Antoine Griezmann, France’s international player, has announced his official retirement from international football.
With his decision, the French forward ends an illustrious international career in which he was instrumental in both France’s 2018 World Cup victory and their 2021 UEFA Nations League victory.
Professional Career
Griezmann, who earned 137 caps and netted 44 goals for Les Bleus, has been a standout performer for over a decade.
After making his debut in 2014, he rapidly established himself as a vital member of the French national team. Fans and coaches alike held a special place in their hearts for him because of his exceptional vision, technical proficiency, and work ethic.
Due to his versatility, Griezmann was able to fill a variety of roles. Under coaches Didier Deschamps and Laurent Blanc, he was particularly successful as a winger and a second striker.
At his first significant international competition, he assisted France in making it to the quarterfinals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. But Griezmann really made his name known to the world during Euro 2016.
He scored six goals to win the Golden Boot and send France to the championship game, where they lost to Portugal. Two years after this setback, Griezmann found redemption at the 2018 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in leading France to victory by notching four goals and dishing out vital assists.
His performance in the final, where he scored a penalty, helped France secure a 4-2 victory over Croatia, cementing his legacy as one of the greats of French football.
Antoine Griezmann not only helped France win the World Cup, but also the UEFA Nations League in 2021. He has become one of France’s most dependable players due to his years of steady play for the national team.
Retirement Announcement
Griezmann announced his retirement via a heartfelt social media message in which he thanked his coaches, teammates, and the French fans who had supported him all along.
He highlighted the pride he took in representing his nation on the grandest platforms and the memories he treasured—from the disappointments of Euro 2016 to the thrills of winning the World Cup.
Griezmann still plays for Atlético Madrid in his club career, but his exit from the national team signals the end of an era.
The desire to extend his club career and free up space for the upcoming crop of French talent—which includes players like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé—likely played a role in his decision to give up on international duty.
He departs from French football having made a lasting impression, and his name will always be associated with the sport that saw the country win the World Cup for the second time ever.
