World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann retires from representing France after 10 years

World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann, one of France's most influential players over the past decade, surprisingly announced the end of his international career on Monday.

The 33-year-old forward, affectionately nicknamed “Grizou" by his supporters, played 137 matches for France and scored 44 times over 10 years. Griezmann's decision was unexpected after he said only a few weeks ago that he was ready to carry on with the national team until the 2026 World Cup.

His exit follows other World Cup winners including Olivier Giroud, Blaise Matuidi, Raphael Varane and Hugo Lloris.

“It’s with a heart full of memories that I close this chapter of my life,” Griezmann said in a message on Instagram. “Thank you for this wonderful tricolor adventure and see you soon.”

Griezmann — Atletico Madrid's s all-time record scorer — started with France in 2014 in a friendly against the Netherlands then quickly established himself as a stalwart of the team coached by Didier Deschamps with his versatile talent and influence as a goal-scorer and an assist provider.

Only two players, Lloris and Lilian Thuram, have played more internationals for France than Griezmann.

He is fourth on France's list of all-time scorers behind Giroud, Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappé.

“One of the most important players in the modern era of our national team,” Mbappé said about Griezmann on Monday. “You carried this team for years and contributed greatly to bringing it to the top with numerous titles. Some may think it’s too soon to stop, but I understand and respect your decision. Wearing this jersey always demands more, without sometimes bringing the recognition that goes with it.”

Griezmann played a key role in helping France to a runner-up finish at the 2016 European Championship, where he was the player of the tournament. He scored from the penalty spot in the final of the 2018 World Cup as France beat Croatia 4-2 and won the Nations League three years later.

He also played in the 2022 World Cup final when France lost to Argentina on penalties.

“After 10 incredible years, marked by challenges, successes and unforgettable moments, it is time for me to turn a page and make way for the new generation,” he said. “I was lucky enough to experience some incredible moments alongside some exceptional teammates. We have shared victories that will remain forever engraved in our memories.”

Deschamps praised Griezmann's spirit and lauded a “selflessness that is rare among attacking players.” In addition to his attacking skills, Griezmann is also rated for his ability to defend and sense of sacrifice.

“Even if his club career is not over, Antoine was and will remain a monument to French football, one of the greatest players in its history,” Deschamps said in a message relayed by the French Football Federation. “In addition to his 44 goals and 30 assists, his contribution to the results we have achieved over the last decade is immense."

After a disappointing showing at the European Championship this year, when France lost in the semifinals, Griezmann lost some of his influence in Deschamps' team. His final appearance for France was three weeks ago as a late substitute in a 2-0 win over Belgium in the Nations League.

Although Griezmann admitted he struggled at the Euros, he was expected to keep on playing with France until the 2026 World Cup.

In his retirement message, Griezmann thanked Deschamps for his support over the last decade despite the coach's decision to make Mbappe France captain ahead of him last year following Lloris' retirement. Griezmann previously said Deschamps' snub was difficult to stomach.

“It has often been said that Antoine was my darling,” Deschamps said. “We had indeed forged a very strong relationship, which will remain intact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything, my Grizou.”

Griezmann didn't say how long he'll continue with his club career. His contract with Atletico runs until 2026.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

FILE - Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

FILE - Antoine Griezmann of France celebrates in the Belgium goal during a round of sixteen match between France and Belgium at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Duesseldorf, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

FILE - France's Antoine Griezmann kisses the trophy after the final match between France and Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, July 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

FILE - France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates with his teammate Kylian Mbappe, left, after Paul Pogba scored his side's 3rd goal, during the final match between France and Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, July 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)

FILE - France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring on a penalty his side' second goal during the final match between France and Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, July 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

FILE - France's Antoine Griezmann, right, celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the final match between France and Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, July 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)

FILE - France's Antoine Griezmann, right with teammate France's Presnel Kimpembe hold the World Cup trophy as they celebrate after final match between France and Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, July 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)

FILE - Antoine Griezmann of France waves to fans after losing during a semifinal match between Spain and France at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, center, with teammates at the end of the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. Atletico Madrid won 2-1. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann attempts a shot at goal during to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Real Madrid's Rodrygo holds Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann during the La Liga soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

U.S. bobsledder Kris Horn survived a frightening ride down the track in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on Sunday, after his three teammates failed to make it into the four-man sled at the start of a World Cup race.

Horn, the driver, got in first, as is common in bobsled. But his three teammates — Ryan Rager, Hunter Powell and Caleb Furnell — all had trouble getting in, leaving Horn to navigate the course with no other weight in the sled and nobody to pull the brakes at the bottom.

Rager appeared to be the first to stumble, and the domino effect took over from there. Powell appeared to get thrown somewhat violently toward the track wall, hitting his back on the hardpacked icy surface after he couldn't get into the sled, and Furnell couldn't make his way into his spot either. None of the U.S. sliders suffered serious injuries and all X-rays taken came back negative, the team said.

“A little sore,” Powell told The Associated Press. “I should be fine in a couple days.”

Without any weight in the sled, Horn basically careened down the track but still reached a speed of around 75 mph (120 kph) during the run that lasted just over a minute. Horn drove the sled across the finish line, then had the presence of mind to scoot toward the back of the sled and pull the brake handles.

Athletes and coaches from several different national teams rushed to the finish line to ensure that Horn was fine as the sled skidded to a stop; some simply shook his hand and nodded their heads in disbelief. Horn — whose start in bobsledding was as a brakeman, so he knew what to do — waved to the nearby television cameras to show he was OK.

“We are fortunate it wasn't worse,” USA Bobsled head coach Chris Fogt said in a text message.

It was a rough weekend for Horn, who also crashed out of the two-man World Cup race on Saturday. His brakeman for that race, Carsten Vissering, suffered abrasions and was unable to compete on Sunday in the four-man. Rager took Vissering's spot on the four-man sled.

There is one World Cup race weekend left before USA Bobsled and Skeleton picks its team for next month's Milan Cortina Olympics. Horn is expected to be named to the team as one of the men's bobsled drivers, along with Frank Del Duca.

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

Kristopher Horn/ Carsten Vissering of the USA in action during the Men's 2-Bob World Cup, in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (Mayk Wendt/Keystone via AP)