Antoine Griezmann, however, has few excuses. After retiring from the French team in September, the number 7 star of Atlético de Madrid was able to take advantage of the various international windows to rest. But he has just disappeared from traffic over the season and the discretion he showed in 2025 clearly contributed to the bad exercise of the training of Diego Simeone in Liga, in the Champions League, in Liga and even to the Club World Cup (elimination during the group phase).
“Grizi” was already in great physical difficulties during the fall. On November 6, 2024, for example, he clearly weighed Atlético during the Champions League match against PSG at the Parc des Princes before, of course, to be credited with the decisive pass on the goal of victory in the 93rd minute of the game (1-2). Then over the last five months of the exercise (from February), he scored 3 goals (only one in Liga, one in the King's Cup and one against Botafogo in the World Cup) and gave so many assists in 25 matches in all competitions.
The surprise was thus total when Griezmann finally extended until 2027 with the Colchoneros, putting aside his dream of evolving in MLS (and living in the United States with his small family), at the age of 34. Atlético asked him to lower his salary and the native of Mâcon has obviously agreed to spread his XXL emoluments (8 million euros net annual) with a good chance of becoming a simple player in the “Cholo” sidelines.
Griezmann Almada lining?
Julian Alvarez has already taken the lead In the attacking sector of Atlético and the observers of the capital's club hopes to see the Argentinian crack evolve in support from Alexander Sorloth, rather successful at the end of the season (24 goals in total). But Griezmann will also pay the price for the arrival of Thiago Almada, a playmaker of great talent. The 24 -year -old Argentinian international could form a magnificent duo with his compatriot Alvarez, with or without Sorho depending on situations.
After only half-season at OL, after allowing Botafogo to win the Brazilian championship and COPA Libertadores, Almada is off to pursue his career in Liga. As Fabrizio Romano indicates, the 2022 world champion (only an entry into play) is determined to join Atlético, which negotiates with the leaders of the Gones for a transfer to 20 million euros.
