Antoine Griezmann's Finest Moments in a France Shirt
![Antoine Griezmann\](/images/photos/articles/a_3/3156.jpg "Antoine Griezmann\")
Antoine Griezmann's international career with the French national team is a tapestry of remarkable performances, pivotal goals, and unforgettable moments.
The Atletico Madrid icon has led Les Bleus through one of their highest peaks throughout his international career, however, as they say, all good things come to an end. The 33-year-old attacker announced on September 30th that he would be retiring from international football after a stellar decade-long stint at the forefront of the national team.
Since his debut in a 2-0 friendly victory against the Netherlands back in 2014, Grizou has notched up an incredible 137 appearances for his country, tied for third-most all-time alongside Olivier Giroud and solely behind Lilian Thuram (142) and Hugo Lloris (145). His goal haul of 44 goals is the fourth most in history, behind Kylian Mbappe, Thierry Henry, and the aforementioned Giroud. However, after a glittering career, he has decided that now is the perfect time to call it a day.
Many thought that Griezmann may well try and tough it out until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament, in which Bovada betting odds made Les Bleus a +600 joint-favorite to win alongside England, Brazil, and European Champions Spain. The former Real Sociedad man felt that it was a step too far, however, and he will now hang up his boots and focus on his club duties with Los Rojiblancos.
Griezmann’s rise to prominence on the international stage began before the 2014 World Cup. Coming off the back of a 20-goal season in San Sebastian, the talented young striker secured a spot on the plane to Brazil despite not featuring in any of the qualifiers. He played in all five of France's games - starting three of them - as they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual champions Germany.
But Griezmann would have to wait until Euro 2016 to truly announce his arrival as a megastar. With his country hosting the tournament plenty of hope was placed on his shoulders, especially as he was now the team's talisman following the falling out between Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and manager Didier Deschamps. He duly rewarded his manager's faith in him, finishing as the competition's top scorer with six goals, good enough to secure the Player of the Tournament award.
The Crowning Moment
The pinnacle of Griezmann's international career came two years on from that heartbreaking night in Paris. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, France and Grizou would reach the final once again, and this time around they wouldn't make the same mistake.
Operating as both a playmaker and a finisher, Griezmann played a pivotal role for his team, scoring four goals throughout the tournament. He helped Les Bleus top their group before scoring in a seven-goal thriller against Lionel Messi's Argentina in the Round of 16, a game which France won 4-3. He then scored again in the semifinals, before assisting Samuel Umtiti's winner in the semifinal.
Back-to-Back Finals
After winning the World Cup, France's form dropped off somewhat. They were shockingly eliminated from the postponed Euro 2020 tournament in the second round after a penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland, however, they did manage to win the 2021 UEFA Nations League tournament. By the time the 2022 FIFA World Cup rolled around in Qatar, France were ready to defend their crown.
For Griezmann, the tournament was an important one as it was the first time he was utilized in an attacking midfield role rather than as an out-and-out forward. Deschamps asked Grizou to demonstrate his adaptability and footballing intelligence by playing a deeper role as a playmaker. Ultimately, he thrived, and the performances he delivered throughout the tournament were arguably some of his finest ever, despite the fact he didn't get on the scoresheet once.
His displays were characterized by his ability to link play and create opportunities, helping France become the first team to reach back-to-back finals since Brazil two decades prior. Their victory against England in the quarterfinals despite being dominated for long spells demonstrated the resilience of this now-experienced Les Bleus team, but unfortunately, they would come against Lionel Messi once again, and this time he would finish his story.
France met Argentina in the final and for Messi, it was his final chance to win the one prize that had eluded him throughout the entirety of his career. Ultimately, the GOAT would climb his final peak and secure his status as the greatest player that's ever lived, while Griezmann had to lick his wounds after a second final defeat of his career.
Since his debut in a 2-0 friendly victory against the Netherlands back in 2014, Grizou has notched up an incredible 137 appearances for his country, tied for third-most all-time alongside Olivier Giroud and solely behind Lilian Thuram (142) and Hugo Lloris (145). His goal haul of 44 goals is the fourth most in history, behind Kylian Mbappe, Thierry Henry, and the aforementioned Giroud. However, after a glittering career, he has decided that now is the perfect time to call it a day.
Many thought that Griezmann may well try and tough it out until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament, in which Bovada betting odds made Les Bleus a +600 joint-favorite to win alongside England, Brazil, and European Champions Spain. The former Real Sociedad man felt that it was a step too far, however, and he will now hang up his boots and focus on his club duties with Los Rojiblancos.
But one should not cry because the journey is over, they should smile because it happened. Here are Antoine Griezmann's finest moments in a France shirt.
A Star is Born
Griezmann’s rise to prominence on the international stage began before the 2014 World Cup. Coming off the back of a 20-goal season in San Sebastian, the talented young striker secured a spot on the plane to Brazil despite not featuring in any of the qualifiers. He played in all five of France's games - starting three of them - as they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual champions Germany.
But Griezmann would have to wait until Euro 2016 to truly announce his arrival as a megastar. With his country hosting the tournament plenty of hope was placed on his shoulders, especially as he was now the team's talisman following the falling out between Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and manager Didier Deschamps. He duly rewarded his manager's faith in him, finishing as the competition's top scorer with six goals, good enough to secure the Player of the Tournament award.
His influence was crucial as France advanced to the final, where they faced underdogs Portugal. Despite Les Bleus falling to a shocking 1-0 defeat in extra time, Griezmann's performances throughout the tournament were instrumental in re-establishing the French as a dominant force in European football. His brace against Ireland in the Round of 16 and his two goals in the semi-final against Germany were standout displays, but the best was still yet to come.
The pinnacle of Griezmann's international career came two years on from that heartbreaking night in Paris. At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, France and Grizou would reach the final once again, and this time around they wouldn't make the same mistake.
Operating as both a playmaker and a finisher, Griezmann played a pivotal role for his team, scoring four goals throughout the tournament. He helped Les Bleus top their group before scoring in a seven-goal thriller against Lionel Messi's Argentina in the Round of 16, a game which France won 4-3. He then scored again in the semifinals, before assisting Samuel Umtiti's winner in the semifinal.
His contributions were not limited to goalscoring, as his strategic play and assists were pivotal in France's journey to lifting their second World Cup. In the final against Croatia, Griezmann’s composed penalty and involvement in Paul Pogba's goal showcased his ability to deliver when it mattered most, helping his side to a 4-2 victory in Moscow. For his efforts, he was awarded the Bronze Ball as the tournament’s third-best player, further cementing his status as one of the best players on the planet.
After winning the World Cup, France's form dropped off somewhat. They were shockingly eliminated from the postponed Euro 2020 tournament in the second round after a penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland, however, they did manage to win the 2021 UEFA Nations League tournament. By the time the 2022 FIFA World Cup rolled around in Qatar, France were ready to defend their crown.
For Griezmann, the tournament was an important one as it was the first time he was utilized in an attacking midfield role rather than as an out-and-out forward. Deschamps asked Grizou to demonstrate his adaptability and footballing intelligence by playing a deeper role as a playmaker. Ultimately, he thrived, and the performances he delivered throughout the tournament were arguably some of his finest ever, despite the fact he didn't get on the scoresheet once.
His displays were characterized by his ability to link play and create opportunities, helping France become the first team to reach back-to-back finals since Brazil two decades prior. Their victory against England in the quarterfinals despite being dominated for long spells demonstrated the resilience of this now-experienced Les Bleus team, but unfortunately, they would come against Lionel Messi once again, and this time he would finish his story.
France met Argentina in the final and for Messi, it was his final chance to win the one prize that had eluded him throughout the entirety of his career. Ultimately, the GOAT would climb his final peak and secure his status as the greatest player that's ever lived, while Griezmann had to lick his wounds after a second final defeat of his career.
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