The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner and France’s striker has officially announced his retirement from international football – a day after France lost in the World Cup Final. Follow for more soccer sites news and updates here!
Karim Benzema was expected to lead the young Les Bleus team at the World Cup in Qatar but derailed after he sustained a thigh injury that hindered him to represent France. He later declined the offer from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the finals between Argentina and France. You may visit us for other news and updates about the best soccer players in the world.
France failed to defend their 2018 title as they were beaten 4-2 in a thrilling penalties by Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final. After that devastating defeat, France became the talk of the town following the reports about the future of Manager Deschamps in the French team as he will reportedly have an important meeting with FFF president Noel Le Graet in January.
Benzema announced shocking news as he decided to call his retirement from international football in the wake of France’s defeat. He announces his immediate retirement on social media. According to various reports, before the World Cup final, Benzema was fully healthy and ready to play, however he rejected the opportunity to travel back to Qatar and helped his nation defend their title.
“I’ve made the efforts and mistakes that were necessary for me to be where I am today and I’m proud of it! I’ve written my story and ours comes to an end,” Benzema announces in his Instagram post.
The French striker started his international career way back in 2007 – he followed it when he played in the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, and he even played at the 2014 World Cup. He made a total 97 appearances and scored 37 times as he is expected to be the leader for France in Qatar 2022, but injury happened.
In Euro 2020, he made a significant contribution for France, but Didier Deschamps’s side lost the match in the round of 16. But he helped France to win the UEFA Nations League.
Karim Benzema was France’s top-scorer at the 2014 edition of the World Cup, but later exiled from the team following the alleged role in a sex-tape scandal, causing him to miss the 2018 World Cup Russia and not become a part of a title win.
He has been named the French Player of the Year for four consecutive times and was awarded the UEFA Player of the Year and the prestigious Ballon d’or Award for his great performance at the 2021=202 season – he became the fifth French player to win that award.
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