Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema wasn't popular amongst France's senior players ahead of the World Cup.

Benzema was released by France coach Didier Deschamps before the World Cup kickoff due to a thigh injury.

Local journalist Romain Molina is reporting Benzema was unpopular with senior teammates and also Deschamps.

Deschamps had been upset with Benzema after being snubbed in his Ballon d'Or acceptance speech.

Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann, of Atletico Madrid, and Juventus' Paul Pogba urged Deschamps to ignore Benzema for the 2018 World Cup and the opinion remained amongst a senior clique this year.