**Farewell to : **
, with his remarkable talent, skill, and character, stands as one of France's all-time greats. Yet, despite his contributions, he often finds himself underappreciated.
After France's 3-1 defeat to Italy on September 6, not all players left the pitch immediately. Griezmann took a moment to walk around the perimeter, acknowledging the crowd. Unbeknownst to many, this was his 136th appearance for the national team, and he would make one final appearance three days later in Lyon, where he played for just 11 minutes against Belgium. This was his last opportunity to bid farewell in the French capital. There were no grand gestures—no fireworks, no highlight reels displayed on the big screen, and no formal tribute in the center of the pitch. All he sought was a quiet moment of connection with a French audience that is only beginning to recognize the extent of his greatness.
This may sound surprising. Over the past eight years, France has reached three major finals, and Griezmann could easily be considered the standout player—not just for his country, but in the tournaments as a whole. Yet, fewer French fans than one might expect would rank him among the top five players to don the blue jersey. and would likely vie for the top spot, given their pivotal roles in the national team's early successes. Meanwhile,
Kylian Mbappé, the
Golden Boot winner from Qatar 2022, is a natural choice for younger supporters, despite being only 25.
As time passes, it is likely that France will come to fully appreciate the irreplaceable legacy of . His contributions to the national team are profound, and his absence will be felt deeply.
Question 1: What significant event took place for Antoine Griezmann on September 6, 2024?
Antoine Griezmann played his 136th match for the French national team, which was later revealed to be his last appearance in Paris, as he bid farewell to the crowd after France's 3-1 defeat to Italy.
Question 2: How did Griezmann choose to say goodbye to the fans at the Parc des Princes?
Griezmann walked around the entire perimeter of the pitch on his own to applaud the crowd, seeking a private moment of connection with the fans rather than a public farewell with fireworks or a tribute video.
Question 3: Despite his achievements, how is Griezmann's legacy perceived in France?
Griezmann is often underappreciated in France, with fewer people recognizing him as one of the top five players to have worn the national jersey, despite his significant contributions to the team's success in major tournaments.
Question 4: What accolades did Griezmann achieve in recent tournaments?
Griezmann was a standout player in three major finals over the past eight years and won the Golden Boot at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, highlighting his importance to the French national team.
Question 5: Who are some of the players that are often considered greater than Griezmann in the history of French football?
Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini are frequently mentioned as top contenders for the greatest French players, while Kylian Mbappé is also seen as a natural choice for younger fans due to his achievements at a young age.