Antoine Griezmann, the star midfielder of the French national team, has decided to retire from international football after an illustrious career that included winning the World Cup in 2018. The 33-year-old Atletico Madrid player was a key player in France’s successful campaigns in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Griezmann made the announcement on social media, expressing his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he had while playing for the national team.
Throughout his career, Griezmann scored 44 goals in 137 appearances for France and became known for his versatility in the midfield. He was a pivotal figure for coach Didier Deschamps’s team and played a record 84 consecutive matches for Les Bleus. Despite relinquishing the captain’s armband to Kylian Mbappe, Griezmann remained a respected voice in the squad and was admired by teammates and fans alike. Deschamps lauded Griezmann as a monument of French football and one of the greatest players in the country’s history.
Griezmann’s retirement marks the end of an era for French football, as he joins Olivier Giroud and other top players who have recently stepped away from international competition. With a career that spanned over a decade, Griezmann leaves behind a legacy as one of France’s top goal scorers and a key contributor to the team’s success in major tournaments. His achievements include winning the 2021 Nations League and reaching the final of Euro 2016, where France narrowly lost to Portugal in extra time.
Having also enjoyed success at the club level with La Liga clubs Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona, Griezmann’s impact on the football world extends beyond his international career. Known for his work ethic and professionalism, Griezmann continues to make significant contributions on the field, with three goals in nine games for Atletico this season. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, Griezmann’s retirement is a bittersweet moment for fans who have followed his journey from a promising young talent to an established star of the game.
