Ballon d’or winner Benzema ends France career

Ballon D’Or winner Karim Benzema announced the “end” of his international career on Monday, the day after France lost in the World Cup final to Argentina.

“I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I’m proud of it! I wrote my story and ours ends,” Benzema, 35, wrote on Twitter.

Benzema had to withdraw from the World Cup before their first match due to a left thigh injury.

Spanish midfielder and 2010 World Cup winner Sergio Busquets announced his international retirement on Friday.

“I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 matches, the moment has arrived to bid farewell to the national team,” wrote the 34-year-old Barcelona stalwart on his social media platforms.

Official. Sergio Busquets announces his retirement from international football. ?????? 

Spanish midfielder will also decide his future on club side between Barcelona and Inter Miami in the next months.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 16, 2022

Busquets is the last member of the 2010 team to bow out of international football — he was also part of the team that lifted the 2012 European title.

He was captain of the 2022 World Cup side that fell to a penalty shoot-out defeat to Morocco in the last-16.

Only his fellow 2010 team-mates Iker Casillas (167) and Sergio Ramos (180) represented Spain more often than him.

“It has been an honour to represent my national team and help lift it higher, to being European and World champions. To have been captain and to have played so many matches with a certain level of success and always trying to do my best,”