137-cap veteran Antoine Griezmann retires from French national team, Kylian Mbappe sends heartfelt farewell message

Antoine Griezmann announced his retirement from the French national team after 137 caps and 44 goals, having helped France win the 2018 World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe And Griezmann
Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Antoine Griezmann announced his retirement from the French national team on Monday, concluding a remarkable career after earning 137 caps and scoring 44 goals. The Atlético Madrid forward was instrumental in helping Didier Deschamps’ squad secure the 2018 World Cup. In response to the news, Kylian Mbappé shared a deeply emotional message for the departing French star.

On Instagram, the France captain expressed his gratitude, writing: “A phenomenal player bidding farewell to the French team. One of the most significant figures in our national squad’s modern history. Thank you for the incredible memories. You carried this team for years and played a huge part in elevating it to the top with numerous titles.

“Some may think it’s too soon for you to step away, but I respect and understand your choice. Representing this team comes with immense pressure and often without the recognition it deserves. Your legacy in the history of French football is everlasting. I’ll never forget the privilege of playing alongside you for so many years. I never took it for granted.

“Safe journey, my friend, and THANK YOU.”

France coach Didier Deschamps also paid tribute to Griezmann, who helped the team win both the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League.

“After careful consideration, Antoine has chosen to bring an end to his extraordinary international career. We discussed this at length recently. Since his debut with the national team a decade ago, Antoine and I have built a relationship based on trust and openness.

“Leaving the French team is never an easy decision, especially for someone who has represented it so well. It requires bravery, clarity, and honesty—qualities Antoine displayed in abundance. It’s a testament to his character.

“Antoine was, and will remain, a monumental figure in French football, one of the greatest players in our history.”

Griezmann’s decision comes just days before Deschamps is set to announce the squad for France’s upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium in October.

Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann

Forwarder, Midfielder

FranceFrance

Age: 33

176 cm

73 kg

Season 2024/2025
Played 9 0 Missed
Minutes 670 74.4 Avg
Goals 2 0.2 Avg
Assist 4 0.4 Avg
Attempt 8 0.9 Avg
Passes 323 35.978.4% AvgSucc
Yellow 0 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 8 times for 587 minutes for La Liga.

Antoine Griezmann scored 2 goals for Atlético Madrid. He procured 3 assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 3rd in La Liga. In the last match Atlético Madrid drew 1-1 against Real Madrid.

Atlético Madrid performance and stats

Atlético Madrid

Manager: D. Simeone
Rank 3rd
Win 4
Draw 5
Loss 0
Goals 13-5
Diff 8
Rank 23rd
Win 1
Draw 0
Loss 1
Goals 2-5
Diff -3
This season

Atlético Madrid is currently 3rd in the La Liga with 16 points.

In the last 8 games, it has won 4 times and drew 4 times. In its last match, Atlético Madrid drew 1-1 against Real Madrid.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 12 goals and conceding 4.​

Atlético Madrid will play the next match in La Liga against Real Sociedad on Sunday 6th of October in San Sebastián.​

K. Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé Lottin

Forwarder, Defender, Midfielder

FranceFrance

Age: 26

178 cm

73 kg

Season 2024/2025
Played 8 1 Missed
Minutes 681 85.1 Avg
Goals 5 0.6 Avg
Assist 1 0.1 Avg
Attempt 42 5.3 Avg
Passes 227 28.484.6% AvgSucc
Yellow 1 0.1 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 7 times for 610 minutes for La Liga.

K. Mbappé scored 5 goals for Real Madrid. He procured one assist. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.

His team is currently 2nd in La Liga. In the last match Real Madrid drew 1-1 against Atlético Madrid.

Real Madrid performance and stats

Real Madrid

Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
Rank 2nd
Win 6
Draw 3
Loss 0
Goals 19-6
Diff 13
Rank 17th
Win 1
Draw 0
Loss 1
Goals 3-2
Diff 1

Real Madrid is currently 2nd in the La Liga with 18 points.

In the last 8 games, it has won 5 times and drew 3 times. In its last match, Real Madrid drew 1-1 against Atlético Madrid.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 17 goals and conceding 6.​

Real Madrid will play the next match in La Liga against Villarreal on Sunday 6th of October in Madrid.​