Benzema Defends Lyna Khoudri After Far-Right Criticism

Karim Benzema fiercely defended his partner, actress Lyna Khoudri, against a far-right activist’s criticism following her involvement in a tribute commemorating the victims of the November 13, 2015 terrorist attacks in France.

Karim Benzema Stands by Lyna Khoudri in Emotional Tribute

Karim Benzema, the veteran French striker now playing for Al-Ittihad, made headlines by responding publicly to a far-right activist who targeted Lyna Khoudri for her participation in a solemn ceremony. Khoudri took part in a televised commemoration on TF1, reading Charlotte Delbo’s poignant poem “Prayer to the Living to Forgive Them for Being Alive” during the tenth anniversary of the tragic events near the Stade de France.

The attacks, which shook Paris in 2015, claimed 130 lives and left hundreds wounded. The Stade de France, one of the attack sites, hosted a match between France and Ukraine on the anniversary, underlining the emotional gravity of the occasion.

Benzema Rejects Far-Right Remarks with Sharp Rebuttal

Damien Rieu, a far-right activist, had alleged that Khoudri’s history and her connection to Benzema made her unfit for the tribute, referencing past social media controversies. Rieu posted, “To honour the victims of November 13, they could find no one other than Lyna Khoudri, partner of @Benzema, who liked a post justifying the beheading of Samuel Paty (and who lost her lawsuit against me when I denounced it).”

Benzema responded forcefully, stating, “There are those who pay their respects, and those who put themselves on display… You have to be incredibly shallow to mistake a tribute for a staged performance, Damien. You’re just an extra in our world.” His remarks underscored his commitment to defending Khoudri and preserving the dignity of remembrance.

Karim Benzema’s Dual Battle: On and Off the Pitch

While defending Khoudri, Benzema is also navigating a challenging phase at Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. The team, reigning champions last season, finds itself in eighth place after 11 matches with three losses. The pressure on Benzema, who captains the squad, has intensified after a recent 1-0 defeat to Al-Ahli in the Western Derby.

Former Al-Ittihad defender Rashed Al-Raheeb criticized Benzema and his fellow foreign players in a post-match interview, questioning coach Sergio Conceicao’s decision to keep Benzema on the pitch despite his “modest level.” Despite these criticisms, Benzema’s career remains impressive, with 345 goals and 84 assists in 635 club appearances, including five Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns during his tenure at Real Madrid.

Legacy and Expectations Amidst Continued Scrutiny

Benzema and Al-Ittihad now face a demanding schedule, with a crucial match against Al-Riyadh on November 21 and an AFC Champions League fixture against Al Duhail on November 24. The veteran striker’s every move is closely watched, both in France’s heated public sphere and the global stage of the Saudi Pro League.

Opinion: Standing Up for Respectful Remembrance

Benzema’s decisive stance against politicizing remembrance events highlights the importance of respecting moments dedicated to victims. His readiness to defend Khoudri reflects not only personal loyalty but a broader commitment to dignity in public life. In an era where footballers are scrutinized both on and off the pitch, Benzema’s response is a reminder that genuine tributes should rise above political skirmishes.

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