Antoine Griezmann, 2018 world champion and vice-captain of the France team, announces his international retirement at 33

After 137 selections for Blue, Antoine Griezmann announced his end of career with the French team on Monday, a few days before Didier Deschamps’ next list for Nations League matches.

137 meetings in Blue, and not one more. Third most capped player in the France team, tied with Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann announced his international retirement on Monday September 30 to everyone’s surprise. “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”says the 2018 world champion in a video on his social networks. The Atlético Madrid striker will therefore not appear in the list unveiled Thursday by Didier Deschamps for the Nations League matches against Israel, on October 10, and against Belgium, four days later.

He was only eight games away from equaling Hugo Lloris as the most capped player in the history of the Blues, but Antoine Griezmann will not reach this record. He in turn joins the club of the 2018 world champions who announced their international retirement, with the goalkeeper, but also Steve Mandanda, Raphaël Varane, Blaise Matuidi, Adil Rami and Olivier Giroud. “Wearing this jersey was an honor and a privilege. Since March 2014 and until last September, I had the chance to experience incredible moments alongside exceptional teammates. We shared victories that will remain forever engraved in our memories.”declares Antoine Griezmann.

Referred to as “coach’s favorite” Didier Deschamps by his teammates in Blue, he notably played a record series of 84 matches in a row with the France team between August 2017 and March 2024. In tears after the defeat in the Euro final 2016 at home, a key element of success at the 2018 World Cup, and judiciously placed in midfield during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he had however experienced more complicated recent months. During the Euro in Germany this summer, he was positioned in different positions, did not have the expected impact and ended the tournament on the bench of the France team.

He leaves her anyway “with a deep sense of pride and gratitude”he explains. “I had the honor of representing our country and the chance to experience extraordinary moments like becoming world champion. I will continue to follow the Blues with passion and support this team which has given me so much. I am convinced that the future is bright and I can’t wait to see the next generation shine,” continues the man who scored 44 goals with the national team.