Even for icons, times can be hard. Antoine Griezmann, returned to Atlético de Madrid to become the undisputed leader and stack the goals (197 achievements in total with the club), crossed a complicated period. Criticized after elimination in the King's Cup, less decisive for several weeks (he has experienced a series of 9 games without recently scored), the 34 -year -old French also sees his future registering in dotted lines between an extension which is delaying and the call of the MLS. And as a symbol of this delicate period, here is a record he held, marks his immediate impact during his first visit, has just fallen.
Julián Álvarez erases Griezmann from the tablets!
This symbolic record which has just escaped “Grizou” is that of the number of goals scored by a player in his very first season in the Atlético de Madrid jersey. With his 25 achievements during the 2014-2015 financial year, Griezmann had placed the bar very high upon his arrival. But that was without counting on Hurricane Julián Álvarez! The Argentinian striker, who arrived last summer, panics the counters and has already reached the 26 goals bar this season, overcoming his illustrious French teammate. A remarkable performance which underlines the express adaptation of the Argentinian world champion.
Griezmann begins to decline.
A record lost in the worst time for Grizou?
Losing this record is anecdotal in itself in view of Griezmann's career, but the timing makes it symbolically painful. This comes as French people are experiencing a vacuum passage, with less sharp performance and criticism that resurfaced in the Spanish press after the cup disillusionment. While he fights to find his best level and prove that he still has energy to resell at the highest level, seeing this record of “youth” escape him is undoubtedly not ideal for morale.
What future when his throne vacillates?
This statistical news is added to the vagueness surrounding his future. At the end of the contract in June 2025 (with an option of one year), Griezmann has an extension offer from Atlético but has still not given his response, according to The team. Potential financial disagreements (the club would like to divide its salary by two?) And its own requirements on the club's sports ambition complicate negotiations. Meanwhile, the very concrete interest of the MLS, in particular of the Los Angeles FC of his friends Lloris and Giroud, remains a credible and attractive option for an end of career.
The end of an era for Griezmann at Atlético?
Between passenger, uncertain future and falling records, Antoine Griezmann saw a pivotal period. The passage of statistical witness with Julián Álvarez perhaps symbolizes, more broadly, a transition in progress among Colchoneros. The Frenchman will quickly have to make a decision on the continuation to give to his career, in Madrid or elsewhere, to try to finish on the best possible note.
