Not all the French players headed straight for the tunnel after their 3-1 defeat to Italy at the Parc des Princes on September 6. Antoine Griezmann, however, took a moment to jog around the pitch, applauding the crowd on his own. Little did we know then, though he surely did, that this was his 136th appearance for Les Bleus, and his last opportunity to say goodbye in the French capital. No grand gestures, no highlights reel, no commemorative mementos—just a quiet, personal farewell to the fans he had given so much to, yet who are only now starting to realize how great he truly was.
It seems strange to say, given that France reached three major finals in the last eight years, with Griezmann arguably their best player in each tournament. Yet surprisingly few French fans would name him among the top five players to ever wear the blue jersey. For most, Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini sit at the pinnacle, representing the national team’s first major triumphs. Younger fans would undoubtedly point to Kylian Mbappé, while older generations might mention Raymond Kopa, the first French player to gain international recognition. Thierry Henry, Didier Deschamps, and Just Fontaine also hold legendary status.
But Griezmann? Despite his achievements, many still fail to recognize his greatness. Perhaps it’s because he always had to fight for everything, even though he possessed an abundance of talent. Unlike other underdogs who earn admiration for overcoming adversity, Griezmann’s determination was never due to a lack of skill. He was never in it for personal glory, always prioritizing the team’s success. That paradox—being too good to be seen as a trier, yet embodying that spirit—may explain why he isn’t always celebrated the way he deserves to be.
His dedication to tactical discipline, under managers like Didier Deschamps and Diego Simeone, further highlights another paradox. Both valued grit and defensive work over creativity, yet Griezmann, with his brilliant mind and quick feet, never rebelled against their rigid systems. Instead, he thrived within them, finding joy in what others might consider dull or limiting. He played an unflashy, team-first style, always focused on the most effective outcome rather than the spectacular.
Griezmann’s versatility was one of his greatest strengths. Over the years, he played in nearly every attacking position for France. He led them to the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup as a right-winger and second striker, and by the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he had seamlessly transitioned into a deep-lying playmaker, showcasing both grit and creativity. His technical brilliance—whether striking a ball sweetly with the outside of his boot or winning aerial duels like a striker—often went unnoticed because he made it look so effortless.
More than his skill, Griezmann helped rekindle the French public’s love for their national team. After the infamous Knysna scandal in 2010, he, along with players like Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud, and Paul Pogba, restored pride in Les Bleus. His record of 84 consecutive appearances for France between 2017 and 2023 is a testament to his unwavering commitment.
But now, that chapter has ended. There will be no 138th cap, no 45th goal. Griezmann likely realized that, having started on the bench in the Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain, he was no longer an automatic choice for Deschamps. Perhaps being passed over for the captaincy in favor of Mbappé played a part in his decision. Whatever the reason, France has just lost one of its greatest players. And only now will they understand what Deschamps meant when he said Griezmann was not only “indispensable” but, in many ways, irreplaceable.
