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Tag: Benzema

  • Benzema revisits Real Madrid for medical attention regarding his injury

    Benzema revisits Real Madrid for medical attention regarding his injury

    Real Madrid is providing support to former player Karim Benzema as he recovers from a recurring injury, as confirmed by his current club, Al Ittihad, on Thursday.

    Benzema, aged 36, has faced challenges with muscular issues during his debut season at the Saudi Pro League club.

    He joined Al Ittihad last summer as a free agent after spending 14 years at Real Madrid.

    The forward last played in a 3-2 win at Al Hazm on April 20 and has missed the last two games.

    “Karim Benzema is undergoing further examinations in Real Madrid’s clinic with his former doctor in Spain, who supervised his care in previous years,” Al Ittihad said in a statement.

    “The consultations were arranged between Ittihad’s medical teams and Real Madrid regarding Benzema’s injuries, which caused him to miss key matches this season. Benzema has already left for Spain and is expected to return next week.”

    Karim Benzema has been grappling with persistent muscular injuries since joining Al Ittihad last summer.

    Despite his setbacks, he has managed to score 13 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions for the Jeddah-based club. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is currently under contract with Al Ittihad until June 2026.

    In other news, Real Madrid has recently extended the contract of their promising young forward, Enzo Alves, who is the son of club legend Marcelo.

    Enzo, aged 14, has been part of Madrid’s academy teams since 2017 and has shown promise by scoring 17 goals this season for the under-15 side. A Spain U15 international, Enzo has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until June 2027.

    “Happy to continue in the best club in the world,” the teenager said in a post on Instagram.

    His father, Marcelo, congratulated his son in an Instagram post of his own: “Congratulations my son for another achievement reached. Joy, work and responsibility.“

  • Benzema left out of crucial match amidst alleged dispute with coach

    Benzema left out of crucial match amidst alleged dispute with coach

    Karim Benzema has been omitted from Al Ittihad’s squad for their upcoming AFC Champions League match against Uzbekistani team Navbahor, as confirmed by a source to ESPN.

    This decision comes amidst strained relations between the player and his coach, Marcelo Gallardo.

    Gallardo has deemed Benzema unfit for the journey after the 2022 Ballon d’Or recipient arrived late to his team’s training camp in Dubai during the Saudi winter break, citing storm-related travel delays from Mauritius.

    Despite feeling prepared to play, Benzema has been left out of the squad by Gallardo.

    The match against Navbahor marks the first leg of the AFC Champions League round of 16.

    Benzema was also absent in Al Ittihad’s recent victory against Al Tai in the Saudi Pro League, following a dispute with Gallardo regarding his participation in a training session.

    In AFC Champions League fixtures, teams are limited to selecting five foreign players.

    For the Navbahor game, Gallardo opted to include N’Golo KantĂ©, Fabinho, Ahmed Hegazi, Romarinho, and Abderrazak Hamdallah ahead of Benzema, the former French international.

    Benzema, who joined Al Ittihad as a free agent last summer, has recorded 15 goals in 24 games across all competitions. However, he has expressed disappointment with the quality of football in the Gulf nation.

    Despite considering a return to Europe during the January transfer window, Al Ittihad rejected the idea and attempted to loan him to another Saudi club, a proposal Benzema declined.

  • Hazard didn’t get farewell appearance at the Bernabeu, Ancelotti tells why

    Hazard didn’t get farewell appearance at the Bernabeu, Ancelotti tells why


    In their last La Liga match of the 2022/23 season, Real Madrid concluded with a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club at home after which they bid farewell to their ‘goal king’ Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mario Diaz.

    The outgoing Karim Benzema, amidst significant attention, scored his final goal for the club in this match.

    Regrettably, Eden Hazard’s departure from the club went relatively unnoticed amidst the focus on Benzema’s farewell.

    Although Marco Asensio was substituted on and off during the game to allow the home fans an opportunity to bid farewell to the Spanish international, Hazard and Mariano Diaz remained on the bench.

    Both players are joining Benzema and Asensio in leaving on free transfers, in what promises to be a summer of changes in Madrid, and Ancelotti confirmed the duo did not ask to come on.

    “I can only make five changes. They did not ask to come on, but I want to say they have been serious and professional”, as per reports from Marca.

    “They have behaved at the maximum level until the last day.”

    Eden Hazard

    Hazard’s future remains very uncertain, with Benzema tipped to make a move to Saudi Arabia in the coming days, and Asensio attracting attention from the Premier League.

    Ancelotti plans for Hazard replacement

    Carlo Ancelotti has outlined his plans to find replacements for outgoing forwards, Karim Benzema and Hazard.

    The Spanish giants according to reports from SkySports want Tottenham star, Harry Kane, amongst other signings to replace their departing forwards at Real Madrid.

    ‌Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti wants them to move for Kane while they are also eyeing a move for Chelsea striker Kai Havertz to replace Benzema.

    ‌Kane, who will turn 30 next month, has just a year left on his contract at Tottenham.

    ‌Spurs chairman Daniel Levy does not want to sell and is reported will demand in excess of £100m to scare off potential interest.

    ‌Levy has been adamant that he will not sell to a Premier League rival and that looks set to thwart Manchester United’s interest this summer.

    Real Madrid terminates Hazard’s contract

    Earlier Sports Brief reported that Real Madrid have terminated Hazard’s contract following a nightmare spell at the club.

    Hazard was rated as one of the best wingers in the world at some point and was snapped up by Real Madrid in 2019 for a then-British transfer record of £142m from Chelsea.

    Despite having a five-year initial contract with Los Blancos that runs through 2024, the former Chelsea playmaker has struggled with injuries and poor form.

  • Farewell and tribute ceremony for Benzema takes place Tuesday

    Farewell and tribute ceremony for Benzema takes place Tuesday

    An institutional farewell and tribute ceremony for Karim Benzema will take place tomorrow, Tuesday 6 June, at noon, at Real Madrid City.

    President Florentino PĂ©rez will be in in attendance and Real Madrid TV will broadcast the event live.

    Real Madrid Football Club and captain Karim Benzema agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at the club to a close.

    Real Madrid extended their gratitude and affection to the player who is already one of their greatest legends.

    Karim Benzema joined the club in 2009, at just 21 years of age, and has been a fundamental player in this golden age of its history.

    During the fourteen seasons in which he has represented the badge and their shirt, he has won 25 titles, a record number for any Real Madrid player: 5 European Cups, 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 Leagues, 3 King’s Cups and 4 Spanish Super Cups.

    Meanwhile, sources say Karim Benzema has signed main part of docs to become new Al Ittihad player joining the Saudi league.

    It is reported that the contract will be valid until 2025 but will also include option for further season.

  • EPL Club allegedly helping Saudi teams raise funds to sign Messi and Benzema

    EPL Club allegedly helping Saudi teams raise funds to sign Messi and Benzema

    After enticing offers from two teams, Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema may wind up competing in the Saudi Pro League the next year.

    Messi has received a $400 million annual offer from Al-Hilal, which would make him the highest-paid athlete in the world. Al Ittihad has reportedly made Benzema a $200 million offer.

    The Daily Mirror claims that Newcastle’s owners are apparently contributing funds to support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to persuade Messi and Benzema to relocate to the Middle East.

    Karim Benzema with Lionel Messi

    Bosses in the Middle Eastern state are hoping to tempt other superstars to join their teams after acquiring Cristiano Ronaldo after his exit from Manchester United.

    The PIF, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and owners of Newcastle is chaired by the country’s powerful crown prince Mohamed bin Salman and has provided much of the money which has been invested into the league in recent years.

    Two EPL clubs enter Messi race

    Meanwhile, Lionel Messi’s contract with PSG expires this summer, and two English Premier League teams have entered the fray to sign him.

    Chelsea and Newcastle are interested in signing the 35-year-old superstar after he played his final game for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday in the 3-2 defeat to Clermont.

    Messi back in training with PSG after Saudi trip suspension and fine

    Chelsea are hoping Messi’s previous working relationship with new manager Mauricio Pochettino will give them the edge while Newcastle who has the financial might believe Champions League qualification is good enough to lure the Argentine.

    PSG lose on Messi’s farewell

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Lionel Messi’s final game for PSG ended in defeat on Saturday, while Monaco missed out on European qualification and Auxerre were relegated on the last night of the Ligue 1 season.

    Messi’s expected departure from the French giants after two seasons was officially confirmed by PSG in a statement shortly before Saturday’s match against Clermont.

    Yet Messi, who ends his PSG career with 32 goals in 75 appearances, was jeered by some fans during the match, which the champions lost 3-2.

  • Real Madrid confirm Benzema’s exit as they bid him farewell in “new phase of his life”

    Real Madrid confirm Benzema’s exit as they bid him farewell in “new phase of his life”


    After an incredible 14-year journey at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid has officially announced that Karim Benzema will be leaving the club this summer.

    The news of his imminent departure was confirmed by Los Blancos in a statement released earlier today, following speculations of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

    Benzema’s contract with the Spanish capital expires at the end of this month, and the upcoming home match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday will serve as a farewell tribute to the club legend, where he will bid adieu to his devoted fans.

    Karim Benzema scored a fine goal for Real Madrid

    Real Madrid expressed their gratitude and admiration for Benzema’s exceptional contributions in a heartfelt statement, stating, “Real Madrid and our esteemed captain, Karim Benzema, have reached an agreement to conclude his illustrious and unforgettable tenure as a player for our beloved club.”

    “Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends.

    “Karim’s career at Real Madrid has been an example of behavior and professionalism, and has represented the values ​​of our club. Karim  has earned the right to decide his future. 

    “Madridistas and all the fans around the world have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great myths of our club and one of the great legends of world football. 

    “Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and he wishes him and all his family the best in this new phase of his life.”

    Karim Benzema has called time on a glittering career at Real Madrid

    Benzema, 35, joined Real from Lyon in 2009 and has played a key role in one of the club’s most successful periods in history.

    His honours included five Champions League titles, four LaLiga crowns, three Copa del Rey trophies and the 2022 Ballon d’Or, cementing him as one of the game’s modern-day icons.

    As well as Sunday’s LaLiga finale, a separate farewell event will be held next Tuesday, June 6, at Real Madrid City with club president Florentino Perez set to be in attendance.

    Benzema is widely expected to join Saudi Pro League outift Al-Ittihad, where he would square off domestically against former Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Reports have suggested the Frenchman will put pen-to-paper on a deal worth over ÂŁ340million.

  • Ronaldo happy to have Messi, Benzema, others join him in Saudi Arabia

    Ronaldo happy to have Messi, Benzema, others join him in Saudi Arabia

    Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his support for the notion of elite football stars like himself joining the Saudi Pro League.

    In a daring move, Ronaldo departed Europe for the Middle East, signing a lucrative contract with Al-Nassr in January, following his controversial departure from Manchester United.

    His transfer has generated unparalleled interest in Saudi football, with rumors suggesting that numerous European stars could follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps.

    Speaking on the prospect of seeing big players switch to the Gulf state, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner – who has predicted the Saudi League to be among the best in the world in the coming years – suggested their presence in the competition will help in improving its quality.

    “Life goes very well. The [Saudi] league is good. The big players are all welcome. If this happens, the league will improve,” he told SPL Chat, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

    CR7 in an interview with Piers Morgan

    Ronaldo’s former teammate, Karim Benzema has been heavily linked with a move to reigning Saudi champions, Al-Ittihad, while PSG superstar, Lionel Messi has also been tipped to join Al-Hilal, per Football Espana.

    Ronaldo ends Al-Nassr exit rumours

    Meanwhile, Ronaldo has discussed his Saudi future with league side, Al-Nassr, amid speculation he is unhappy in the Gulf state, Sports Brief reported.

    The Portuguese veteran’s Middle East sojourn ended on a disappointing note after failing to inspire the Knights of Nahd to silverware in his first season.

    Ronaldo has since been linked with a return to Europe with Saudi-backed Premier League side, Newcastle United, but the veteran does not seem to agree.

    Benzema addresses Al-Ittihad links

    Sports Brief also reported on Karim Benzema discussing his Real Madrid future after being heavily tipped to leave Spain favour of a move to Saudi Arabia.

    The Frenchman’s future has been the subject of much speculation over the last few days, with many claiming he will join Ronaldo in the Middle East nation.

    Real Madrid’s striker, Karim Benzema

    Multiple reports have emerged suggesting Benzema is set to end his 14-year stay at Real Madrid this summer in favour of a move to the Saudi top flight.

  • Top goalscorers for the Champions League

    Top goalscorers for the Champions League

    Every year, records are broken in the Champions League, which has hosted some of the world’s best teams and players since 1992.

    Dominating on Europe’s biggest stage is a sure-fire way to go down in history as the pinnacle of club football.

    This article examines the competition’s all-time goal scorers to determine which star has shone the brightest.

    5. Raul (71 goals)

    Real Madrid and Spain legend Raul sat comfortably at the top of the scorers’ table with 71 goals when he retired.

    But in recent years the Spaniard has been knocked down to fifth on the list, most recently by Frenchman and fellow Los Blancos star Karim Benzema. 

    Raul had a highly-decorated career, winning the Champions League three times with his hometown club and being named the illustrious competition’s top scorer twice.

    4. Karim Benzema (89 goals)

    Karim Benzema's goalscoring form shows no signs of stopping
    Karim Benzema’s goalscoring form shows no signs of stopping

    Benzema is the fourth-highest scorer in Europe’s top club football competition and another strike in the second-leg victory over Liverpool has him edging closer to the top three.

    Now 35, the Frenchman scored for Lyon on his tournament debut when he was just 17 years old. 

    His goals have helped Real be crowned European champions five times during his time at the Bernabeu but, with three prolific marksmen ahead of him, Benzema may not retire on the podium in this contest.

    3. Robert Lewandowski (91 goals)

    Robert Lewandowski added five goals to his Champions League tally this season
    Robert Lewandowski added five goals to his Champions League tally this season

    Bayern Munich great Robert Lewandowski reached the 80-goal mark in record time after taking just 100 games — two fewer than the next man on this list.

    The Pole’s 15 goals in the 2019-2020 edition saw him take the Golden Boot and lead his side to the title.

    But he will not have a chance to close in on his century with Barcelona failing to reach the knockout stage this season.

    2. Lionel Messi (129 goals)

    Reigning Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has continued to dazzle at Paris Saint-Germain
    Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has continued to dazzle at Paris Saint-Germain

    Argentine maestro Lionel Messi has graced the Champions League plenty of times since 2005 and is third in the all-time appearances list. 

    Spending the majority of his career playing for his childhood team Barca, he has racked up a century of goals and lifted the famous trophy four times.

    And he has kept up his exploits at Paris Saint-Germain but has not yet been able to end the French outfit’s wait for continental success.

    1. Cristiano Ronaldo (140 goals)

    Cristiano Ronaldo has scored numerous important Champions League goals
    Cristiano Ronaldo has scored numerous important Champions League goals

    Cristiano Ronaldo is an undisputed goalscoring machine.

    The Portuguese international has netted 140 times for three clubs, with the majority coming during his time at Real.

    Ronaldo has appeared in 183 games in the competition since debuting for Manchester United in 2003.

    With four Champions League titles under his belt from his time at Madrid and another from the Red Devils, the striker is one of the most decorated players ever.

    Ex-Juventus star Ronaldo, 38, also became the first-ever player to score in two finals for two different winning teams — bagging the opener for United in 2008 and a 120th-minute penalty for Real in 2014.

    Source: Livescore

  • Barca beat Madrid in Copa del Rey semi-final first leg

    Barca beat Madrid in Copa del Rey semi-final first leg

    After defeating Real Madrid 1-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Thursday at the Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona will head to Camp Nou with a slim edge.

    The only thing separating the two Spanish powerhouses was an own goal by Eder Militao, despite Carlo Ancelotti’s team controlling the majority of the possession but failing to create many chances.

    Only one other own goal has occurred in a Clasico this century, and three of them, Ivan Helguera’s in May 2002 and Raphael Varane’s in February 2019, have gone in Barca’s favor.

    Yet, Madrid may feel fortunate not to have lost by a larger margin as Ansu Fati unintentionally prevented Franck Kessie from scoring during a second half that was mostly dominated by the hosts.

    Karim Benzema had the ball in the net early on when he chested down a cross from Vinicius Junior and volleyed home, only to be flagged offside.

    Despite Madrid dominating early on, it was Barcelona who took the lead in the 26th minute.

    Ferran Torres played in Kessie, whose shot went in off Militao after Thibaut Courtois had initially saved from the Barca midfielder.

    Vinicius saw an effort blocked by Ronald Araujo early in the second half, while the visitors should have doubled their lead 18 minutes from time.

    Kessie met Torres’ cut-back but saw his goal-bound shot deflected wide by substitute Fati with Courtois stranded.

    Nevertheless, Xavi’s men held on despite Madrid’s desperate late onslaught.

  • Top five Champions League goalscorers of all time

    Top five Champions League goalscorers of all time

    Records are being broken every year thanks to the Champions League, which has hosted some of the biggest clubs and names in football since 1992.

    Being dominant on Europe’s greatest stage at the peak of club football is a surefire way to go down in football history.

    We take a look at the competition’s all-time leading goalscorers to see which star has shone the brightest.

    5. Raul (71 goals)

    Raul won the Champions League three times with his hometown club

    Real Madrid and Spain legend Raul sat comfortably at the top of the scorers’ table with 71 goals when he retired.

    But in recent years the Spaniard has been knocked down to fifth on the list, most recently by Frenchman and fellow Los Blancos star Karim Benzema. 

    Raul had a highly-decorated career, winning the Champions League three times with his hometown club and being named the illustrious competition’s top scorer twice.

    4. Karim Benzema (88 goals)

    Karim Benzema's progress has been hampered by injury this season
    Karim Benzema’s progress has been hampered by injury this season

    Benzema is the fourth-highest scorer in Europe’s top club football competition and a superb double against Liverpool has him closing in on the top three.

    Now 35, the Frenchman scored for Lyon on his tournament debut when he was just 17 years old. 

    His goals have helped Real be crowned European champions five times but, with three prolific marksmen ahead of him, Benzema may not retire in the top three.

    3. Robert Lewandowski (91 goals)

    Robert Lewandowski could note fire Barcelona into the knockout stage
    Robert Lewandowski could note fire Barcelona into the knockout stage

    Bayern Munich great Robert Lewandowski reached the 80-goal mark in record time after taking just 100 games — two fewer than the next man on this list.

    The Pole’s 15 goals in the 2019-2020 edition saw him take the Golden Boot and lead his side to the title.

    But he will not have a chance to close in on his century with Barcelona failing to reach the knockout stage this season.

    2. Lionel Messi (129 goals)

    Reigning Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has continued his goalscoring exploits at Paris Saint-Germain
    Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has continued his goalscoring exploits at Paris Saint-Germain

    Argentine maestro Lionel Messi has graced the Champions League plenty of times since 2005 and is third in the all-time appearances list. 

    Spending the majority of his career playing for his childhood team Barcelona, he has racked up a century of goals and lifted the famous trophy four times.

    And he has kept up his exploits at Paris Saint-Germain where he is looking to break the French outfit’s duck.

    1. Cristiano Ronaldo (141 goals)

    Cristiano Ronaldo has scored numerous important Champions League goals
    Cristiano Ronaldo has scored numerous important Champions League goals

    Cristiano Ronaldo is an undisputed goalscoring machine.

    The Portuguese international has netted 141 times for three clubs, with the majority coming during his time at Real.

    Ronaldo has appeared in 187 games in the competition since debuting for Manchester United in 2003.

    With four Champions League titles under his belt from his time Madrid and another from the Red Devils, the striker is one of the most decorated players ever.

    Ex-Juventus star Ronaldo, 38, also became the first-ever player to score in two finals for two different winning teams — bagging the opener for United in 2008 and a 120th-minute penalty for Real in 2014.

    Source: Livescore

  • Benzema, Courtois will not feature in Madrid’s Club World Cup semi-final

    Benzema, Courtois will not feature in Madrid’s Club World Cup semi-final

    Thibaut Courtois and Karim Benzema are not included in Real Madrid’s roster for Wednesday’s Club World Cup semifinal matchup against Al Ahly.

    Last week’s 2-0 LaLiga victory over Valencia left captain Benzema with a leg injury; as a result, the striker was unable to play in Sunday’s shocking 1-0 defeat at Real Mallorca.

    In the warm-up before that loss to Mallorca, Madrid’s goalkeeper Courtois sustained a groin strain. As a result, Madrid now trails league-leading Barcelona by eight points.

    Both players did not travel with the Madrid team on Monday to Rabat, Morocco, along with Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, Ferland Mendy, and Eden Hazard.

    If Madrid defeats Egyptian team Al Ahly, key players Benzema and Courtois still have a chance to be healthy for Saturday’s final against Flamengo or Al Hilal.

    The Champions League last-16 first-leg match against Liverpool is also in a fortnight for Los Blancos, who have won the competition four times in the previous eight seasons.

  • Benzema and Kroos deliver victory for Real Madrid

    Benzema and Kroos deliver victory for Real Madrid

    Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in a thrilling LaLiga match on Sunday thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos.

    In the 24th minute at San Mames Stadium, seasoned France international Benzema beat Unai Simon with a spectacular volley to hook back a loose ball.

    The 90th minute breakaway goal by Kroos sealed the victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s team and kept pressure on league-leading Barcelona.

    However, Ernesto Valverde’s team will have to reflect on whether they should have earned a point after making a valiant effort to force a draw before Kroos’ goal dashed any ambitions.

    Following Barca’s victory over Getafe, it was imperative for Madrid to ensure they kept pace with a win of their own.

    In a first half not short of opportunities, they had the edge over their hosts and demonstrated a shrewd ability to capitalise on their mistakes.

    That proved invaluable when Benzema rescued Marco Asensio’s wayward header and volleyed home.

    Madrid were initially frustrated in their attempts to double the advantage, with Asensio narrowly shooting past the left post in the 66th minute.

    Inaki Williams briefly thought he had found the equaliser for the hosts with 13 minutes left, only for the linesman’s flag to rule his finish out with an offside call against Gorka Guruzeta.

    Athletic’s hopes of salvaging a late draw were dashed at the death when Kroos picked off a Rodrygo ball and coolly slotted home from outside the box.

    Ancelotti’s side headed to Bilbao knowing dropped points may prove seriously damaging to their title credentials.

    Though they looked at risk of wavering with a one-goal lead, they were ultimately good value for their victory and will take confidence from the result going forward.

    Benzema makes more LaLiga history

    The Frenchman’s first-half finish was yet another top-flight goal to savour, but more importantly, it was his 228th for Madrid in the competition.

    That draws him level with Raul for joint-second on the club’s all-time LaLiga scorer chart, trailing only former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads with 311.

    Hosts rue wayward finishing

    It was not to be for Valverde and his men, who came out of the blocks in the second half seeking a result against one of the division’s heavyweight outfits.

    With 18 shots to Madrid’s 10, they outgunned their visitors throughout, but with just three of those on target, they ultimately failed to earn a share of the spoils.

    Key Opta Facts

    – Athletic Bilbao have not won any of their last 15 games against Real Madrid in LaLiga (D4 L11), losing each of the last six. 

    – Real Madrid have won points in each of their last eight visits to Athletic in LaLiga (W6 D2) since a 1-0 loss in March 2015, with Carlo Ancelotti and Ernesto Valverde also on both benches.

    – Real Madrid have not lost in their last 12 visits to teams from the Basque Country in LaLiga (W11 D1), since losing 3-1 v Real Sociedad in May 2019, winning each of the last seven.

    Source: Livescore

  • Benzema ‘not interested’ to join France ahead of World Cup final

    Just two days before France’s World Cup final match against Argentina, Karim Benzema sent a mysterious statement on social media claiming he is “not interested.”

    Due to a thigh injury he aggravated in practice, Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema was ruled out of Qatar 2022 on the day of the competition.

    There were rumors that the current Ballon d’Or winner, who had recovered from his injury and resumed training with his club, may rejoin the team.

    However, asked if Benzema could make a shock return ahead of Sunday’s final, France boss Didier Deschamps said: “I don’t want to answer you. It’s a stupid question.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Karim Benzema (@karimbenzema)

    Further reports from Spain on Friday claimed Benzema was unhappy to have been sent home in the first place and did not take kindly to Deschamps’ latest comments.

    The 34-year-old has now posted an ambiguous message on social media, simply translated as “I’m not interested”, accompanied by an explosion emoji.

    Former Lyon striker Benzema has scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for France.

    Les Bleus are aiming to become just the third side – and first since Brazil in 1962 – to retain the World Cup trophy after beating Morocco 2-0 in the semi-finals to advance.

     

  • Deschamps: France ‘full steam ahead’ despite Benzema injury blow

    Didier Deschamps has asked for “more understanding” as France adjust to their latest injuries, but Les Bleus intend to go “full steam ahead” with the same objectives as before.

    France were already without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante for the World Cup and have now lost Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema on the eve of the tournament.

    Deschamps’ defending world champions head into their opener against Australia with uncertainty around much of their line-up, although the coach has “no worries at all” about Eduardo Camavinga’s fitness and confirmed Raphael Varane is fit to start.

    Asked on Monday if France would have to reconsider their approach to the finals, Deschamps disagreed, although he asked the assembled media for their support.

    “It is full steam ahead with the team we have available to us,” he said.

    “Less ambition and less desire to do everything to get to the end? I don’t think so. But if we could have more understanding from the media, if you could cut us a little more slack, that would be great.

    “But we know what is asked of us. We are not counting our chickens before they are hatched, we know our three opponents ahead of us.

    “We know Australia very well, but you haven’t asked me anything about Australia. That’s perfect.”

    Despite their difficulties, Deschamps says France have “no apprehension” and “no anxiety”, even with the past three World Cup holders exiting in the first round.

    “This is based on statistics, probability, facts, but I think each team has undergone their own journey to get where they are today,” he said.

    “It is up to us to have a squad that is aware of the objective of the first game. We’re not going to think about what could have been.

    “What is important is to focus on the first game against Australia. Everything before is on the sideline now.

    “There is analysis that can be made, do with them what you will, but we will be ready for tomorrow.”

    In the absence of Benzema, Kylian Mbappe is set to have an even more prominent role, having starred in France’s Russia 2018 success.

    “[Mbappe] played an important role four years ago on the pitch,” Deschamps said. “He was very mature at the time and is even more mature now because of what’s gone on over the course of the past four years. There’s been more global recognition, more responsibility.

    “Obviously he has what it takes to stand out from the crowd, to score; his aura is second to none. This was the case four years ago, it still is the case now.”

    According to captain Hugo Lloris, Mbappe is “involved, relaxed, concentrated, focused”.

    Lloris was also asked about the OneLove captain’s armband – a campaign that promotes “inclusion and sends a message against discrimination of any kind”.

    The France skipper had already confirmed he would not be wearing the armband, and it emerged shortly after his news conference other countries were backing out of the campaign following the threat of FIFA sanctions.

    “FIFA is organising this competition,” Lloris said. “It is therefore up to FIFA to put into place a regulatory framework.

    “As players, we’re here to play football and represent our teams to the best we can on a sporting front. I would prefer to stay in my box. I am a player and a competitor of this competition.

    “Yes, there are many causes that are important and should be supported. They’re commendable. But it’s up to FIFA to take decisions with the organisation of the competition.”

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • France opt against calling up Benzema replacement ahead of World Cup defence

    France will not call up a replacement for Karim Benzema after the Ballon d’Or winner was ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury, head coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed.

    Deschamps’ side are looking to become the first team to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962, but they have suffered several injury blows ahead of the tournament in Qatar.

    Having already seen midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante ruled out, France lost Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku after naming their 26-man squad for the competition, but the most severe blow was still to come as Benzema was forced to leave their camp after failing to complete Saturday’s training session.

    With Benzema facing three weeks on the sidelines, reports suggested France would decide whether to call up another attacker on Sunday, but Deschamps is content with his existing options.

    “It’s obviously a big blow. Karim had done everything, so had we. He was in the session and with an almost innocuous gesture, he felt muscle pain on the other leg,” Deschamps told Telefoot.

    “The exams unfortunately confirmed too much damage compared to the deadlines that await us.

    “Will he be replaced? No. We have seven to eight attacking players.”

    Alongside 2018 World Cup winners Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele, France can call upon Kingsley Coman, Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram as attacking options.

    Benzema has endured a frustrating season, missing several of Real Madrid’s games after sustaining a knee injury in September before being plagued by muscle fatigue in the build-up to the World Cup.

    Deschamps insists France’s medical staff should not shoulder the blame for his latest injury, adding: “I know that you are looking for controversy, but everything has been done [for Benzema to be fit].

    “It happened in the game, not even on an acceleration or a strike. It can happen, it’s never the right time, it’s not a relapse.

    “He has a concern on the other side, which prevents him from staying with us. It’s never fun, it doesn’t make you smile.

    “We had already lost Christopher, but we have a goal, the group knows very well what awaits us. We have a quality group. I am convinced of it, I have confidence in them.”

    Deschamps offered a more positive update on the fitness of Raphael Varane, saying the Manchester United defender “will be available” for Tuesday’s Group D opener against Australia.

    Varane had been a doubt for the tournament after suffering a leg injury in the Red Devils’ Premier League draw with Chelsea last month, but he completed his first collective training session since meeting up with Les Bleus on Saturday.

    Source: Livescore

  • Benzema injury adds to tales of World Cup woe for Ballon d’Or winners

    France have been dealt another injury blow as Karim Benzema is out of the World Cup.

    Benzema will become the first reigning Ballon d’Or winner to miss a world finals since Allan Simonsen’s Denmark failed to qualify for the 1978 tournament.

    The ‘holders’ curse’ is now well established – Benzema had been hoping to help France end a sequence of three consecutive defending champions exiting in the first round – but Ballon d’Or victors have been no more fortunate.

    In fact, stars entering a World Cup recognised as the world’s best player have never gone home with the trophy.

    While Alfredo Di Stefano’s Spain, like Simonsen’s Denmark, did not qualify in 1958, Benzema is the first player to be absent through injury.

    But plenty of all-time greats have suffered World Cup heartache at their peak.

    Eusebio (1966)

    Eusebio lived up to his billing of being the best player in the world at the time by finishing as top scorer in the 1966 World Cup with nine goals. Thanks to the form of their star man, Portugal made quite the impact in their maiden tournament as they eliminated Brazil, who were without the injured Pele, but his penalty against England was not enough as the Selecao suffered semi-final heartbreak. The photo of a crestfallen Eusebio being led off the Wembley pitch remains iconic to this day, with the game being dubbed ‘Jogo das Lagrimas’ – the Game of Tears.

    Roberto Baggio (1994)

    After initially struggling to get going at USA 94 in an underwhelming group stage for Italy, Baggio finally came to life and showed why he was the world’s best in the knockout rounds. The Juventus star scored late on against Nigeria to take the game to extra time and then netted the winning goal in the additional period to set up a quarter-final with Spain, against whom he also bagged the winner. That hot streak continued with two more goals against Bulgaria in the semis, yet the tournament would ultimately end in heartbreak as he skied the decisive penalty for the Azzurri against Brazil – a miss that he has had to relive over and over since that day.

    Ronaldo (1998)

    Entering the World Cup as a true global superstar O Fenomeno – The Phenomenon – dealt with the intense pressure by scoring three times in Brazil’s run to another final, where hosts France awaited at the Parc des Princes. The showpiece is arguably best remembered more than two decades on for events prior to the match, with Ronaldo being left out of the starting line-up only to be reinstated 45 minutes before kick-off. The tale has been told countless times, though Ronaldo himself confirmed he was left out of the initial XI due to suffering a convulsion. While he won his battle to start, he could not make the impact he would have wanted as France ran out 3-0 winners in Saint-Denis.

    Cristiano Ronaldo (2014 & 2018)

    On the back of winning his second Champions League trophy, and the first of four with Real Madrid, Ronaldo looked in the mood to fire Portugal to a first World Cup crown. However, to say the tournament did not quite go Ronaldo and Portugal’s way would be a huge understatement. The Selecao lost 4-0 to eventual competition winners Germany in their opening match and then required a 95th-minute goal to salvage a 2-2 draw against the United States. A 2-1 win over Ghana in their final match, with Ronaldo at least getting off the mark in that game, failed to prevent Portugal from crashing out in the group stage. Portugal, European champions at the time, only fared marginally better four years later with the world’s best player in their ranks as they fell to Uruguay in the first knockout round.

    Source: Livescore

     

     

     

  • Benzema reacts to World Cup injury KO blow

    Karim Benzema insisted it was not in his nature to “give up” as he was forced to concede his World Cup dream with France was over.

    A quadriceps problem in his left thigh has flared up and left the 34-year-old resigned to packing his bags rather than contributing for Les Bleus in Qatar.

    He won the highly prized Ballon d’Or award last month, recognition of his spectacular form last season, but Benzema will be on the outside looking in on football’s biggest show after suffering a setback in France’s training session on Saturday.

    It had been his first full on-pitch activity with the France squad during the pre-tournament camp, with Benzema having been determined to prove his fitness before the team’s opening game against Australia on Tuesday.

    He had been bothered by muscular fatigue in the left quadriceps while with Real Madrid in recent weeks, missing several games, and this latest blow may be a recurrence of that problem.

    France have the option to call in a replacement for Benzema, who faces around three weeks of recovery. That time span suggests Benzema could have been fit in time to contribute before the end of the World Cup, but it was agreed he should be withdrawn from the squad.

    Reports said France would decide whether to summon an additional player on Sunday.

    Benzema wrote on Twitter and Instagram: “In my life I never give up but tonight I have to think about the team like I always do, so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our team to have a great World Cup. Thank you for all your messages of support.”

    International team-mate and fellow superstar striker Kylian Mbappe replied by writing “Force”, which translates to “Strength”.

    France and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele was another to send a message of support, as was Presnel Kimpembe, the defender who withdrew from the squad at the start of the week due to his own injury.

    Benzema’s Real Madrid team-mate Rodrygo, a member of Brazil’s squad, wrote: “The best must compete in the best. You will be missed in the World Cup… Good recovery KB9!”

    Source: Livescore

  • Benzema ruled out of the World Cup after injury blow

    Karim Benzema will miss the World Cup after the France striker suffered an injury blow on the eve of the tournament.

    The Real Madrid captain, who missed Les Bleus’ triumph at Russia 2018 while out of favour amid an ongoing blackmail investigation, was set to play a big part this time for Didier Deschamps’ team.

    Benzema won the Ballon d’Or last month after a spectacular 2021-22 season that saw him score 44 goals in 46 games for Madrid, helping the Spanish giants win LaLiga and the Champions League.

    However, he has been troubled by physical setbacks this term and the most untimely and crushing of all blows for the 34-year-old came on the day before Qatar 2022 was set to get underway.

    Benzema only resumed full training with France on Saturday, after recent muscle trouble, but he could not complete the squad session due to injury.

    He underwent tests that produced results ruling him out of the tournament.

    The French Football Federation said in a statement: “Karim Benzema has pulled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury. The whole team shares Karim’s disappointment and wishes him a speedy recovery.”

    The former Lyon frontman was troubled by a knee blow earlier this season before missing further fixtures for Madrid after suffering from muscular fatigue in his left quadriceps, with Saturday’s blow seemingly a recurrence of that.

    World Cup holders France begin their defence on Tuesday against Australia, before also tackling Denmark and Tunisia in Group D on November 26 and 30 respectively.

    Benzema’s absence from the tournament is the latest in a line of major setbacks for France, even though coach Deschamps also has the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud as forward options.

    RB Leipzig’s prolific Christopher Nkunku was forced to pull out of the squad this week after suffering knee ligament damage in a training collision with Eduardo Camavinga.

    They also lost star midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, who would have been central to Deschamps’ plans.

    Source: Livescore