Many ask: why Griezmann is not playing in World Cup tournaments anymore. It’s not about fitness or form — it’s about a definitive decision that changed his international trajectory. In this article, DeutKick unpacks that choice, explores the context behind it, and examines what it means for France’s squad and legacy.
The turning point: Griezmann’s retirement from France
The clearest answer to why Griezmann is not playing in World Cup is that he has officially retired, he amassed 137 caps and 44 goals, making him one of the most decorated French players in recent memory. His retirement wasn’t due to injury or being dropped — it was a personal decision to close one chapter and allow younger talents to rise.
Why he chose to retire: motives and signals
Retiring, especially for a player of Griezmann’s stature. Several interwoven factors likely influenced his choice:
- Passing the torch: Griezmann himself framed his departure as making way for the next generation. After years at the heart of France’s midfield and attack, he recognized that fresh blood was needed.
- Shift in role & prominence: In recent tournaments, his influence was diluted. Coaches and systems began pivoting around Kylian Mbappé and other forwards, pushing Griezmann into more peripheral or hybrid roles.
- Physical demands & longevity: At 33, balancing club obligations (with Atlético Madrid) and international travel becomes tougher. To preserve his club form and extend his career, stepping back.
- Emotional timing: He made the announcement during a break rather than at a major final or tournament — a quiet moment to reflect and decide.
By retiring before the qualifiers or the next World Cup cycle, he made sure the reason wasn’t “not selected,” but a conscious exit.
What he left behind: a legacy in numbers
Though he’s no longer in contention for World Cup rosters, Griezmann’s legacy cements why Griezmann is not playing in World Cup yet keeps him ever present in French football lore:
- He was a mainstay across three major global tournaments (2014, 2018, 2022).
- He played a key role in France’s 2018 triumph, often deployed as a creator.
- He also featured as a central midfielder during France’s 2022 World Cup run to the final.
- His consistency was monumental — before his final stretch, he logged 84 consecutive matches for France without missing a selection.
- At retirement, he stood among France’s top in caps and goal contributions, and near the top in assists too.
That track record underscores that his absence in future World Cups isn’t a fall from grace — it’s a final, deliberate act of withdrawal.
Implications for France: squad dynamics and challenge
With Griezmann out of the picture, France faces both a void and an opportunity:
- Creative leadership gap: Griezmann often functioned as a playmaking pivot. Replacing that blend of goal and assist instinct isn’t easy.
- Emerging names stepping up: Players like Randal Kolo Muani, Bradley Barcola, Ismaël Doukouré or other younger attacking midfielders now have room to stake claim.
- Mbappé-centric tactics: Without Griezmann’s stabilizing presence, more systems will likely revolve around Mbappé’s movement and finishing.
- Pressure on coach: Didier Deschamps (or any successor) must adjust strategies — higher tempo, more transitions — to suit a squad recalibrated for the post-Griezmann era.
In a way, why Griezmann is not playing in World Cup anymore turns from a question of absence into a question of evolution — France must evolve with or without him.
What this means for 2026 and beyond
Though Griezmann no longer plays internationally, fans often wonder: “Could he return?” That appears unlikely. His retirement was framed as definitive, not temporary.
Time will tell if France’s next generation rises to fill his shoes. If they do, they may never replicate his exact style — but they’ll chart a new path. Meanwhile, Griezmann continues to shine at club level with Atlético Madrid, scoring and creating, proving that his football life didn’t end with the national team.
Final Thoughts
Why Griezmann is not playing in World Cup anymore is answered most simply: he retired. His departure wasn’t abrupt but a thoughtful decision to pass the baton. His legacy of 137 caps, 44 goals, creative mastery, and tournament runs remains intact. For Les Bleus, his exit marked the end of an era — but also opened doors for reinvention.
DeutKick encourages you to keep following France’s journey into the next cycle, track the emerging stars who will carry the weight, and revisit Griezmann’s brilliance in retrospectives. Share your thoughts, debate his role, and return for updates and analyses as the World Cup stage shifts to a new generation.
