Last week, the French forward Antoine Griezmann announced he had decided to retire from international football. His nation has an incredible depth of talent in all areas of the pitch but even so, replacing the versatile attacker will not be easy. The Atletico Madrid attacker was 33 in March but took the decision to end his international career that saw him earn 137 caps and score 44 goals.
His last start came on the 6th of September in a 3-1 home defeat against Italy in the Nations League. However, his 137th and final appearance for Les Bleus was a happier experience as his side beat Belgium 2-0 at home. Griezmann only played the final 11 minutes of that one but even so, he will have enjoyed signing off with a win.
He revealed his decision via a video on social media, in which he stated, “After 10 incredible years marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation.” He added, “Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege.” The Atleti legend has been virtually ever-present for France since making his debut for his nation back in 2014. However, when Les Bleus take to the field against Israel on the 10th of October in the next round of Nations League games, they will do so without one of their most intelligent, creative players.
Griezmann’s International Career Summary
We will take a closer look at the highs and lows of Griezmann’s time with France shortly, before also briefly looking at his wider life and career. However, for those short on time who just want the nuts and bolts of the matter, here are the key facts and stats.
- First international recognition – played seven times for France U19, helping them win the 2010 U19 Euros
- Senior debut – earned his first game for the full France team when he started against Netherlands on the 5th of March 2014. France won 2-0
- First goal – his first goal came in his third game against Paraguay in a friendly on the 1st of June 2014
- Total caps – 137
- Total goals for France – 44
- Regular feature – played at least eight times for France every year from 2014 to 2024 inclusive
- Best year for goals – Griezmann netted nine goals (in 16 games) for France in 2021, his best return
- Limited return in final three years – but he scored just twice in 35 games in 2022, 2023 and 2024 combined
- Team Glory – Griezmann won the World Cup with France in 2018 and the Nations League in 2020/21. Was a runner-up at the home Euros in 2016 and at the 2022 World Cup
- Individual recognition – the attacker was named in the Team of the Tournament at Euro 2016 – no surprise given he won the Golden Boot and was also named Player of the Tournament. At the 2018 World Cup, he won the Bronze Ball (third-best player) and Silver Boot (second-highest goalscorer)
International Recognition Comes Late
Considering the amazing career he had with France, it is strange to think that Griezmann was essentially ignored by his country for a long time. Born in Macon, in the central-eastern area of France, he was spotted by scouts from Real Sociedad whilst playing a trial for Montpellier. The Basque side offered him a youth contract and, despite some serious doubts, he and his parents decided the move was worth the risk.
Taking up Sociedad’s offer meant moving to a new country around 500 miles from his home, a huge step at the age of just 14. It clearly worked out very well in the end, Griezmann impressing initially in the second division but helping the San Sebastian side earn promotion.
Five good seasons in the senior team brought 52 goals from 202 matches and earned him a move to Atletico Madrid. In the summer of 2014, he was still just 23 and the fee was substantial – around £24m. His full international debut was just around the corner but playing in Spain had meant France’s younger-age-group coaches had overlooked him. He would play for the France U19, U20 and U21 teams but given how prodigiously talented he was it is surprising he was not part of the French system sooner.
However, once he moved to Atletico Madrid he was very much established and over the next decade or so he established himself as a permanent fixture in the France side. Considering just how good he was, he won relatively little at club level. He made the top three of the Ballon d’Or in 2016 and 2018, and was crowned La Liga Player of the Season in 2015/16.
But despite being a marvellous player, even a big move to Barcelona for more than £100m yielded only a Copa del Rey title. In all, ahead of the 2024/25 Liga campaign, he has only won that and the 2017/18 Europa League with Atleti, in terms of major honours at club level. Happily, things went rather better with Les Bleus.
Key Cog for France
Griezmann has been, arguably, France’s most important player of the last 10 years, which is some claim considering the great teams they have had. His tactical intelligence, vision and technique, plus the way he manipulates the ball, and finds and uses space, mean he knits the team together and makes everything tick.
His career with both club and country has very much been an illustration of how personal glory and success do not always go hand in hand with the ultimate aim of lifting trophies with a team. At club level, he was sensational for many years but did not win the trophies his ability merited.
In contrast, with France, he won two tournaments and made the final in two others but his best individual performances came in one of the competitions he, and France, did not win. He was truly superb at the 2018 World Cup, which his nation did win. He scored their first goal – for the geeks out there, this was the first penalty ever to be awarded by VAR – and would record four in total, as well as two assists. France won the World Cup and this must surely be the crowning moment of his career, as he also won the Bronze Ball and Silver Boot.
However, two years earlier France lost the European Championship final in Paris. But on an individual level, this tournament was his high point. Griezmann was simply outstanding from start to finish and with six goals and two assists did not deserve to lose the final. Redemption would come two years later though and there is no doubt that 2016 Player of the Tournament must go down as one of France’s best players ever.