Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, rarely engages with social media critics, but he broke his silence after a Moroccan influencer accused him and other players of neglecting their African heritage. According to a FootThe influencer, who manages the "Chroniques Atlas" Instagram page, criticized players like Benzema, Nabil Fekir, and Samir Nasri for choosing to represent France over Algeria.
The influencer claimed that if players of Algerian descent had joined the Algerian team, it could have rivaled France. The influencer made similar accusations targeted Senegalese-born Benjamin Mendy, criticized for displaying his Senegalese roots late in his career.
Benzema responded directly, telling the influencer, “You need to tone it down. Stay focused.” The exchange continued on X, with the influencer accusing Benzema of sowing “fitna” (discord).
The debate highlights the complex intersection of identity, heritage, and national representation in the world’s most popular sport.
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