In the 37th minute, while his team was trailing 2 goals to 1 in Riyadh in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup, the French international eliminated Luka Modric and Antonio Rüdiger with a left hook before deceiving Kepa Arrizabalaga , the Real goalkeeper, with a cross from the right into the penalty area.
The 32-year-old Frenchman had equaled Aragonés’ record (173 goals in 370 matches, died in 2014 at the age of 75) thanks to a double (44th, 69sp) on December 20 during the 3-3 draw against Getafe on the 18th day of La Liga, his 364th match with “Atléti”. Griezmann thus establishes his legend within the Madrid club, where he has worn the red and white jersey with pride again since 2021 and his failure at FC Barcelona, after a first stint between 2014 and 2019.
The 2018 world champion is certainly in the form of his life and essential to his team’s play on the pitch, where his childish smile still betrays an intact passion for his sport. “I’m unplayable,” he admitted to the French press in November. “I know that the club, the coach, my teammates trust me and that helps me to be myself. And it’s true that, in my game, I’m having a lot of fun at the moment.”
“Born to play for Atlético”
Whistled and disowned by some Atléti supporters after his transfer to Barça, “Grizou” completely turned the tide thanks to his hyperactivity on the pitch, his assists and especially his goals – surely the best way to redeem himself in their eyes . Today, only the name of “Cholo” Diego Simeone is applauded more than his before each match at the Metropolitano, where Atlético has been undefeated since January 2023.
“He is having a fantastic season and is excellent in any position. He is the best player in Europe,” said its president, Enrique Cerezo. However, it is difficult to imagine such a return to favor just over a year ago, when the loan agreement between Barça and Atlético only allowed him to play 30 minutes per match, before Atlético does not definitively exercise its purchase option.
“Even if not everyone agreed with his return, I was convinced that he was born to play for Atlético de Madrid,” said his coach Diego Simeone after another performance by his man at do everything against Celtic Glasgow in the Champions League (6-0).
A Liga to become “a legend”
Great architect of the success of the Colchoneros in the Europa League in 2018 (against OM 3-0), and unfortunate finalist of the Champions League in 2016 (against Real on penalties), the Maconnais is now aiming for a first title of champion of Spain.
“A title for Atlético? It would be a dream…”, he summed up in an interview with Marca. “I am motivated to become someone important at Atlético, a legend of this club. But I know that I have to deserve it. I want to win a Liga, I need it (to become a legend, Editor’s note ).”
Perhaps one last exploit before leaving to live his American dream, he the undisputed fan of the NBA and NFL, and great admirer of David Beckham, today owner of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. “I’ve always said it. My goal is to finish there. (…) But first I want to make history here and win trophies at Atlético. After that, we’ll see,” he assured ESPN at the start of the season. In terms of “making history”, an essential milestone was reached on Wednesday in Riyadh.