How does Antoine Griezmann compare to other players?
Compare Players →Biography
Early Life
Antoine Griezmann was born on March 21, 1991 in Macon, Burgundy. He was rejected by every professional club in France as a teenager — deemed too small and slight for top-level football. Real Sociedad took a chance on him at 14, bringing him to Spain. He never went back to France to play.
Breakthrough
Griezmann's rise through Real Sociedad and then Atletico Madrid was steady and impressive. At Atletico he became the perfect Diego Simeone player — hard-working, decisive, brilliant in tight spaces. He was La Liga's top scorer in 2015-16 and reached the Champions League final twice. The Ballon d'Or was the one trophy that always escaped him.
Career
A troubled move to Barcelona produced goals but not happiness. He returned to Atletico on loan in 2021 and then permanently, rediscovering the form and joy that had made him famous. He won the World Cup with France in 2018, becoming one of the tournament's most important players from an advanced midfield role.
Personal Life
Griezmann is famous for his love of NBA basketball, Drake's music, and Fortnite. His Barcelona years were lonely and complicated. He is close to his Spanish-German wife Erika Choperena and their children, and has spoken about how family is what anchors him during difficult periods in his career.
Legacy
France's second all-time top scorer. A player who reinvented himself multiple times across three elite clubs. The Ballon d'Or that never arrived is the only gap in an otherwise extraordinary career.
Stats & Finances
Career Timeline
Made his La Liga debut and developed into one of Spain's most exciting young forwards
Joined Atletico and became one of the best forwards in Europe under Diego Simeone
Won the World Cup — voted man of the match in the final against Croatia
Moved to Barcelona for £108M in a transfer saga that dominated the summer
Returned to Atletico on loan then permanently — rediscovering his best form
Fun Facts
Griezmann was rejected by every professional club in France as a teenager for being too small
He is one of France's greatest ever players despite being born in Burgundy and playing his entire career in Spain
Griezmann is an obsessive NBA basketball fan and has close friendships with several NBA stars
His Barcelona move for £108M became one of the messiest transfer sagas in football history
He scored or assisted in six consecutive France World Cup knockout games across two tournaments
Data last verified: April 2026
Explore More
Think You Know
Football?
Test your knowledge with our free daily quiz.
Latest News & Opinion
France's World Cup Squad — The Most Complete Team at the Tournament
Didier Deschamps has been France manager for 14 years. He won the World Cup in 2018. He reached the final in 2022. He ha…
Read more →Why the USA Are More Dangerous Than People Think
Everyone is focused on France, Argentina, England and Brazil. Understandably. But somewhere in the conversation about wh…
Read more →Gomes close to Atletico deal - Sunday's gossip
Joao Gomes to Atletico Madrid then. Can't say it's a massive shock if we're being honest. Wolves are in a right mess at …
Read more →You might also like
Share