Antoine Griezmann has made history once again, this time by becoming the foreign player with the most appearances in La Liga after playing his 520th match on March 16, 2025. This milestone was achieved during the highly anticipated clash between Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona, where the Colchoneros unfortunately fell short with a 2-4 defeat.
Griezmann's illustrious career began back in 2009 when he joined Real Sociedad, where he spent five years, before moving to Atlético Madrid and later to FC Barcelona. After his time at Barça from 2019 to 2022, he made his triumphant return to Atlético Madrid. His contributions throughout his career have etched his name deeply within the annals of Spanish football.
Originally from Mâcon, France, Griezmann exhibited extraordinary talent on the field, which earned him significant recognition. During his time at Real Sociedad, he played 141 matches before transitioning to Atlético for two stints, totalling 304 appearances. He then played 74 matches for Barcelona, accumulating his extensive La Liga experience.
His recent achievement parallels the legendary Lionel Messi, who reached the same 520-match mark during his illustrious career at Barcelona from 2004 to 2021. This comparison places Griezmann among the elite players of the game. “C'est le meilleur joueur de l'histoire de l'Atlético. Bien sûr qu'il mange à la table de Messi et Ronaldo. Il est l'un des meilleurs joueurs de l'histoire du football! Pour moi, il est très sous-estimé,” praised Spanish sports journalist Patrizia Cazon from AS, emphasizing his status within the sport.
Beyond his appearances, Griezmann has also made considerable contributions on the scoreboard. To date, he has scored 198 goals across La Liga, positioning him just two goals shy of reaching the symbolic milestone of 200. Griezmann's productivity speaks volumes about his skills and standing as one of the best forwards the league has seen.
His record of 192 goals makes him the top scorer for Atlético Madrid across all competitions, showcasing his integral role within the team. Griezmann has often been touted as one of the best players not only of Atlético but also of his generation, consistently performing at levels comparable to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. “Il mange à la table de Messi et Ronaldo, c'est l'un des meilleurs joueurs de l'histoire !” proclaimed another commentator.
This recent match against FC Barcelona was not just another game but rather a historical event for Griezmann, reflecting upon the highs and lows of his career. The match came just four days after Atlético's painful exit from the UEFA Champions League, showcasing Griezmann's resilience and continued importance to the team.
The French striker's accolades do not go unnoticed, as he was previously awarded the title of the best player in La Liga during the 2015-2016 season. His penchant for breaking records has made him a fan favorite, and his ability to maintain high performance levels at 33 years old is remarkable.
The atmosphere during the match was electrifying, filled with fans eager to witness Griezmann's record-breaking performance. While the match culminated with Atlético's defeat, the highlight remained Griezmann's historic achievement.
His career statistics not only highlight his scoring ability but also his willingness to involve himself deeply within Atlético’s gameplay, having made 199 involvements with the club in La Liga.
Looking forward, should Griezmann find the back of the net again this season, it could mark yet another chapter of his legacy, reaching 200 goals and solidifying his standing as one of La Liga's all-time greats.
Today, as the football world reflects on Griezmann's record, many pundits and fans alike will be debating where he places among the footballing legends of our time. Not only has he proven to be instrumental for Atlético Madrid, but he has also significantly influenced Spanish football history. His skills, determination, and sportsmanship are reminders of the greatness he embodies.
With the career still flourishing and new records potentially on the horizon, Antoine Griezmann continues to inspire future generations of footballers, proving time and again why he is considered among the best players to have ever graced the pitch.