Antoine Griezmann, a pivotal member of France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, has announced his retirement from international football.
The 33-year-old forward hangs up his boots with an impressive 137 caps and 44 goals for Les Bleus.
Griezmann’s illustrious international career spanned nine years, beginning with his senior debut in 2014 against the Netherlands.
He went on to participate in six major tournaments, including two World Cups and two European Championships.
The skilled Atletico Madrid attacker played a crucial role in France’s World Cup triumph in 2018, alongside other legendary players like Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, and Raphael Varane.
Griezmann provided four goals and two assists at the tournament. He was named player of the match following his wonderful performance in the 4-2 win over Croatia in the final.
Furthermore, he scored six goals in seven appearances at Euro 2016, including a brace in the semi-final victory over Germany.
France were ultimately defeated by Portugal in the final, but Griezmann was named player of the tournament and won the golden boot. Griezmann also contributed to France’s 2020-21 UEFA Nations League victory.
Griezmann’s final appearance for France came on September 9, when he stepped off the bench in a Nations League clash against Belgium.
In a heartfelt social media post, he bid farewell to the international arena: “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.”
France coach Didier Deschamps lauds Antoine Griezmann as he speaks on his retirement
France national team manager Didier Deschamps explained Griezmann’s decision had come after a lengthy discussion between the pair.
He paid tribute to the forward’s selflessness and called him “one of the greatest” players in France’s history.
Deschamps said: “After long and careful consideration, Antoine has decided to put an end to his magnificent international career.”
“Antoine was and will remain a monument to French football, one of the greatest players in its history.”
“In addition to his 44 goals and 30 assists, his contribution to the results we have achieved over the last decade is immense.”
“Driven by a collective spirit at all times and a selflessness that is rare among attacking players, Antoine has always been a credit to football and the blue jersey.”
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, my Grizou.”
As Antoine Griezmann shifts focus to his club career with Atletico Madrid, his legacy in French football remains cemented.
Antoine Griezmann international achievement
Antoine Griezmann’s impressive international career has been marked by numerous triumphs, solidifying his place among France’s all-time greats.
He won UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2010, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
On the world stage, Griezmann was instrumental in France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph, defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final.
He also contributed to France’s runner-up finish in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, narrowly losing to Argentina.
Griezmann’s achievements extend to the UEFA Nations League, where he helped France claim the 2020-21 title.
Additionally, he was part of the French squad that finished as runner-up in the 2016 UEFA European Championship, falling short against Portugal.
Antoine Griezmann Individual Honors at International Level
Among other individual honors, Griezmann won the coveted French Player of the Year award in 2016.
At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Griezmann claimed two prestigious honors;the Bronze Ball, awarded to the tournament’s third-best player and the Silver Boot, recognizing him as the second-highest scorer.
Griezmann’s achievements extend beyond football, as he was bestowed the distinguished title of Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2018, a testament to his impact on French society.
Players in the 2018 World Cup-winning squad that have announced their retirement
Griezmann joins a growing list of 2018 World Cup winners who have retired from international football, including Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, Oliver Giroud and Laurent Koscielny.
On 9 January 2023, Lloris, being the most capped player in the history of the national team, announced his retirement from international football at the age of 36.
The former Tottenham goalkeeper registered more than 143 caps for France, including 20th World Cup appearance in the final in Qatar, which Argentina eventually won 4–2 on penalties.
Meanwhile, former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Steve Mandanda announced his retirement from international football on 14 January 2023 after representing France in 65 international games.
As for Koscielny, he announced that he would retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup competition.
However, he was not included in the squad after an Achilles tendon injury ruled him out of contention.
Also, former Arsenal star Oliver Giroud announced that he would retire from international football after Euro 2024.
Giroud broke the 51 goal record of Thierry Henry and became the national team’s all-time top scorer after netting a goal against Poland at the 2022 World Cup round of 16 on 4 December.
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