Antoine Griezmann
A French forward whose elegant, intelligent play and knack for crucial goals have made him a cornerstone of both Atlético Madrid and the French national team's modern success.
Born 1991 (age 35)·French footballer·Birthday: March 21·Millennials
Biography
Antoine Griezmann scored the opening goal in the 2018 World Cup final, lifting France to a 4-2 victory over Croatia. Born in Mâcon, he was rejected by French academies for being too small, so he developed through Spanish club Real Sociedad's youth system. His technical grace and sharp football mind flourished there. His 2014 move to Atlético Madrid transformed his career. Partnering with Diego Simeone, Griezmann's clever movement and finishing became the attacking heartbeat of a famously disciplined side. A 2019 stint at Barcelona proved an awkward fit, but his return to Madrid showcased a player fully realized. For France, his vision and work rate were instrumental in the 2018 World Cup win and subsequent runs to major finals. The most influential players often think the game fastest; Griezmann proved this repeatedly.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Antoine was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Antoine Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Antoine's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with the French national team, scoring four goals in the tournament.
- Finished as the top scorer and best player at UEFA Euro 2016, leading France to the final.
- Became Atlético Madrid's all-time top scorer, surpassing the club's historic record.
- Won the UEFA Super Cup and the UEFA Europa League with Atlético Madrid.
Did You Know?
His elaborate goal celebration, looking at his wrist, is a tribute to the dance from the video game 'Fortnite', which he plays with his brother.
He was a ball boy for a friendly match at his local club when he was six years old.
He wears the number 7 jersey as an homage to his idol, Manchester United's David Beckham.
Before crucial matches, he watches the movie 'The Last Samurai' for inspiration.
“I don't need to be the star, I just want to be important for the team.”
