French football legend Antoine Griezmann has brought his international career to a close, announcing his retirement on social media.
The 33-year-old Atletico Madrid forward, who has been a cornerstone of the French national team for nearly a decade, shared his heartfelt decision with fans.
Griezmann made his debut for France in 2014 and amassed an impressive 137 caps, solidifying his place among the nation’s all-time greats.
His goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the field were instrumental in France’s success, including their 2018 World Cup victory and Euro 2016 final appearance.
The forward’s retirement comes on the heels of a successful Euro 2024 campaign, where he helped France reach the semi-finals. However, the team’s early exit from the tournament may have played a role in his decision.
Griezmann’s departure marks the end of an era for French football, as several other key players have also retired from international duty in recent years.
Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, and Olivier Giroud have all hung up their boots for France, leaving a void in the squad.
Coach Didier Deschamps now faces the challenge of rebuilding the team and selecting a new generation of players to represent France on the international stage.
As the team prepares for upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium, Deschamps will be eager to unveil his new-look squad.