Turning professional was not an easy journey for Antoine Griezmann. Born in Mâcon, France, on March 21, 1991, the French star faced early setbacks as several French football academies rejected him before he found an unexpected home in Spain.
Despite being deemed too small for French youth academies, Griezmann's fortunes changed when Spain's Real Sociedad scouted him at the age of 13. He relocated to the Basque country, balancing French school in the border town of Bayonne with rigorous football training in Spain.
The Frenchman made his professional debut for Real Sociedad in 2010 and played regularly in La Liga in the following seasons. His speed, agility, and skill caught the attention of top European clubs, and in 2014, he moved to Atlético Madrid.
He enjoyed a highly successful spell in the Spanish capital under coach Diego Simeone, during two spells, winning the Spanish Supercup, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup. The French star gained legendary status with the Rojiblancos, becoming their record goalscorer in January 2024 after netting his 174th goal for the club.
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