10 fun facts about Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann is a renowned French professional footballer who currently serves as a forward for Atlético Madrid in La Liga and represents the France national team. Widely regarded as one of the finest players in the world, Griezmann is celebrated for his adaptability, tactical acumen, attacking prowess, and off-the-ball attributes.

Griezmann commenced his senior club career with Real Sociedad, where he clinched the Segunda División title in his debut season. In 2014, he made a significant move to Atlético Madrid for a then-club record fee of €30 million. During his time there, he achieved remarkable success by winning the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa de España, and being named the Best Player in La Liga. His exceptional performances earned him nominations for the prestigious Ballon d’Or and Best FIFA Men’s Player awards in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

In 2019, Griezmann made headlines with a record-breaking transfer to Barcelona, as the deal amounted to a staggering €120 million, making him the fifth-most expensive player in history. During his stint at Barcelona, he secured a Copa del Rey title before eventually returning to Atlético Madrid in 2021, where he now holds the esteemed position of the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

On the international stage, Griezmann triumphed in the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Championship with the French national team and made his senior debut in 2014. With over 120 appearances and 44 goals to his name, he stands as France’s fifth-most capped player and fourth-highest goalscorer. Notably, Griezmann emerged as the top goalscorer and Player of the Tournament in UEFA Euro 2016, where France finished as runners-up.

He also claimed the Silver Boot, the Bronze Ball, and was named the man of the match in the final as France emerged victorious in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Griezmann showcased his versatility by playing as a central midfielder as France once again reached the final, finishing as runners-up. Some fun facts about him are;

1. David Beckham was his idol

As a young boy, Griezmann looked up to none other than David Beckham. From an early age, Griezmann held immense admiration for the iconic English footballer, drawing inspiration not only from his exceptional skills on the field but also from his impeccable fashion sense.

2. He began his career at an early age

At just 14 years old, Griezmann embarked on his professional football journey with Real Sociedad. The fact that he started so early in his career is a testament to his unwavering determination and boundless passion for the beautiful game.

3. Helped France reach the Euro 2016 final.

With his exceptional performances and decisive goals throughout the tournament, he became an indispensable asset to the French national team.

4. He won the Golden Boot at Euro 2016.

Griezmann’s exceptional talent for finding the back of the net resulted in him netting six goals during the competition. As a result, he was hailed as the standout player of the tournament, earning well-deserved recognition for his remarkable goal-scoring prowess.

5. Helped the French team win the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

His contributions to the team’s success, including four goals during the tournament, solidified his position as one of the world’s best players.

6. Nicknamed as ‘The Little Prince’

Griezmann earned the moniker “The Little Prince” due to his compact build, exceptional playmaking abilities, and astute footballing intelligence. Standing at a modest height of 5 ft 9in, which is relatively short for a professional footballer, Griezmann defies expectations and proves himself as one of the world’s finest players.

This nickname also pays homage to the renowned French novel of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The novel tells the tale of a young prince who embarks on a quest for knowledge and wisdom across various planets. Griezmann has expressed his fondness for the character of the Little Prince and identifies himself as a sort of “little prince” on the field.

7. He is a video game lover

From his childhood, he has been an enthusiastic gamer, openly expressing his affection for video games like Fortnite. His gaming journey began with Nintendo classics such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. As he grew older, he delved into more intricate games like Call of Duty and Fortnite. Being an ardent admirer of Fortnite, he even participated in the prestigious Fortnite World Cup. Notably, he ensures to carry his gaming device during team travels, emphasizing his dedication to gaming.

8. He’s involved in charity

He is dedicated to making a positive impact by backing initiatives that prioritize the well-being of children and extending a helping hand to disadvantaged communities. He has been involved in a number of charities.

9. He is friends with Paul Pogba.

Griezmann and Pogba share a remarkable bond that goes beyond the boundaries of the football field. They are frequently spotted cheering each other on and rejoicing in their respective accomplishments.

10. Lyon was his favourite club

Lyon holds a special place in the heart of the current Atletico Madrid star, who grew up in the nearby town of Macon. As a young boy, he was a devoted supporter of Olympique Lyonnais and would frequently visit the Stade de Gerland to cheer on the team.

However, Lyon made the unfortunate decision to reject his enrollment into their academy due to his height. This rejection was undoubtedly a painful experience for the young fan. Interestingly enough, one of his first major breakthrough moments occurred when his boyhood club, Lyon, faced off against Real Sociedad in a Champions League qualifier in 2013.

In the away leg, Griezmann scored an incredible bicycle kick, contributing to Real Sociedad’s 4-0 victory in the tie.