Antoine Griezmann: The Greatest Modern Rojiblanco

Some players win trophies. A rare few redefine what a club believes it can achieve. Antoine Griezmann belongs to the second group. Across two spells at Atlético Madrid he became the club's all-time leading goalscorer, won major honours at home and in Europe, and gave Los Rojiblancos a decade of world-class football. This is the story of the greatest modern Atlético player.

From Real Sociedad to Madrid

Griezmann arrived in the summer of 2014 from Real Sociedad, joining an Atlético side that had just won La Liga and reached the Champions League final. Replacing Diego Costa was an enormous responsibility for a 23-year-old, but the Frenchman adapted immediately, scoring 25 goals in his debut campaign and establishing himself as the focal point of Diego Simeone's attack.

The Complete Forward

What set Griezmann apart was his completeness. He could drop deep to link play, drift wide to create overloads, finish with either foot, and defend from the front with the intensity Simeone demands. In a system built on collective sacrifice, he was the player granted freedom precisely because he never abused it. That combination of individual brilliance and total commitment is why the Metropolitano adores him.

Europa League and Super Cup Glory

The 2018 Europa League final in Lyon was Griezmann's masterpiece. He scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Marseille, adding a third European trophy to the club's collection in that competition. Days later he scored again as Atlético beat Real Madrid to lift the UEFA Super Cup. Our article on the club's three Europa League titles covers that campaign in full.

The 2021 La Liga Title

Griezmann returned to Atlético in 2021 after two seasons at Barcelona. Although the league title that year was sealed largely without him, his return restored a sense of identity to the squad, and over the seasons that followed he became the team's creative and emotional leader once again, wearing the armband in Koke's absence.

Breaking the All-Time Scoring Record

In 2024 Griezmann passed Luis Aragonés to become Atlético Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer, a record that had stood for half a century. Overtaking a figure as revered as the Sage of Hortaleza placed Griezmann permanently among the club's immortals, and he has continued to extend the record since.

World Cup Winner

Griezmann's Atlético form carried directly into the France national team. He was central to their 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia, scoring in the final against Croatia, and had earlier been named player of the tournament at Euro 2016. Few players have represented Atlético at such a consistently elite international level.

Why the Fans Love Him

Atlético supporters value loyalty above almost everything. Griezmann's departure to Barcelona in 2019 was painful, but his return, his public acceptance of responsibility, and the years of service that followed rebuilt the bond completely. He chose Atlético when he did not have to, and the fans have never forgotten it. Read about the other icons who shaped the club in our top ten greatest players.

Conclusion

Antoine Griezmann is the defining Atlético Madrid player of the modern era: the record scorer, the trophy winner, and the man who came home. Explore more of the club's remarkable story in our dedicated book.

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