France’s Karim Benzema Is Out of World Cup

DOHA, Qatar — Karim Benzema, the Real Madrid forward seen as crucial to France’s hopes of becoming the first team to retain the World Cup in more than half a century, has been forced to pull out of the tournament with an injury barely 24 hours before it starts.

The 34-year-old Benzema, who last month won the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious award that anoints the world player of the year, sustained an injury to his left thigh during a training session on Saturday. He was immediately ruled out of France’s opening game against Australia, but scans later confirmed the damage was severe enough that he would not recover in time to play any part in the tournament.

“I’ve never given up in my life but tonight I have to think of the team, as I have always done,” Benzema wrote on Instagram. “Reason tells me to give my place to someone who can help our squad have a great World Cup.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/20/sports/soccer/karim-benzema-france-world-cup.html