The Irish Times

Enigma that is Karim Benzema a unique fooballing maverick

Real Madrid’s hopes rest on striker’s shoulders in Champions League final against Liverpool

Fri May 27 2022 - 13:00

Karim Benzema found guilty of blackmailing former teammate in sex tape case

France and Real Madrid star handed one year suspended sentence plus €75,000 fine

Wed Nov 24 2021 - 09:58

Has the sun set on Barcelona’s glory years?

Richard Fitzpatrick reflects how a perfect storm now envelops the former superpower

Sat Oct 23 2021 - 06:00

Benzema’s return amounts to a stunning admission: France need him

Pursuit of harmony has been cornerstone of Deschamps’ reign as France manager

Thu May 20 2021 - 11:32

Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus returns with a bang in win over Olympiakos

Brazilian striker gets on scoresheet as City finally make good on their dominance

Tue Nov 03 2020 - 22:20

Spurs show no signs of making it easy in Europe

Pochettino’s side left with a point after giving up a two-goal lead

Wed Sept 18 2019 - 20:31

‘Argentino’ Pochettino can’t wait to feel the heat in Greece

Spurs boss relishing trip as 2019 runners-up kick off campaign

Tue Sept 17 2019 - 19:53

Marine Le Pen accuses Karim Benzema of ‘hiding his wickedness’

Front National leader says racist allegations against Didier Deschamps are ‘scandalous’

Fri Jun 03 2016 - 13:12

Eric Cantona: Deschamps left players out on racial grounds

Man United legend questioned the reasons behind exlusion of Ben Arfa and Benzema

Thu May 26 2016 - 12:23

Olivier Giroud makes France squad after return to form

Ten Premier League players named in host country’s 23-man squad

Thu May 12 2016 - 20:17

Karim Benzema will not be selected for France in Euro 2016

Frontman embroiled in alleged blackmail attempt involving Mathieu Valbuena

Wed Apr 13 2016 - 17:44

Karim Benzema’s France dream is in Didier Deschamps’ hands

Real Madrid striker has been suspended over Mathieu Valbuena sex-tape blackmail case

Wed Apr 13 2016 - 13:00

Court upholds easing of restrictions on Karim Benzema

Real Madrid striker could, if he were selected, play for France with Mathieu Valbuena

Fri Mar 11 2016 - 10:21

Didier Deschamps open to selecting Karim Benzema for Euro 2016

Striker questioned by police in connection to an alleged blackmail of Mathieu Valbuena

Mon Feb 22 2016 - 13:04

France’s Mathieu Valbuena and Karim Benzema allowed to meet

No French reprieve for Real Madrid striker despite court lifting ban

Thu Feb 18 2016 - 18:28

Karim Benzema admits to lying over sex tape - reports

French media claim he told a judge he had not watched his team mate’s sex tape

Fri Feb 12 2016 - 09:15

Didier Deschamps: ‘not possible’ to pick Karim Benzema for Euro 2016

Striker suspended from France team over Mathieu Valbuena sex tape blackmail case

Fri Dec 18 2015 - 11:34

Real end troubled week with win over Getafe

Benzema nets twice as Ronaldo and Bale score a goal apiece

Sat Dec 05 2015 - 18:33

Rafa Benitez backs Benzema over sextape scandal

‘I don’t want to talk too much about it. He has my total support’

Sat Nov 07 2015 - 13:49

Benzema under formal investigation in sex tape blackmail case

Real Madrid striker (27) could face minimum jail sentence of five years if found guilty

Thu Nov 05 2015 - 23:01

Karim Benzema charged with conspiracy to blackmail over sex tape

Real Madrid forward freed pending further investigation over case involving France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena

Thu Nov 05 2015 - 15:05

Deschamps downbeat as France given reality check by Brazil

First time in 22 games that France concede three goals in a game

Fri Mar 27 2015 - 11:27

Loic Remy on target as France beat Spain

Vicente del Bosque’s side lacked creativity in midfield and never looked threatening

Thu Sept 04 2014 - 22:20

Hummels’ header keeps the German juggernaut rolling

Germany reachtheir fourth consecutive World Cup semi-final

Fri Jul 04 2014 - 22:34

French playmaker Valbuena in line for starring role

France’s midfield dynamo has the vision and ability to lay on the goals

Thu Jul 03 2014 - 08:00

France get break of the ball against Nigeria

Goalkeeper Victor Enyeama gifts Paul Pogba late opener before Joseph Yobo own goal

Mon Jun 30 2014 - 19:11

France turn on the style in five-star showing

Switzerland have no answer to attacking approach from Didier Deschamps’s side

Fri Jun 20 2014 - 22:17

France’s campaign begins in earnest against a solid Swiss side

Didier Deschamps has beautifully balanced French side in a good place

Fri Jun 20 2014 - 08:10

France’s Ribery to miss out on World Cup

Disappointed Deschamps concedes injured winger’s absence weakens chances

Sat Jun 07 2014 - 01:02