Antoine Griezmann’s journey to Ballon d’Or 2023 contention is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. To truly understand why he deserves this prestigious award in 2023, we need to delve into the specifics of his career and achievements.
Youth and Real Sociedad: The Early Days of Brilliance
Ballon d’Or 2023 journey started in 1991 when he was born in Macon, France. Griezmann joined Sociedad at a young age and played a crucial role in their success, including winning promotion to the top flight and achieving individual milestones, such as winning the European Under-19 Championship in 2010. Real Sociedad signed Antoine Griezmann in 2005 when he was just 14 years old, coming from the French club UF Maconnais. At the Spanish club, Griezmann honed his skills and developed into a formidable player. His journey through the youth systems and his time at Real Sociedad solidified his status as one of France’s brightest footballing prospects.
Atletico Madrid: A Pivotal Move and European Glory
In 2014, Antoine Griezmann made a defining move to Atletico Madrid when the two clubs agreed on a €30 million transfer fee. Griezmann, known for his international contributions, played in all of France’s matches at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they reached the quarter-finals. His career faced a setback due to a suspension by the France football federation, but once the ban was lifted, he quickly rose to prominence in the national team.
During this time, he did not yet think that after returning from Barcelona empty-handed, he would achieve his 3rd nomination in the Ballon d’Or 2023 – could he be the winner this year?
This transfer marked the turning point in his career, as he played a pivotal role in Atletico’s successes. Notably, he was instrumental in their UEFA Europa League triumph in 2018, contributing crucial goals and performances. His signing for Atletico Madrid was a significant moment that set the stage for his rise to stardom.
View the finest goals scored by Griezmann from 2014 to 2019:
2018: Year of Griezmann
Griezmann’s international journey reached its zenith during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He played a vital role in securing France’s victory, showcasing his exceptional skills and footballing intelligence.
His contributions, such as the Bronze Ball and Silver Boot he earned at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, were instrumental in France’s triumph, further solidifying his status as one of the world’s finest footballers. The Bronze Ball is awarded to the third-best player in the tournament, while the Silver Boot is given to the second-highest goalscorer.
His performance in the Europa League, where he scored consistently and helped Atletico Madrid win the title, was crucial in his decision to stay in Madrid. Additionally, his outstanding displays in the World Cup, especially in the knockout phase, further solidified his status as a top footballer. Griezmann’s year was marked by success
Relive the Europa League final showdown against Marseille, a match in which Griezmann netted two goals:
In 2018, Griezmann had a remarkable year, solidifying his position among the world’s elite footballers. He was not only a candidate for individual honors but also played a decisive role in winning trophies for his teams. His versatility and maturity on the field were evident during the World Cup, where he showcased his skills as a complete player. Griezmann was not just a goalscorer; he played as a defender and midfielder when required, making vital contributions in various positions.
Atletico Madrid secured the European Super Cup by defeating the Champions League victors, Real Madrid, in extra time with a scoreline of 4-2, thanks to a remarkable hattrick by Diego Costa:
Perhaps he deserved to win the Ballon d’Or in 2018 more than he does in Ballon d’Or 2023. Griezmann expressed disappointment when he finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting. Luka Modric claimed the top spot, with Cristiano Ronaldo as the runner-up. Despite his contributions to both club and country, including a crucial role in France’s World Cup triumph and winning the Bronze Ball, Griezmann couldn’t help but wonder what more he needed to do to secure the coveted award. His disappointment was evident, but he remained determined to continue his pursuit of football excellence, aiming to reach the top of the footballing world in the future.
Barcelona and Return to Atletico: A Rollercoaster Transfer Saga
In 2019, Antoine Griezmann made a high-profile move to Barcelona for a staggering transfer fee of 120 million euros. While his time at Barcelona had its moments, it ultimately led to a surprising return to Atletico Madrid in 2022 for just 20 million euros, raising eyebrows in the footballing world. This intriguing transfer saga adds another layer to Griezmann’s journey.
2022 World Cup: A Heartbreaking Final
The 2022 World Cup was another chapter in Griezmann’s storied career. Despite a heartbreaking loss to Argentina in the final, Griezmann’s contributions were undeniable. His performance, as acknowledged by French magazine Le Monde, played a pivotal role in taking Les Bleus to the final and positions him as a potential Ballon d’Or 2023 winner.
Market value
As per FootballTransefers.com Antoine Griezmann’s present transfer valuation falls in the range of €32.8 million to €54.7 million. In his most recent transfer move during the year 2023, he made a switch from Barcelona back to Atletico Madrid. This transfer involved Atletico Madrid paying Barcelona a fee of €20 million for securing Antoine Griezmann’s services.
French Contingent: Fellow Nominees in Ballon d’Or 2023
In addition to Griezmann’s candidacy, several other French national teammates have also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or 2023, including Kylian Mbappe and Randal Kolo Muani. This French trio’s presence among the nominees underscores the remarkable talent within the French national team.
Ballon d’Or 2023: Atletico Madrid’s Unique Position
An interesting observation is that while rival city club Real Madrid boasts only two nominees, Luka Modric and Vinicius, Atletico Madrid has Griezmann as its sole representative. This highlights Griezmann’s individual excellence and the unique position he holds in his club’s lineup.
As we anticipate the Ballon d’Or 2023 winner, it’s essential to acknowledge the competition. Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe are all formidable contenders. The decision won’t come easy, but Antoine Griezmann’s incredible journey, from his early days at Real Sociedad to his international success and club stints, undeniably makes him a strong contender for the prestigious award.