Antoine Griezmann: The 2010s’ Last Man Standing
UEFA EURO 2016 was marked as the campaign that solidified Antoine Griezmann’s world-class status. Since then, despite facing tough challenges in a football era that keeps on evolving, Griezmann's enduring class remains unshakeable, proving that a talent of his calibre transcends momentary setbacks.
The Sweepr
4/29/20244 min read
Class In Turbulence
Antoine Griezmann has always been recognized for his unique style of play, characterized by his versatility and adeptness in a role that no other can replicate, as well as his distinctive celebratory flair; which sets him apart on the pitch. Even when looking back at his days at his boyhood club Real Sociedad, one would notice that he is different from the others.
The UEFA Champions League season in 2013/14 with La Real was the first time Griezmann stepped foot onto European bright lights. He announced his arrival on the big stage in true Griezmann style, with an acrobatic bicycle kick that tore apart Olympique Lyon's net, leaving goalkeeper Anthony Lopes frozen in place.
From that day onwards, he has embarked on a decade-long Champions League journey. He reached the final once with Atlético Madrid, where he unluckily failed to convert a potential game-winning penalty kick in regular time. Unfortunately, to this point, victory is yet to be seen.
Not to mention another heartbreak he had to endure in his career; losing the EURO 2016 final in his own country, just a couple of months later. Despite being by far the best player in the tournament, he was eventually left unrewarded. Eder’s infamous 109th-minute goal shattered the hearts of the French, leaving them in tears after what had been a joyous adventure in the competition.
A couple of years later, though, football rewarded him with the ultimate prize; the FIFA World Cup, or, to be more accurate, he deservedly rewarded himself. Griezmann's performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of immaculate, as he showcased his class on the international stage once again. From his pivotal role in France's victories to his leadership and composure under pressure, Griezmann's contributions were instrumental in achieving the footballing immortality.
However, the turbulence really started to occur frequently upon his arrival at FC Barcelona—a hefty price tag, chaos in the upper echelons, continuous changes of managers, uncertain roles, and the list goes on. Perhaps leaving Atlético Madrid in a bad note did not set him up for success.
Although Griezmann was one of the more important players in FC Barcelona’s Copa del Rey triumph, after two sub-par seasons with the Blaugrana, he decided to return to Madrid to make amends and start everything anew.
Last Man Standing
In a football world that has become increasingly more structured and visually rigid, Antoine Griezmann stands out for his freedom on the pitch—a freedom that only a select few can replicate today. Operating behind the forwards, he excels in supplying pinpoint lobbed passes, tirelessly aiding the midfield and defence in transitions, and, of course, doing what he does best: scoring goals.
Griezmann was mentally struggling by the time he returned to Madrid, with poor form and an unsupportive fanbase creating a recipe for disaster. He did not regain his form in his first season of his second term in red and white. However, he refused to give up on winning back the love of the fans and returning to his place as one of the best football players on the planet.
Reflecting on the players of the early 2010s, just to name a few; Neymar, Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, Mesut Özil, James Rodríguez, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino—many have either retired or are now collecting their retirement money. Griezmann, on the other hand, continues to perform at the highest level, consistently playing full 90s on the biggest stages of club and international football.
This season, across all competitions including international duties, Griezmann has accumulated a grand total of 4350 minutes, equivalent to approximately 48 full 90-minute matches of football (WhoScored).
Football romantics can only hope that Griezmann still has a couple, or even a few, of European seasons left in his tank, despite Los Colchoneros often proving to be quite frustrating. He certainly deserves to lift both the coveted LaLiga and Champions League trophies, which he has been chasing for all these years.
Speaking to AS, Griezmann explained that a spell stateside would likely be his next adventure: “I want to finish my time in Europe at Atlético Madrid. I know the club want to make that happen and it is something we will talk about. Beyond Europe, I have always said that I would like to try MLS later. But I am also 100% sure Atlético will be my last club in Europe. It is where I want to be, it is where I feel happiest, and it is where I feel at home.”
“I still do not know if it will be Miami or Los Angeles. They are two great cities. I like the mentality and the entertainment culture in the United States,” Griezmann, a known enthusiast of American sports, told French newspaper L’Equipe. A reunion with Lionel Messi in Miami will definitely be on the cards when his time in Spain comes to an end. The France star himself claiming that he would sign for Inter Miami if their co-owner David Beckham, his idol growing up, gives him a phone call.
He dreams of an American retirement in the MLS, sure, but a player of his calibre could certainly continue playing until the dawn of his 40s.
Time will quickly fly, so let’s relish every moment of Antoine Griezmann’s career, while remaining hopeful that the last man standing will ultimately lift the trophies he deserves, and bring closure to the end of what has been a wonderful footballing era.
Written & Posted by The Sweepr on 29/04/2024
