Antoine Griezmann calls time to is international career with France

Antoine Griezmann calls time to is international career with France

Eric Munene 13:28 - 30.09.2024

Antoine Griezmann has retired from international football having guided France to Euro 2016 final, 2018 World Cup win and loss in 2022.

Antoine Griezmann one of the celebrated forwards, who played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, announced his retirement from international football on Monday. The decision marks the end of a remarkable decade-long career representing Les Bleus.

In a heartfelt message posted on X, Griezmann expressed, "It is with a heart full of memories that I am closing this chapter of my life."

The 33-year-old leaves behind an impressive legacy, having earned 137 caps for the national team, placing him third on France’s all-time appearances list, behind only Hugo Lloris and Lilian Thuram.

Griezmann’s international journey began in March 2014, and over the years, he established himself as one of the country’s leading goal-scorers, netting 44 goals—trailing only Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry, and current captain Kylian Mbappe.

His contributions to French football include scoring in the dramatic 4-2 World Cup final victory over Croatia in 2018 and finishing as the top scorer at Euro 2016, where he netted six goals.

Griezmann was also instrumental in France's run to the 2022 World Cup final, which ended in heartbreak as they lost to Argentina on penalties.

Despite a less successful campaign at Euro 2024, where France reached the semi-finals but struggled to find their rhythm, Griezmann’s impact on the national team remains undeniable.

His last appearance came earlier this month in a UEFA Nations League match against Belgium.

Griezmann's retirement signals a significant transition for the French national team, which has already seen the exits of key players such as Lloris, Raphael Varane, and Olivier Giroud in recent years.

Head coach Didier Deschamps is set to announce the next squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium.