French star Antoine Griezmann announces retirement from international football after 10 years

• Antoine Griezmann announces retirement from international football after a decade with the French national team
• Griezmann played a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup win and Euro 2016 final run
• His final international match was in the Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to Spain

French star Antoine Griezmann has decided to draw the curtain on his international career with the national team, marking the end of a remarkable journey that spanned a decade. 

Griezmann’s last match for France came in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Spain. Despite the emotional ending to his national spell, the Frenchman’s career is marked by historic triumphs, most notably his contribution to France's victory at the 2018 World Cup. His role in the team’s success is immortalised in French football history, as he helped the nation win their second-ever World Cup title.

In an emotional video shared on his X handle, formerly Twitter, the Atletico Madrid forward, widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest footballers, officially announced his retirement. 

“It’s time for me to turn the page and make way for the next generation,” Griezmann revealed.

Griezmann’s journey with the national team began in March 2014, and he would go on to accumulate 137 appearances, scoring 44 goals during his illustrious career. Reminiscing on his time in the blue shirt, Griezmann said, 

“Wearing this jersey was an honour and a privilege, since March 2014 and until last September, I had the opportunity to experience incredible moments alongside exceptional teammates.”

A defining moment came in Euro 2016 when Griezmann, playing as a striker, won the Golden Boot by scoring six goals in the tournament. Unfortunately, France’s hopes of winning the tournament on home soil were shattered as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in the final.

However, Griezmann and his teammates bounced back spectacularly at the 2018 World Cup. The forward was in scintillating form throughout the knockout stages, contributing either a goal or an assist in every game. In the final against Croatia, Griezmann scored from the penalty spot and set up two other goals as France triumphed 4-2.

In recent years, Griezmann adapted to a deeper midfield role to accommodate Kylian Mbappe’s rise as the focal point of the attack. 

His impressive performances at the 2022 World Cup, where France reached the final again, but unfortunately, France lost the final in a tense penalty shootout to Argentina.

Griezmann’s retirement leaves a legacy of outstanding achievement over the last decade. With 137 caps, he is third on France’s all-time appearance list, surpassed only by Hugo Lloris and Lilian Thuram. His 44 goals also make him the fourth-highest scorer in the history of French men’s football.

"All words seem too small," Die Mannschaft hail Neuer after announcing international retirement

Previously, TheRadar reported that the football world has been dealt a blow as Manuel Neuer, at 38, announced his retirement from the German national team. After 15 years of outstanding service, the legendary goalkeeper leaves behind a legacy that not only includes masterful goalkeeping but also a redefinition of the role itself. 

Throughout his career, Neuer was known for his extraordinary ability to defend the goal while also acting as an integral part of the team's offensive plays.