In the social media era where hating a player is just as prevalent as loving one, there are genuinely few players out there who are loved universally – at the chant of whose name there is no chorus of boos that ring out, and whose twitter account is not flooded by derogatory tweets. Antoine Griezmann, the latest incumbent world-class forward at Atletico Madrid, is adored across the globe and treasured in France. Here are 5 reasons why we all love Griezmann:
#1 He is one of the best footballers in the world
The main reason why we all love Antoine Griezmann is simple – he is one of the best footballers in the world. He and Luis Suarez are two outrageously talented footballers who have managed to be right in the mix for the debate about the best footballer of 2016. There is a case to be made that if the results of the two finals the duo featured in (Champions League and Euro) had been different, Griezmann might have been crowned the best at the expense of Ronaldo.
While the other names all find themselves nearing or past their thirties, Griezmann still has a long career ahead of him to entertain us – and if his season by season progression so far is anything to go by, we will have ourselves one amazing footballer to talk about for centuries.
#2 His passion for the game
While Griezmann has never claimed he will see out his career at Atletico Madrid, he wears his heart on his sleeve every time he steps out on the pitch. In fact, Griezmann has grown tired of fielding questions about his future.
Recently he reacted angrily to journalists, saying, "I am happy and enjoying life at Atletico, do not ask me more about my future."
The unique bond Atletico players share with their fans (the standing ovation the fans accorded to Juanfran after his penalty miss in CL final comes to mind) spreads through Griezmann’s veins as well, and he has expressed his affection and respect for the fans on multiple occasions.
While playing for France as well, Griezmann takes up the role of the second striker to Benzema/Giroud or the role of the main striker at the coach's discretion, with no complaints or ego clashes. The sight of a dejected Griezmann after the Euro 2016 final loss to Portugal, and after the Champions League final loss against Real Madrid, represented one of the depressing images to come out of global football in 2016.
#3 He is a nice guy – and also fun !!
Griezmann is one of the most active social media enthusiasts in the French squad. Frequently coming up with wacky and comical posts, be sure to give Griezmann's account a follow if you love a laugh! Everyone who has worked with him describes as a fun character to be around, keeping spirits high in the dressing room.
His goal celebrations involve quirky dance moves and while he isn't quite a Daniel Sturridge, he can pull off some nice moves! Following his dance moves after France’s 2-1 victory over Ireland, Griezmann revealed that he wanted to do the same dance after scoring against Albania – but had forgotten about it amidst the emotions of the moment!
A classy gesture on his behalf in 2016 was when he gave the match ball to the son of a murdered policeman following France's 2-1 victory over Ireland.
#4 Style of play
One of the best sights in football is a defender being left gripping at thin air, after an absurd talent shown by a fleet-footed attacker. Griezmann is one of those players who is sure to entertain you, keeping you at the edge of your seat in anticipation of the next uncanny move he is about to pull off. Backheels, nutmegs, trick flicks – you name it, Griezmann does it!
As is to be expected of any Diego Simeone forward, Griezmann also works incredibly hard, forming the first line of defence for an Atletico Madrid team that pride themselves on their defence. Often left isolated up front in big clashes, Griezmann manages to occupy an entire backline on his own. Factor in his positional sense and ability to play multiple positions as well, and you can see why he is the modern manager's dream player.
#5 A heartwarming story of his rise
The unparalleled rags to riches story of a 21st-century footballer has been that of a nimble Lionel Messi, beating the odds in the face of stunted growth to achieve what no human being has ever done before. Griezmann's story follows a similar path; while young, the youth academies of several professional clubs in his country rejected him citing his size and height.
Having left for Spain at the young age of 14, Griezmann overcame many challenges in his childhood to keep his dream in sight.
He also took considerable time before the start of the impact he made at both Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, keeping his head down and continuing to work hard when circumstances were not in his favour. Paul Pogba recently revealed that Griezmann had confided his frustration at occasionally being on the bench during his first season at Atletico Madrid.
His mental fortitude has also become a matter of legend – despite missing a penalty during normal time in the Champions League final, he held his head high and buried the first penalty when the game went to shootouts.
