Antoine Griezmann, one of France’s most prominent footballing icons, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 33.
The Atlético de Madrid forward, who enjoyed a decade-long career representing Les Bleus, revealed his decision just days before France’s upcoming matches against Israel and Belgium. Griezmann, known for his charismatic performances and consistent contributions, leaves behind a legacy that includes 137 caps, 44 goals, and countless memories cherished by French football fans.
A Glittering 10-Year Career Comes to a Close
Griezmann’s career with the French national team began in 2014, and over the years, he became an indispensable player under the guidance of Didier Deschamps. He represented France in six major international tournaments, with his crowning achievement coming in 2018, when he played a pivotal role in helping the team secure their second FIFA World Cup title. His performances were particularly memorable throughout that campaign, where his creativity, vision, and finishing ability made him a key player in France’s triumph.
His efforts also guided France to the final of Euro 2016, where they narrowly lost to Portugal. Six years later, in 2022, Griezmann once again led the French charge in Qatar, only to fall short in the final against Argentina. Nonetheless, his influence on the national team during these tournaments solidified his reputation as one of the top forwards of his generation.
Griezmann’s Farewell Message
The 33-year-old confirmed his retirement via a heartfelt message on his social media accounts, posting: “It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for this magnificent tricolor adventure and see you soon.”
This message encapsulates the deep connection Griezmann had with his national team and the pride he took in wearing the blue jersey. His farewell brings an emotional close to a chapter in French football that saw him rise to the occasion time and again, producing moments of brilliance that will live long in the memories of fans across the globe.
A Stellar Career by the Numbers
Griezmann leaves behind an impressive record of 137 international appearances, a figure that ties him with Olivier Giroud and places him third on the all-time list of French appearances, behind only Lilian Thuram (142) and Hugo Lloris (145). In terms of goal-scoring, Griezmann’s 44 goals place him fourth in France’s history, trailing Giroud (57), Thierry Henry (51), and Kylian Mbappé (48).
While his contributions in front of goal were immense, his influence extended far beyond the score sheet. Known for his work rate, positional intelligence, and ability to create chances for teammates, Griezmann was often the orchestrator of France’s attacking play. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple positions across the forward line, a trait that endeared him to Deschamps and made him a crucial figure for the team throughout his career.
Griezmann’s Final Chapter: A Role Transition
In recent times, Griezmann’s role within the national team began to shift. For the first time in his international career, he found himself dropped from the starting lineup. This was evident in France’s Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain, where Griezmann started on the bench, as well as in their Nations League matches in September 2024.
Despite the reduced playing time, his presence in the squad remained influential. However, it seems that the demands of international football, coupled with the emergence of younger talents like Mbappé, have contributed to his decision to step aside, allowing the next generation to take center stage.
A Loss for France, a Gain for Atlético Madrid
Griezmann’s retirement marks a significant loss for the French national team. As one of their most experienced and reliable players, his absence will be felt, particularly as France looks to build towards the 2026 World Cup. Although it’s difficult to predict how Griezmann might have performed by 2026, his retirement is undoubtedly a blow to France’s future plans.
However, his decision to step away from the international stage could prove beneficial for his club, Atlético de Madrid. Without the rigors of international duty, Griezmann will be able to rest and focus solely on club football during international breaks, which could extend his career at the highest level for a few more years.
Antoine Griezmann: A Legacy Etched in French Football History
Antoine Griezmann’s international career is a story of dedication, passion, and excellence. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of France’s top scorers and most-capped players, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His contributions to France’s 2018 World Cup win, their runs to the Euro 2016 and 2022 World Cup finals, and his consistent performances over the years will forever be remembered.
As Griezmann steps away from the international spotlight, his legacy as one of France’s all-time greats remains intact. Though his chapter with Les Bleus has come to an end, his achievements will continue to inspire the next generation of French footballers for years to come.
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How old is Antoine Griezmann?
33 years old
