On a memorable Tuesday night at the Metropolitano Stadium, football witnessed history in the making. The French maestro achieved what no player in the storied history of the Spanish giants had ever accomplished before, cementing his status as an undisputed club legend.
Table of Contents
Breaking New Ground at the Metropolitano
The 34-year-old forward reached the unprecedented 200-goal landmark during the Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, converting from close range after being brilliantly set up by Julián Alvarez in first-half stoppage time. As the ball hit the back of the net, the stadium erupted in celebration of a moment that will be etched in the club’s history forever.
After finding the net, the veteran striker held aloft a commemorative jersey displaying the number 200 and his iconic nickname “Grizi” on the back, providing a fitting symbol of his remarkable achievement. The moment was made even more special by the standing ovation he received from the Atletico faithful when substituted in the final minutes of the 5-1 triumph.
The Journey to 200
Career Path Overview
| Period | Duration | Appearances | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Stint | 2014-2019 | 257 matches | 133 goals |
| Barcelona | 2019-2021 | 102 matches | 35 goals |
| Return to Atletico | 2021-Present | 197 matches | 67 goals |
| Total at Atletico | 10 seasons | 454 matches | 200 goals |
The Frenchman’s path to this milestone has been anything but straightforward. His love affair with Atletico began in September 2014 when he scored his debut goal against Olympiacos in Greece. That strike marked the beginning of what would become one of the most prolific partnerships between player and club in modern football.
His first spell with the capital club saw him establish himself as one of Europe’s elite forwards, contributing to multiple trophy successes and earning individual accolades. The controversial transfer to Barcelona in 2019 for a record-breaking fee seemed to mark the end of his Atletico story, but fate had other plans.
Return and Redemption
The reunion in 2021 initially faced significant obstacles. When the French international returned on loan, contractual disputes led to restricted playing time, with manager Diego Simeone keeping him on the bench for the first seven matches of the season. Many questioned whether he could reclaim his former glory.
Those doubts proved unfounded. Not only did the forward reintegrate seamlessly into the squad, but he also elevated his game to new heights. His work ethic, willingness to defend, and ability to create for teammates while maintaining his scoring prowess made him indispensable to Simeone’s system.
Recent Form and Momentum
The historic goal against Frankfurt came just days after he netted against Real Madrid in La Liga, breaking a season-long goal drought. This resurgence has coincided with Atletico’s improved form, with the team securing three consecutive victories across all competitions.
The match against Frankfurt saw the team dominate from start to finish, with goals from Giuliano Simeone and Robin Le Normand preceding the historic strike. Despite having another goal disallowed for handball in the 67th minute, the evening belonged entirely to the French forward.
Surpassing Club Legends
Atletico Madrid All-Time Top Scorers
| Rank | Player | Goals | Appearances | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antoine Griezmann | 200 | 454 | 2014-2019, 2021-Present |
| 2 | Luis Aragonés | 159 | 370 | 1964-1974 |
| 3 | Adrián Escudero | 153 | N/A | 1945-1958 |
| 4 | Fernando Torres | 129 | 404 | 2001-2007, 2015-2018 |
| 5 | José Eulogio Gárate | 127 | N/A | 1966-1977 |
The 200-goal achievement places the Frenchman at least 27 goals clear of any other player in the club’s rich history. He first became the all-time leading scorer in January 2024 when he overtook Luis Aragonés’ previous record of 159 goals—a mark that had stood for nearly five decades.
Aragonés, who played for the club between 1964 and 1974, distributed his 159 goals across various competitions: 133 in the league, 26 in the Cup, and the remainder in European competitions. His legacy as both player and later as coach made his record seem untouchable for generations.
Goal Distribution Across Competitions
The 200 goals have come across all major competitions, showcasing his versatility and consistency in different environments:
La Liga: The foundation of his goalscoring record comes from domestic league action, where he has terrorized defenses with his movement, technical ability, and clinical finishing.
Champions League: His European pedigree is well-established, with crucial goals in the continent’s premier competition, including strikes against some of the world’s biggest clubs.
Copa del Rey: Domestic cup competitions have also witnessed his prowess, with memorable performances in knockout ties.
Europa League: During the club’s Europa League triumph in 2018, he played a pivotal role, scoring twice in the final against Marseille in Lyon.
The Complete Forward
What sets the French international apart is not merely the volume of goals but the manner in which they’ve been scored and the context in which they’ve arrived. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations—derby matches, European nights, title-deciding fixtures—has made him the ultimate big-game player.
Manager Diego Simeone has been effusive in his praise, particularly highlighting the player’s evolution over time. “I am grateful to Antoine and his time at Atlético de Madrid, without even mentioning his 200 goals,” Simeone said after the Frankfurt match. “I remember when he arrived as a short winger who played on the left. We encouraged him to exploit his best qualities: speed, heading, his left foot, his one-on-one talent.”
The Argentine coach continued: “Today, our fans’ appreciation is well deserved for what Antoine gives us. Talent has no age.”
Beyond the Numbers
While 200 goals represents a staggering achievement, the statistics only tell part of the story. His contribution extends far beyond the goals column, encompassing assists, defensive work, and leadership qualities that have made him integral to Atletico’s identity under Simeone.
In the 2022-23 season alone, he recorded 16 goals and 18 assists across all competitions, becoming La Liga’s best assist provider and the only player in the division with double figures for both goals and assists. This dual threat made him tied with Kevin De Bruyne and Lionel Messi for the most league assists across Europe’s five major leagues.
His willingness to sacrifice personal glory for team success has endeared him to teammates and fans alike. Unlike many elite forwards who focus solely on goalscoring, he embraces defensive responsibilities, tracks back relentlessly, and creates opportunities for others—embodying the Atletico spirit perfectly.
Contract Extension and Future Prospects
The club’s faith in their talisman was recently reaffirmed through a contract extension that will keep him at the Metropolitano until 2027. At 34 years old, he continues to defy age-related decline, maintaining the physical condition and technical sharpness that have defined his career.
His recent performances suggest there are still more chapters to be written in this remarkable story. With the team finding form and Champions League ambitions alive, the veteran forward remains central to all of the club’s aspirations.
A Legacy Secured
From the moment he held up that commemorative jersey, one truth became undeniable: the Frenchman has secured legendary status at Atletico Madrid. The journey from promising winger to record-breaking forward, through Barcelona and back, has created a narrative of loyalty, redemption, and sustained excellence.
The statue of Luis Aragonés that stands outside the Metropolitano serves as a constant reminder of greatness. While it remains to be seen whether similar recognition awaits the French forward, his place in the club’s pantheon is already assured. As he himself said after reaching the milestone: “I’m happy and very proud to have reached this mark. It wasn’t easy.”
Indeed, 200 goals never is—but for Atletico Madrid’s greatest-ever goalscorer, the achievement seems almost inevitable in hindsight. The first player to reach this landmark, and given his 27-goal cushion over the second-highest scorer, potentially the last for many years to come.
Read More: Barcelona vs PSG Preview: Prediction, Team News and Where to Watch the Match LIVE
FAQs
How many goals has Griezmann scored for Atletico Madrid?
The French forward has scored 200 goals for Atletico across 454 appearances in all competitions during his two spells with the club (2014-2019 and 2021-present), becoming the first player in the club’s history to reach this milestone.
When did Griezmann become Atletico Madrid’s all-time top scorer?
He became the all-time leading scorer in January 2024 when he scored his 174th goal against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal, surpassing Luis Aragonés’ previous record of 173 goals that had stood since 1974.
How does Griezmann compare to other Atletico legends?
With 200 goals, he sits at least 41 goals ahead of Luis Aragonés (159) and 31 ahead of Adrián Escudero (153). He achieved this in 454 appearances, fewer than the 370 matches Aragonés needed for his tally.
What competitions has Griezmann scored his 200 goals in?
His goals have been distributed across all major competitions including La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Europa League, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Super Cup, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest levels consistently.
How long is Griezmann contracted to Atletico Madrid?
The 34-year-old forward recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until June 2027, ensuring he will continue adding to his remarkable goalscoring record for at least two more seasons.
