Despite attracting plenty of attention from several clubs, particularly in Major League Soccer, Antoine Griezmann recently decided to extend his stay at Atlético de Madrid, the 34-year-old penning a new deal with the La Liga side that will run until June 2027. The commitment speaks to a rare, almost sentimental attachment to the club that saw him become one of the best players in the world.
He first arrived in the Spanish capital in 2014 from Real Sociedad and quickly became a key cog in Diego Simeone’s system. Under the Argentinian tactician, Griezmann has evolved into a complete player capable of scoring, creating, defending and consistently bringing the best out of his team-mates.
Griezmann made his international debut for France in 2014 as well, and his high footballing IQ and unselfish play made him a key figure in the French team. His dazzling displays at UEFA EURO 2016 saw him pick up the player of the tournament award, along with the Golden Boot. However, his six goals were not enough for Les Bleus to clinch the trophy on home soil, as Didier Deschamps’ side succumbed to a late Eder goal in extra time in the final, handing Portugal the title. Despite falling agonisingly short, Griezmann’s stellar showings on the big stage won the hearts of the French people.
His career reached even greater heights in 2018. He won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup with Los Rojiblancos and was one of the driving forces behind the French side that ran riot in Russia to pick up their second FIFA World Cup™ title. In the final, Griezmann was named man of the match following his goal and assist against Croatia as France emerged 4-2 winners.
Four years later in Qatar 2022, France returned to the World Cup final. Griezmann had been brilliant throughout the tournament, but in the showpiece he was powerless to prevent Argentina’s triumph on penalties, led by Lionel Messi – his former team-mate at Barcelona, where the Frenchman had moved in 2019.
After two mixed seasons with the Catalan side, Griezmann returned to Los Colchoneros in 2022 and picked up where he had left off. In January 2024, he surpassed the legendary Luis Aragones’s 178 goals to become the club’s all-time top goalscorer. He is currently on 197 – and counting. Though now retired from international duty, the 34-year-old remains the beating heart of Atleti, and his leadership and experience will be crucial as they look to get their hands on the trophy at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.
In the United States, a country close to Griezmann’s heart and one that he still dreams of playing in one day, Atleti will take on Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo and Seattle Sounders FC in Group B.
Griezmann factfile
Age: 34
Position: Attacking midfielder/forward
Nationality: French
Key attributes: Vision, finishing, aerial threat, versatility
Outstanding achievements
Griezmann trivia
Quotes
“There are some players who are just different, and Antoine is one of them. He’s special. We love him; he’s a guy who has always given everything to Atleti.”
Atlético de Madrid manager Diego Simeone
“Even though his club career is not over yet, Antoine was and will remain a pillar of French football and one of the nation’s greatest-ever players.”
France coach Didier Deschamps
“I want to stress just how important Antoine is on and off the pitch. He was a brilliant player who always stepped up in the big moments and competitions.”
Former team-mate and France captain Hugo Lloris
