One of France’s most iconic footballers, Antoine Griezmann, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 33.
The Atletico Madrid forward, who played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, revealed his decision on social media, saying it was time to “turn a page” and make way for the next generation.
Griezmann made his debut for the French national team in March 2014 and went on to earn 137 caps, placing him third in France’s all-time appearances list, behind Hugo Lloris (145) and Lilian Thuram (142).
During his international career, he became a key figure for Les Bleus, scoring 44 goals, a record surpassed only by Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry, and Kylian Mbappé.
Griezmann’s career with the national team spanned 10 years of success. His defining moment came in 2018, when he scored in the final of the World Cup, helping France to a 4-2 victory over Croatia. That victory solidified his place in French football history, but it wasn’t his only triumph.
He was the top scorer at Euro 2016, guiding France to the final, and played a crucial role in their run to the 2022 World Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Argentina.
In addition to his World Cup victory, Griezmann also helped France win the UEFA Nations League in 2021. Despite falling short at Euro 2024, where France reached the semi-finals, Griezmann’s influence on the team remained evident until his final match, a Nations League victory over Belgium in Lyon earlier this month.
Reflecting on his international career, Griezmann said, “It is with a heart full of memories that I am closing this chapter of my life. It is with profound emotion that I am announcing my retirement as a France player, after 10 incredible years.”
His message was met with tributes from fans, teammates, and French national team coach, Didier Deschamps, who shared his deep connection with Griezmann.
Deschamps expressed his admiration, saying, “It was often said that Antoine was my favorite. We had a very strong relationship, and that will remain intact.”
The coach acknowledged that Griezmann’s retirement, along with the earlier retirements of Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, and Olivier Giroud, marked the end of an era for the French team.
Despite stepping away from the international stage, Griezmann remains a prominent figure at Atletico Madrid.
By Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi
