Karim Benzema has become the first Ballon d’Or winner to miss a World Cup since Kevin Keegan in 1978. France were dealt a huge blow when the Real Madrid striker pulled up in training with a thigh injury.
At 34, Qatar was likely to be Benezma’s last major tournament on the international stage. A six-year exodus from Didier Deschamps’ setup caused the striker to miss the last World Cup in Russia.
He joins a long list of high-profile stars who will miss FIFA’s global showpiece. France have arguably had the worst injury luck, with N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Christopher Nkunku all ruled out.
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Newcastle United legend Keegan suffered a similar fate in 1978. After winning the first of his two Ballon d’Or awards, the former Toon player and manager did not make the World Cup in Argentina.
However, his omission was not injury-related, as England failed to qualify for the tournament. Controversially, the Three Lions were forced to stay at home as Italy scored more goals in the qualifying group.
With both teams on the same points, a 2-0 win at Wembley was matched by a defeat to the same scoreline in Rome, meaning goals scored came into the equation. Keegan’s omission remains the only other time a Ballon d’Or holder has not played at the World Cup.
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