Column: It’s Only Now That France Will Realize Griezmann’s Indispensability – His Greatness Cannot Be Measured by Statistics

The column in the British newspaper The Guardian points out that Antoine Griezmann, a talented, technically gifted, and distinctive player, is undoubtedly a legendary figure in French football history. Despite this, the player nicknamed “Grizou” has never seemed to receive the recognition he deserves.

On September 6th, during France’s 1-3 loss to Italy, Griezmann circled the pitch alone, thanking the spectators. At that moment, we did not realize that this might be his farewell match in Paris. Three days later, in the match against Belgium in Lyon, he only played for 11 minutes, marking the end of his international career. There were no fireworks, no highlight reels, no commemorative ceremony; he only wished for a private goodbye.

In the past eight years, the French team has reached the finals of three major tournaments, and Griezmann has always been the standout performer. However, when you try to list the top five players in French national team history, Griezmann’s name may appear later than expected. Zidane and Platini are undoubtedly at the top, and names like Mbappé, Kopa, Henry, Deschamps, and Fontaine will also be mentioned.

Griezmann’s understated nature may stem from his indomitable spirit. He possesses extraordinary talent and technical skills, yet he always prioritizes the team’s victory over personal glory. He should not have been an unsung hero, but he was.

Through his collaborations with coaches Didier Deschamps and Diego Simeone, Griezmann demonstrated exceptional tactical discipline and fighting spirit. Although this style might have stifled other players’ creativity, Griezmann never complained and instead found joy in it. He once said, “Watching our matches can be really tiring,” but he still found enjoyment in these seemingly dull games.

Griezmann is not only technically proficient but can also play effectively in any position on the field. From right winger to second striker, to midfield pivot, he always adapted to different roles. During the 2022 World Cup, he showcased resilience, creativity, and brilliance. His heading and shooting skills were unmatched, and he almost always found a solution to every ball. His greatness does not need to be measured by statistics.

Griezmann brought light to French football and won the hearts of fans. He set a record of 84 consecutive appearances from August 2017 to November 2023, demonstrating his absolute loyalty to the national team.

However, all of this has come to an end. France will no longer see his 138th appearance or his 45th goal. Perhaps Griezmann realized that he was no longer Deschamps’ first choice, or perhaps after Lloris’ retirement, when Mbappé was appointed as the new captain and he was overlooked, this influenced his decision to some extent. But one thing is certain: France has lost one of its greatest players in history. Deschamps once said, “No one is irreplaceable.” Yet Griezmann has become an indispensable presence over the years, even if everyone is only realizing this now.