Antoine Griezmann Of France Has Announced His Retirement From International Football

France’s 2018 World Cup-winning star Antoine Griezmann revealed on Monday that he is retiring from international football, marking the conclusion of a remarkable 10-year journey in representing his country at the highest level. 

Griezmann’s decision to step away from the international stage comes after years of dedicated service and numerous memorable performances that have solidified his legacy as one of France’s all-time greats. 

His retirement announcement has been met with both respect and nostalgia from fans and fellow players alike, as they reflect on the impact he has had on French football and the lasting memories he leaves behind.

He made his France debut in March 2014

Griezmann wrote on X  “It is with a heart full of memories that I am closing this chapter of my life,”

The forward for Atletico Madrid made his debut for France in March 2014, and since then, he has won 137 caps, a record only surpassed by 1998 World Cup winner Lilian Thuram (142) and former teammate Hugo Lloris (145).

With 44 goals, Griezmann is fourth on France’s all-time list of top scorers, only surpassed by current captain Kylian Mbappe, Thierry Henry, and record-holder Olivier Giroud. 

He had previously assisted his nation in reaching the final of the 2016 European Championship, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. He scored in France’s 4-2 victory against Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow. 

During Les Bleus’s journey to the 2022 World Cup final—a match they lost to Argentina in Qatar on penalties—Griezmann was again exceptional for the team. 

Coach Didier Deschamps will name his next

France squad this Thursday

Griezmann played his final game for France earlier this month, when they defeated Belgium at home in the UEFA Nations League. The striker’s decision to step down is another evidence that the French team is entering a new chapter.

Lloris and center-back Raphael Varane both announced their retirement from international play. Varane, who is only 31 years old, announced his retirement from football last week. Following the German Euros this year, Giroud ceased to represent his nation.

This Thursday, ahead of France’s Nations League matches against Belgium in Brussels on October 4 and Israel in Budapest on October 10, coach Didier Deschamps will announce his next team.

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