Antoine Griezmann Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 16, 2025
Few modern footballers embody the perfect blend of creativity, intelligence, and humility quite like Antoine Griezmann.
A magician with the ball at his feet, a relentless worker off it, and a clutch performer when it matters most, Griezmann has evolved from a overlooked youth prospect into one of France’s greatest footballers and a pivotal figure in European club football.
From his breakout at Real Sociedad to stardom at Atlético Madrid, a high-profile stint at Barcelona, and a triumphant return to form, Griezmann’s journey is a story of resilience, reinvention, and enduring excellence.
Then: The Underdog with a Dream (1991–2014)
1. Humble Beginnings in France
Born on March 21, 1991, in Mâcon, Burgundy, Antoine Griezmann grew up in a working-class family with a deep love for football. Inspired by Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, young Antoine dreamed of representing France on the world stage.
But his path was far from easy. Standing at just 1.70 m (5’7″), he was repeatedly rejected by top French academies—including Lyon and Auxerre—who deemed him “too small” to succeed at the highest level.
2. Finding a Home in Spain
At 17, Griezmann made a bold move: he crossed the border to Spain, joining Real Sociedad’s youth academy in 2005. It was there that his talent finally flourished.
By 2009, he made his senior debut, and by 2012–13, he had become a sensation in La Liga:
- Scored 20 goals in 34 appearances
- Won the La Liga Breakthrough Player Award
- Became the top French scorer in La Liga since the 1950s
His blend of dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring from the wing and second-striker role made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
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The Rise: The Atlético Madrid Era – A Golden Chapter (2014–2019)
1. Move to Atlético Madrid – A Perfect Fit
In 2014, Griezmann signed with Atlético Madrid for €30 million—a club known for grit, discipline, and tactical brilliance under Diego Simeone.
The move transformed his career. Under Simeone’s system, Griezmann thrived as a false nine, attacking midfielder, and wide forward, becoming the creative heartbeat of the team.
2. Record-Breaking Success
During his five seasons at Atlético, Griezmann achieved legendary status:
- Over 130 goals and 50 assists in all competitions
- UEFA Europa League Winner (2018) – scored twice in the final
- UEFA Super Cup Winner (2018)
- Reached the UEFA Champions League final (2016), scoring a crucial goal
- Finished 3rd in Ballon d’Or voting (2016)
He was named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season (2017–18) and became Atlético’s all-time top scorer in European competitions.
His chemistry with Fernando Torres, Diego Costa, and Saúl Ñíguez made Atlético a consistent force in Spain and Europe.
3. International Breakthrough with France
Griezmann also rose to prominence with the French national team:
- Key player in UEFA Euro 2016 – finished as top scorer (6 goals) and Player of the Tournament
- Helped France reach the final, narrowly losing to Portugal
- Became a national hero for his leadership and consistency
His intelligent movement, set-piece mastery, and ability to link play made him indispensable.
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Now: The Barcelona Chapter and Return to Glory (2019–2025)
1. High-Profile Move to Barcelona – A Rocky Transition
In July 2019, Griezmann made a €120 million move to FC Barcelona, joining Lionel Messi in a dream partnership. However, the transition was difficult:
- Struggled to find his role in a Messi-centric team
- Criticized for lack of goals and defensive contribution
- Faced intense media scrutiny and fan pressure
Despite moments of brilliance—including a hat-trick against Valencia—his time at Camp Nou was seen as underwhelming.
2. Return to Atlético Madrid – Redemption Arc
In 2021, Antoine Griezmann returned to Atlético Madrid on loan, later making the move permanent in 2022. The return was nothing short of magical.
Reunited with Simeone and playing with renewed freedom, he rediscovered his best form:
- Played in a deeper, more creative role—almost as a number 10
- Became the assist leader in La Liga (2022–23, 2023–24)
- Scored crucial goals and delivered pinpoint passes
- Helped Atlético remain competitive in La Liga and the Champions League
Fans affectionately dubbed him “El Príncipe” (The Prince)—a beloved figure who returned not for glory, but for love of the club.
3. Ballon d’Or Contender and Tactical Evolution
By 2023–24, Griezmann was once again among the world’s best:
- Top 10 Ballon d’Or finisher (2022, 2023)
- La Liga Playmaker of the Season
- UEFA Nations League Winner (2021) with France
- Consistently among the top assist providers in Europe
He evolved from a goalscoring winger into a complete attacking midfielder—a player who dictates tempo, unlocks defenses, and elevates teammates.
Related: Bukayo Saka Then and Now
International Legacy: France’s Quiet Leader
1. 2018 FIFA World Cup Hero
Antoine Griezmann’s legacy was cemented at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where France won their second title.
He was the tactical and emotional leader of the team:
- Scored 4 goals, provided 2 assists
- Took more shots and created more chances than any other French player
- Delivered masterful performances against Argentina, Uruguay, and Croatia
- Awarded the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player
His penalty in the final and calm composure under pressure were vital to France’s triumph.
2. Euro 2020 and Beyond
Though France underperformed at Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022, Griezmann remained a key figure—often the most creative and composed player on the pitch.
As of 2024, he is France’s second-highest all-time assist provider and among the top five in goals, behind only Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappé.
He continues to serve as a mentor to younger players like Jude Bellingham (at Real Madrid) and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
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Personal Life and Character
Known for his humility, work ethic, and loyalty, Antoine Griezmann is beloved off the pitch as much as on it. He is married to Erika Choperena, his longtime partner, and they have two children. The couple often appears in his social media content, showcasing a grounded, family-oriented life.
He’s also known for:
- His distinctive long hair and headband—a signature look
- His love for Basque culture (learned Euskara, the Basque language, while at Real Sociedad)
- His charity work, including donations to hospitals and youth programs
In 2020, he released a Netflix documentary series, “Captains”, offering an intimate look at his life, struggles, and leadership.
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Cultural Impact and Legacy
Antoine Griezmann represents a new kind of footballing hero:
- Not the loudest, but the smartest
- Not the fastest, but the most intelligent
- Undersized, yet unstoppable
He’s a symbol of:
- Resilience – overcoming early rejections
- Adaptability – thriving in multiple roles and clubs
- Team-first mentality – sacrificing personal stats for collective success
His journey from a boy told he was “too small” to a World Cup winner and European icon inspires millions of young players to keep believing.
Conclusion: Antoine Griezmann – Then and Now
- Then: A 17-year-old rejected by French academies, moving to Spain with a dream and a chip on his shoulder.
- Now: A World Cup champion, two-time Ballon d’Or top-3 finisher, La Liga maestro, and legend of Atlético Madrid.
Antoine Griezmann’s story is not one of instant stardom, but of steady ascent, quiet brilliance, and unwavering determination. He didn’t need the spotlight to shine—he let his feet do the talking.
As he continues to perform at the highest level into his mid-30s, one thing is certain:
Antoine Griezmann isn’t just a great player.
He’s a timeless one.
🇫🇷 “They said I was too small. I proved size doesn’t define greatness.” – Antoine Griezmann
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