FIFA 2022: French Striker Karim Benzema Ruled Out of Qatar World Cup. The all-time best striker Karim Benzema is out of the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 due to a thigh injury and this is being considered a bitter blow for France. Fans have started tweeting disappointment with the shocking last moment announcement. Their Qatar World Cup hopes to witness him score the highest goals are ruined just ahead of the opening ceremony.
It was initially doubted; when the French squad for the multi-nation tournament was announced, to play the opening game against Australia on November 22, but rumors were heated up late Saturday night arguing fans may miss him for the entire World Cup in Qatar. Later, after midnight, the official confirmation was put in the public domain.
Karim Benzema Controversy
The 34-year-old infamously was not included in the squad of the 2018 World Cup in Russia because he was ruled out of the Euro 2016 on home soil due to the Mathieu Valbuena sex-tape scandal, which later turned out into a divisive national debate following the involvement of Prime Minister Manuel Valls at the time.
The politician said if the athlete is not exemplary, he should have no place in the team. Benzema was thereafter exiled.
Karim Benzema Return to Squad
Benzema was returned to the squad for UEFA Euro 2020. He is currently being considered one of the best forwards and described as an immensely talented striker. He is skillful, quick, creative, prolific, and agile. He has represented France in 97 matches since 2007 and has scored 37 goals.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2022 – Group A – Squads And Predicted Lineup Of Qatar, Ecuador, Netherlands & Senegal
Karim Benzema Honors/Awards
Some of his individual honors include UEFA Men’s Player of the Year 2021-22, French Player of the Year four times since 2011, French Rookie of the Year in 2006, Best French Player playing Abroad in 2019, 2021, and 2022, and Globe Soccer Awards Men’s Player of the Year in 2022.
The professional footballer simultaneously plays for Real Madrid and is the second-highest goalscorer for the club. He has grabbed 23 trophies with the club including five UEFA Champions League, two Copa del Rey, and four La Liga.
