Antoine Griezmann Retires: 33-year-old world cup winner shocks fans with exit announcement

Antoine Griezmann, a key player for France over the past decade, announced on Monday that he is ending his international career with the French national team. The 33-year-old forward from Atletico Madrid, known as “Grizou” by fans, has played 137 matches for France and scored 44 goals in his 10-year career with the team.

Griezmann made debut in 2014

Griezmann debuted for France in a friendly match against the Netherlands in 2014 and quickly became an important player under coach Didier Deschamps, contributing both as a scorer and assist provider. Only Hugo Lloris and Lilian Thuram have played more matches for France.

“It’s with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life,” Griezmann said on Instagram. “Thank you for this wonderful tricolor adventure and see you soon.”

Griezmann ranks fourth on France’s all-time scoring list, behind Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry, and Kylian Mbappe. He played significant roles in France’s runner-up finish at the 2016 European Championship, its victory at the 2018 World Cup, and winning the Nations League three years later.

“After 10 incredible years, marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation,” he said.

Coach Deschamps praised Griezmann’s team spirit and ability to both attack and defend. “Even if his club career is not over, Antoine was and will remain a monument to French football, one of the greatest players in its history,” Deschamps said in a message from the French soccer federation.Griezmann’s last match for France was a 2-0 win over Belgium in September during the Nations League, where he came on as a substitute. Despite his struggles at the recent European Championship, he was expected to continue playing until the 2026 World Cup.In his retirement message, Griezmann thanked Deschamps for his support, even after being passed over for the captaincy in favor of Mbappe. “It has often been said that Antoine was my darling,” Deschamps said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, my Grizou.”

Griezmann has not stated how long he will continue his club career, with his current Atletico Madrid contract running until 2026.