of blackmailing his former teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sexually explicit video. The decision has sparked outrage among Benzema’s fans and former teammates. Kylian Mbappé, the French forward and Paris Saint-Germain star, expressed his disappointment on Twitter, writing: “Karim is French. He is and will always be one of us. This decision is incomprehensible.” Benzema’s agent, Karim Djaziri, has also criticized the government’s decision, calling it “scandalous and discriminatory.” The denial of French citizenship to Benzema has raised questions about the country’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Benzema is a role model for many young French Muslims, and his denial of citizenship sends a troubling message. It remains to be seen whether Benzema will appeal the decision or continue to play for the French national team without French citizenship. However, the decision has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the player’s career and the French government’s reputation.
