𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football

Antoine Griezmann has announced his international retirement, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career as he bows out with an impressive 137 caps for the French national team. This 33-year-old forward, who has been a pivotal figure in French football, made his senior debut for Les Bleus back in 2014 during a friendly match against the Netherlands. His entry into the national team set the stage for an extraordinary journey that would see him participate in six major tournaments.

Over the years, Griezmann has left an indelible mark on international football. He shone brightly at Euro 2016, where he not only played a vital role in leading France to the final but also secured the tournament’s Golden Boot for being the top scorer. Following this success, he savoured the ultimate glory of winning the FIFA World Cup in 2018 as part of a talented squad that triumphed on the grand stage in Russia. Griezmann’s contributions were instrumental throughout the tournament, and the victory solidified his status as one of the finest players in the sport.

In addition to his World Cup triumph, Griezmann added another prestigious trophy to his collection when France emerged victorious in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League. This victory further showcased his ability to perform on critical occasions and his enduring impact on the team.

Griezmann’s final appearance in a French jersey came during a Nations League clash against Belgium on September 9, when he stepped off the bench to make his mark one last time. His decision to retire from international duty was announced on social media, where he expressed his emotions candidly: “It is with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life. Thank you for this magnificent tricolour adventure and see you soon.” This heartfelt message resonated with fans and teammates alike, reflecting the profound connection he has fostered with the French football community.

Throughout his remarkable international career, Griezmann scored 44 goals, placing him fourth on France’s all-time top scorers list. His scoring ability, coupled with his creativity and work ethic, endeared him to supporters and established him as a key player in the national team setup. While only Lilian Thuram and Hugo Lloris have amassed more caps than Griezmann, he has now decided to shift his focus entirely to his club career with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, where he hopes to achieve further success. As he moves on from international football, fans will undoubtedly remember his contributions and the memorable moments he delivered on the pitch.

137 games (3rd most in history)
⚽️44 goals (4th best in history)
🅰️38 assists ( 1st in history)
🏆1 world cup (2018 winner)
🏆1 nations league (2021 winner)
🏅 1 EUROs Golden Boot