Antoine Griezmann, the standout star of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team, has officially announced his retirement from international football, concluding a remarkable 10-year career with the national squad.
“It is with a heart full of memories that I am closing this chapter of my life,” the 33-year-old Griezmann stated on X. “With profound emotion, I am announcing my retirement as a France player, after 10 incredible years,” he added in a video accompanying his message. “It is time for me today to turn a page and hand over to the new generation.”
Griezmann made his debut for France in March 2014, accumulating 137 caps—only surpassed by former teammates Hugo Lloris (145) and Lilian Thuram (142). He ranks fourth on France’s all-time goal-scoring list with 44 goals, trailing record scorer Olivier Giroud, Thierry Henry, and current captain Kylian Mbappé.
Notably, Griezmann scored in France’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final and played a crucial role in reaching the Euro 2016 final, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. He was also instrumental in France’s run to the 2022 World Cup final, where they fell to Argentina in a penalty shootout.
His last major tournament was Euro 2024, where France reached the semi-finals but failed to perform at their best. Griezmann had previously participated in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2020, as well as helping France clinch the UEFA Nations League title in 2021.
Griezmann’s final appearance for Les Bleus came earlier this month in a Nations League victory against Belgium in Lyon, near his hometown of Mâcon in Burgundy.
France coach Didier Deschamps expressed his emotions regarding Griezmann’s decision. “After much reflection, Antoine has decided to call time on his magnificent international career. We had a long discussion about this recently,” Deschamps noted. “It was often said that Antoine was my favorite. We had a very strong relationship, and that will remain intact.”
Griezmann’s retirement further signals the end of an era for the French national team, as key players like Lloris and Raphael Varane have also retired in recent years. Varane announced his retirement from football last week at just 31, while Giroud stepped down after this year’s Euro tournament in Germany.
“I am convinced that the future is promising, and I can’t wait to see the new generation shine,” Griezmann added.
Deschamps is set to announce his next France squad on Thursday ahead of Nations League matches against Israel in Budapest on October 10 and Belgium in Brussels four days later. Mbappé will miss these matches due to a thigh injury.
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