Highlights: French striker Antoine Griezmann becomes Atletico Madrid's all-time top scorer. The 32-year-old equalled Luis Aragones' record (173 goals in 370 matches) with a brace (44th, 69 pen) on December 20 in the 3-3 draw against Getafe on LaLiga matchday 18. He has worn the red and white jersey again with pride since 2021 and his failure at FC Barcelona, after a first stint between 2014 and 2019. The Mâconnais native is now aiming for a first Spanish league title.

The 'Little Prince' crowned king: French striker Antoine Griezmann definitively entered the pantheon of Spanish football on Wednesday by becoming Atlético's all-time top scorer...

Football: Griezmann's coronation, king of Atlético's goleadors

The 'Little Prince' crowned king: French striker Antoine Griezmann definitively entered the pantheon of Spanish football on Wednesday by becoming Atletico Madrid's all-time top scorer, ahead of Spanish legend Luis Aragonés.

Atletico Madrid's French striker Antoine Griezmann (R) battles with Real midfielder Luka Modric on January 10, 2024 in Riyadh © Fayez NURELDINE / AFP

By: RFI Follow

Advertising

In the 37th minute, with his side trailing 2-1 in Riyadh in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup, the France international beat Luka Modric and Antonio Rüdiger with a left-footed hook before beating Real goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with a right-footed shot from the edge of the box.

For me, it's something incredible. It's a source of great pride. At half-time I felt a lot of emotion, but we had to get back into the game," Griezmann told Movistar+ after the match, which was eventually lost 5-3 in extra time.

The 32-year-old Frenchman equalled Aragones' record (173 goals in 370 matches, who died in 2014 at the age of 75) with a brace (44th, 69 pen) on December 20 in the 3-3 draw against Getafe on LaLiga matchday 18, his 364th game for Atléti.

Griezmann thus cemented his legend within the Madrid club, where he has worn the red and white jersey again with pride 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 indispensable to his team's play on the pitch, where his childish smile still betrays an intact passion for his sport.

I'm unplayable " he told the French press in November. "I know that the club, the coach, my teammates trust me and it 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 »

Booed and disowned by some Atleti fans after his transfer to Barça, "Grizou" has totally 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.

Antoine Griezmann (L) celebrates scoring his 174th goal for Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid on January 10, 2024 in Riyadh © Fayez NURELDINE / AFP

Today, only the name of "Cholo" Diego Simeone is more applauded than his before every game at the Metropolitano, where Atlético are unbeaten since January 2023.

He's having a fantastic season and is excellent in any position. He's the best player in Europe," said president Enrique Cerezo.

However, it is difficult to imagine such a return to favour, just over a year ago, when the loan agreement between Barça and Atlético only allowed him to play 30 minutes per game, before Atlético definitively exercised his option to buy.

Even though 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 recital from his handyman against Celtic Glasgow in the Champions League (6-0).

A La Liga to become "a legend"

A key figure in the Colchoneros' success in the Europa League in 2018 (against OM 3-0), and an unfortunate finalist in the Champions League in 2016 (against Real on penalties), the Mâconnais native is now aiming for a first Spanish league title.

A title for Atlético? It would be a dream... ", he summed up in an interview with Marca.

Antoine Griezmann (L) celebrates scoring his 174th goal for Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid on January 10, 2024 in Riyadh © Fayez NURELDINE / AFP

I am motivated to become an important person at Atlético, a legend of this club. But I know I have to earn it. I want to win a league title, I need it [to become a legend]. »

Perhaps one last feat before leaving to live his American dream, he the undisputed fan of the NBA and NFL, and great admirer of David Beckham, now owner of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

I've always said that. 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 told ESPN at the start of the season.

In terms of "making history", a key milestone was reached on Wednesday in Riyadh.

Football: Griezmann's coronation, king of Atlético's goleadors

Football: Griezmann's coronation, king of Atlético's goleadors

« Born to play for Atlético »

A La Liga to become "a legend"

Trends 24h

Latest