Former France international Jerome Rothen believes it is time for Antoine Griezmann to step away from the national team setup. Griezmann, who has been part of the French squad for almost a decade, has continued to feature prominently under Didier Deschamps despite his advancing age and increasing demands at club level. “Great players have to know when it is time to step away. I think Antoine Griezmann is no longer capable of playing at the highest level, especially given the demands of playing for Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid,” Rothen said.
Griezmann, now 32, has played a key role in France's success at recent major tournaments, helping them win the 2018 World Cup and reach the 2022 final in Qatar. However, Rothen believes the wear and tear of club football, where Griezmann has had to adapt his game to Simeone's tactically rigid system, has taken its toll. "I think the time has come for him to say 'stop'. Look at Raphael Varane: he retired from the national team at the top of his game. Griezmann seems to think he'll still be in the France team in 2026, but I think he's missed his window to go out on a high," Rothen added.
Griezmann's former international teammate Varane shocked many when he announced his retirement from the France national team after the 2022 World Cup at the age of 29. Rothen believes it was a wise move, allowing Varane to conserve his energy and focus on his club career with Manchester United. In contrast, Rothen believes Griezmann is clinging to his place in the national team setup, perhaps motivated by a desire to compete at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, the former midfielder believes that would be a mistake and that Griezmann should instead look to mentor the next generation of French talent. "The demands of playing for Atlético Madrid under Simeone are immense. The pressing, the running, the tactical discipline - it takes a huge toll physically and mentally. "I just don't think Griezmann has the courage to play at this level in France anymore, especially in the latter stages of big tournaments," Rothen explained.
He pointed to Griezmann’s performances at the 2022 World Cup as evidence of his declining abilities. Despite France reaching the final, Rothen felt Griezmann was a shadow of his former self, struggling to impact games in the way he once did. “When you look at the France team, there are so many young, hungry talents coming through – players like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga. Those are the players who should be leading the charge for France now, not Griezmann,” Rothen argued. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco midfielder believes Griezmann would be better served focusing on his club career and making sure he finishes it on a high, rather than clinging to a place in the national team he is no longer capable of holding.
The debate over Antoine Griezmann's future with the French national team has been reignited following Les Bleus' semi-final exit from the 2024 European Championship, with former international Jerome Rothen openly expressing his belief that the 32-year-old should now step aside and allow the next generation of French talent to take centre stage. Rothen's comments have sparked heated discussion among pundits, fans and even within the French football federation itself. Many acknowledge the validity of Rothen's concerns, with Griezmann's ageing and the physical demands of playing for Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone appearing to have taken their toll.
“Griezmann has been an incredible servant to the France team over the last decade,” said former France midfielder Robert Pires. “He was an integral part of our World Cup triumph in 2018 and gave so much for the shirt. But Father Time waits for no man, and I think Jerome rightly argues that maybe the time has come for him to step aside.” Pires, who won the World Cup alongside Griezmann in 2018, believes the Atlético forward still has something to offer at the highest level. However, he acknowledges the need to carefully manage Griezmann’s involvement going forward, with a view to transitioning to the next generation of France stars.
“Didier Deschamps has a delicate balancing act to perform. Griezmann’s experience and leadership qualities are still valuable, but they must be balanced against his diminishing physical abilities,” Pires explained. “Young players like Mbappe and Camavinga are the future, and Deschamps must find a way to gradually integrate them while getting the best out of Griezmann in a more limited role.” That sentiment is echoed by former France and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna, who believes Griezmann should be used judiciously by Deschamps in the future. “Griezmann is still a very intelligent player and can contribute in shorter periods. But the demands of international football, particularly in the latter stages of major tournaments, are simply too much for him to handle as a regular starter,” Sagna said.
“Deschamps has to be pragmatic and find the right balance. Yes, Griezmann can still offer something off the bench or in certain confrontations. But the future of this France team lies in youngsters like Mbappé and Camavinga. Griezmann has to accept a supporting role now, rather than clinging to a starting spot.” The debate has also reached the corridors of the French Football Federation, where officials are grappling with the sensitive issue of Griezmann’s international future. “It’s a difficult situation because Griezmann has been an iconic figure for us over the years,” said an FFF source, speaking on condition of anonymity. “His contribution to our success cannot be overestimated. But we also have to be realistic and think about the long-term health and development of the national team.”
